ПК и серверы — Lucas Audio Labs Pico

The Pico is the smallest computer-based audio unit from Lucas Audio Labs, the maker of the LDMS (Lucas Domansky Music Server) range. Lucas Domansky, a Polish audiophile who worked in IT engineering on the optimisation of industrial server systems, set up the company in 2017 and moved to it full time in 2020. The firm lists operations in Poland and the United Kingdom. Unlike the larger LDMS models, the Pico is intended as a pure network endpoint for use alongside a Mini or Maximus server, or to carry the signal into another room. The listed price is GBP 2,900.

Key specs that matter

The chassis measures 280 mm wide, 420 mm deep and 70 mm high. There is no Roon Core on board, and the unit runs as a Roon Bridge and UPnP renderer instead. Internal SSD storage tops out at 4 TB, with flexible expansion described by the maker. Digital outputs include reclocked USB, and reclocked S/PDIF or I2S are offered as further output options. The unit connects to the network over Ethernet or WiFi, and its power comes from a programmable linear supply that the company calls ultra-clean. Every LDMS model is quoted for bit-perfect playback up to DSD1024.

Engineering and use context

LDMS machines are built on Intel hardware running Windows, which Lucas Audio Labs strips back through what it calls extreme optimisation of the operating system and playback chain. The Pico keeps the full base feature list of the range - EMI and RFI shielding, vibration control and chassis damping, true galvanic isolation and thermal optimisation. The company says it applies the same base specification for every customer and changes only the finish and tuning to order. Buyers choose a top cover in black, white, red, orange or purple, a logo insert in one of several resins or mesh, and a front panel in black, aluminium or wood, with optional brass or stainless steel strips. The front LED comes in five colours and the engraving in four. Hand assembly and a 48-hour burn-in precede shipping, and one hour of remote assistance is included in the price, as is a place in the LDMS Family Club owner scheme.

Pairing

As an endpoint, the Pico needs a separate DAC, fed from its USB, S/PDIF or I2S output, and a library source on the network. Lucas Audio Labs positions it as a partner to its own Mini and Maximus servers running Roon Core, which then stream to the Pico over the network. After delivery, the software is set up over remote desktop by Lucas Domansky himself, who installs Roon, JRiver or another player chosen by the owner and keeps a backup of the settings.

Alternatives

The LDMS miniMax SLIM is the space-saving full server of the brand, 276 mm wide with Roon Core support and up to 8 TB of storage.