Description
The Limetree NETWORK II is a high-class network player or audio renderer which can play back music from streaming providers and local storage media in studio master quality. Connection to the network is established via a LAN cable or WLAN. In addition it is equipped with a USB port for connecting harddisk drives and other USB storage media. Beside an analog line-level output, the network player also has an excellent sounding headphone output.
Features
The LINDEMANN streaming platform offers a studio master grade reproduction. Either through a LAN connection or wireless via WLAN. Due to WPS, integrating the device into your existing system is just a breeze. Moreover, the ARM core high-performance processor and the web update feature make the platform absolutely future-proof.
The LINDEMANN app is available for Android and iOS, both for smartphones and tablets. It enables to play back content from all major streaming providers, music servers and USB storage media. The album-oriented programming excels by smooth browsing and an easy, intuitive operation.
Technologically the Limetree NETWORK II offers quite a few highlights: with the ES9038 Hypersteam2-DAC we use one of the currently best digital-analog converters, clocked by an ultimate precision MEMS femto clock. The result is a particularly transparent and at the same time ”analog“ sound quality.
The IR remote control, which is included in the delivery, allows not only to set the volume level, but also to navigate through playlists or on a CD.
As an extra feature the Limetree NETWORK II offers a volume control in the analog domain which has been realized using a resistor network. The otherwise usual digital volume control has been waived completely. Especially with medium and low volume levels, this solution delivers more details and body.
Via USB the Limetree NETWORK II supports the docking of external CD-ROM drives (e.g. Apple USB SuperDrive) and turns into a high-end CD player without much effort or cost! The drive is automatically recognized and the CD playback can be controlled by the LINDEMANN app or the IR remote. Thereby the CD data are cached in a memory and then streamed.
The Limetree NETWORK II has a built-in high-quality headphone amp which can drive headphones from 16 ohms up. Via the rear line output amplifiers or active speakers may be connected. The level can be set independently for both outputs.
The Limetree NETWORK II offers a Bluetooth function which enables a wireless music playback e.g. from smartphones or tablets. At the same time the A2DP Bluetooth audio transmission protocol ensures the very best sound quality.
A special highlight is our multi-room function which allows to run several streamers in different rooms separately or coupled. These are conveniently controlled via the LINDEMANN app.
THE ESSENCE OF 25 YEARS.
Connection overview
ROON READY.
The LINDEMANN app
The Limetree NETWORK II is controlled almost exclusively via the newly designed LINDEMANN app which is available both for Android and iOS. Apart from the smartphone version, there is also a proprietary tablet version in the landscape mode. The app allows a fluent, intuitive browsing and searching. A new feature is the simultaneous display of browse view and play view. In addition you can also call up your current play queue. The album-oriented programming allows the playback of a complete album with just one push of a button!
In addition, the specially integrated multi-room function also allows to run several streamers in different rooms separately or coupled. The supply of streaming services is very diverse, with a clear focus on studio master quality and hi-fi subscriptions. Users can choose between TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, HighResAudio, and Spotify. In addition, thousands of podcasts and radio stations from all over the world are available.
MADE IN EUROPE.
Technology
The circuitry – designed around the powerful streaming platform – has been tuned for optimum signal quality. All music files are post-synchronized by an ultra precise FemtoClock. The data processed in this way are free from “jitter“, the most frequent cause of a poor digital playback quality. The sound is open, natural and follows the recording in its true sense.
For the output stage we use one of the finest amplifier modules on the market which sets new standards as a headphone amp not only in terms of metrology. For the power supply we use a high-quality “medical grade“ wall plug transformer which ensures a particularly good isolation from line disturbances. Owing to the elaborated onboard filtering and special voltage regulators, we were able to realize an exceptionally low-noise power supply with a ripple voltage below 10 µV.
DESIGNED IN GERMANY.
Technical specifications
General
Power consumption: 0.1 W standby, 3.5 W operation, max. 12 W
Power supply: 5 V DC
Dimensions (W x H x D): 107 x 40 x 107 mm (4.2 x 1.6 x 4.2 in)
Weight: 300 g (10.58 oz)
Network player
Ethernet: 100 Mbit/s
WLAN: dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth: 4.2, A2DP
USB: 2.0 high-speed host interface, max. output current 1.5 A
Supported codecs: WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis,
WMA, DSD
Network standards: UPnP and DLNA
PCM resolution: 44.1 kHz up to 384 kHz, 24 bit
DSD resolution: DSD 64 up to DSD 256
Gapless playback
Streaming services: TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, HighResAudio,
Spotify Connect
Internet radio and podcast
Roon ready
D/A converter
Resolution: 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD 256
Dynamic range: > 120 dB
THD & noise: < 0.003% (@ 0 dB FS)
Clock: ultra-low jitter MEMS
D/A-Converter: ES 9038 Sabre
Output voltage: 2.2 V @ 0 dB FS
Headphone connector: 3.5 mm jack socket
Recommended headphone impedance: 16 – 300 ohms
AWARD WINNING.
Press
Stereonet (UK) / January 2019
“Performance, ease and options all wrapped up in a well-made, compact case see the Lindemann Limetree Network claiming a StereoNET Applause Award.”
Audio Test (Germany) / March 2019
“A compact network player that doesn’t has to hide behind his bigger fellows, either sonically or in terms of user comfort.”
Fairaudio (Germany) / May 2019
“Even smaller is yet fuller of it, that beautiful stuff. It’s the sign of our times. And Lindemann have gotten the message.”
Enjoy The Music (US) / July 2019
“All I can truly say about the NETWORK is that great things really do come in small packages! Lindemann has hit it out of the park with this one!”
Fidelity (Deutschland) / Juli 2019
“App-Applaus! Die gibt es nämlich für iOS und Android, ist bilingual – deutsch und englisch – und besticht durch ihren klaren Aufbau und die selbsterklärende Benutzerführung.”
Hifi 1/0 (Germany) / August 2019
“The Limetree NETWORK is simply an excellent small streamer. Lindemann conquers the compact class!”
hifi & records (Germany) / October 2019
“Not only young people should allow themselves to get inspired by this all-round great performance – hats off!”
AVForums (UK) / November 2019
“The Limetree network is one of the most outstanding products I have tested this year and it is one that, without a moment’s hesitation, comes Highly Recommended.”
Wall of Sound (Canada) / June 2020
“The Limetree Network is small, it won’t clutter up your life, and it can sound magical with the right ancillary gear. Highly recommended.”
audio & vision online (Hungary) / June 2020
“Compact sized and easy to set up. Perfect for detailed music with a large volume.”
Full Review >> (Hungarian)
HifiClube (Portugal) / June 2020
“The sound quality of the Limetree NETWORK is outstanding, even compared to much more expensive and larger models.“
Full Review >> (Portuguese)
Fairaudio (Germany) / July 2021
“The NETWORK II really grew up to fill out its audiophile shoes with more coherence without sacrificing the original’s joie de vivre.”
