Luxman Amplifiers
Luxman is one of the legendary brands in hifi, hailing from Japan the brand has been around since 1925. Luxman has focused simply on audio for all this time and is now world renowned for their high-end audio products. Luxman is always striving for naturalness in their presentation, allowing the listener to get closer to the music, through emotional involvement.
In our listening tests, the very first impression was one of exceptional transparency producing an expansive sound stage with well-defined separation on images. It is as if the loudspeakers have disappeared. Bass is full, fast and with superb texture, contributing to a very natural overall tonal balance. The delicacy in which the mid and high frequencies are delivered is a trademark for this brand, especially impressive with female voices which have a very realistic feel with no hint of sibilance. Male voices are delivered with great mid-bass tone, which really satisfies. This is all delivered within a wide and deep sound picture. We have always believed that the illusion of depth of image is where audio reproduction becomes closer to that of a real concert experience, and the Luxman sound delivers this extremely well.
The build quality is another area which separates Luxman from many competitive brands. The build quality of the chassis is of reference standard with precision fit and finish and include custom copper alloy terminals. They have a very recognisable aesthetic with their retro appearance with distinctive V.U. meters on the front panel. For those that might find these a touch bright, they can be turned off.
Interesting in-house technologies which include custom high stability power supplies, and with the L-509Z and L-507Z, the new LIFES noise reduction circuit to achieve better spatial expression and clarity. Their LECUA (Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator) system maximise the sound quality through the volume control.
We now also have the NEW D-100 Centennial Class-A integrated amplifier, which we are currently running in. Initial impression are very positive. More to come on this. See below for the product information.
Luxman’s long experience in the high-end audio world is best described as a very modern, up to date sound within a more traditionally styled, retro look chassis.
NEW
Luxman L-100 Centennial Class-A integrated amplifier
Luxman has launched their flagship Centennial Products, created to commemorate LUXMAN’s 100th anniversary, including this L-100 Centennial Class-A integrated amplifier and the D-100 Centennial CD player.
The L-100 CENTENNIAL is a pure Class-A integrated amplifier developed to capitalise on difference in sound quality that this design topology is renowned for. Every element has been designed to preserve the integrity of the most delicate of musical signals, whilst pursuing the highest level of sonic purity. It also incorporates LIFES 1.1, the latest evolution of LUXMAN’s proprietary amplification feedback engine, which cancels only the detected distortion components without degrading the audio signal.
The output stage operates entirely as a pure Class-A amplifier, with uncompromising dedication to sound quality and musical enjoyment. Despite a rated output of 20W in Class-A at 8 ohms , or 40W at 4 ohms, the robust power supply design ensures that it will drive most speakers of medium load requirements with ease and authority.
The L-100 CENTENNIAL is LUXMAN’s first pure Class-A integrated amplifier to employ the company’s LIFES core circuit technology, achieving a delicate, smooth and richly textured sound with a densely musical authority.
L-100 Centennial uses:
Very latest LIFES v 1.1 Amplification Feedback Engine
Developed for the future of amplifier designs, LIFES was created to deliver lifelike musicality, richness. This design employs paralleled differential detection circuitry to augment the input stage, further reducing distortion, and achieving an unprecedented level of clarity and energy across the entire frequency range. The triple-paralleled output stage is generously designed, with optimum tonal richness delivered within the Class-A operating region.
High-Precision LECUA Volume Control
Volume adjustment is handled by Luxman’s newly developed LECUA1000, an 88-step, electronically controlled attenuator integrated directly into the amplifier circuitry. This design ensures smooth, finely graduated volume control operation with minimal sonic degradation. By directly connecting the attenuator and amplification stages, signal paths are shortened to preserve musical signal integrity. High-grade, discrete buffer circuitry, derived from LUXMAN’s flagship preamplifiers, is employed at the preamp output stage.
Large-Capacity, Highly Stable Power Supply
The power supply of the L-100 CENTENNIAL, features Luxman’s custom designed EI-core transformer regulated by eight large filter capacitors (8 x 10,000μF). This ample LUXMAN power supply delivers exceptional transient response and unwavering stability, providing abundant current under all load conditions.
Meticulous Engineering Focused on Sound Quality
All circuit boards for the input and output terminals and amplifier stages use peel-coat PCB technology, eliminating resistive coatings and lowering induced voltage that can degrade sound quality. Newly developed low-noise relays improve channel separation in the input selector circuitry.
More detailed listening impressions to follow but we loved Luxman's now discontinued Class-A amps, so we are expecting great things when it is fully run-in. Initial listening is very encouraging.
NEW L-100 Centennial Class-A amplifier in brushed aluminium £9,999
NEW L-100 Centennial Class-A Integrated amplifier
Luxman L-505Z integrated amplifier
This unit now has their very latest developments. There is the newest LIFES version 1.0 (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) amplification feedback engine incorporated in the amplification section, as used in the 507z and 509z amplifiers. Please see the more detailed description of this in the 507z section.
The L-505z is equipped with discrete buffer circuitry and high current supply capability at the output of the preamplifier stage, maintaining the fidelity of delicate musical signals whilst significantly enhancing the current delivery and performance of the power amplifier stage.
There is a step up in the aesthetics as the unit now has all alloy control knobs which gives a far more premium look and feel than the outgoing model, as some were made of resin on the old unit.
There is a balanced headphone output to maximise sound quality, giving a separate ground for left and right channels through a single 4.4 mm connection in addition to the more traditional, single ended 6.3 mm (¼ inch) jack.
A useful new feature is a digital volume readout between the VU meters as well as the traditional rotary volume control to assist with accurate volume settings.
We have been very impressed with this amplifier and is a clear step-up from the outgoing 505uxII. In our listening tests it is clear to hear that the new amplifier can extract more detail that the outgoing model, as micro details are more easily discerned. It has a very natural timbre and delivers instruments with real texture. The 505z is capable of painting large 3d soundscapes.
L-505Z in brushed aluminium £5,499
L-505Z Integrated amplifier
Luxman L-507Z Integrated Amplifier
This new model from Luxman essentially replaces the L-507AXII and the L-590A Class A integrated amplifiers. This unit is the introduction to their latest Z Series of amplification incorporating their very latest developments.
There is a new LIFES version 1.0 (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) amplification feedback engine incorporated in the amplification section. This replaces their existing Luxman ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) circuit that has been used on all their previous equipment, in different incarnations, since 1999. This is an important and significant development for Luxman and has been designed for both sonic accuracy and, more importantly, musicality.
LIFES is based on the technical concept of ODNF which achieved excellent, dynamic characteristics without feedback of the original audio input signal to the main amplifier, resulting in a remarkably natural sound quality. LIFES takes this to the next level.
The design has been conceived and expanded from first principles using simulation technology and detailed research. Luxman went to great lengths to audition specially selected components for this project. Through this redevelopment, the number of paralleled elements has been reduced from the ODNF design, whilst dramatically improving musicality that goes way beyond its class.
There is a balanced headphone output to maximise sound quality, giving a separate ground for left and right channels through a single 4.4 mm connection in addition to the more traditional, single ended 6.3 mm (¼ inch) jack.
A useful new feature is a digital volume readout between the VU meters as well as the traditional rotary volume control to assist with accurate volume settings.
L-507Z in brushed aluminium £7,999
Luxman L-507Z Integrated Amplifier
Luxman L-507Z Integrated Amplifier - back
Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier
We have now received the L-509Z, the second integrated amplifier from the new Z series. We are in the process of running this unit in – it requires more than 500+ hours as was the case with the L-507Z. A preliminary report on the sound is in our News blog – but we will report in more detail at a later stage. The new technology in the 509Z includes:
- New LIFES version 1 (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) amplification feedback engine: Please see the write up on the
507Z above, which runs into this technology in more detail.
- New LECUA-EX attenuation - The L-509Z combines a highly precise rotary encoder with a newly developed weighted rotation mechanism to create the “LECUA-EX”, which offers even greater reliability and a natural, high-quality operational feel. 88 fine steps from 0 to 87dB and an acceleration setting for the speed at which the volume knob is rotated and a long-press setting for the remote control allow for comfortable and thorough volume control action with minimal degradation in sound quality.
- High-quality phono EQ - The built-in high-quality phono equalizer circuit, which supports both MM and MC cartridges, features a new two-step gain switch to select between high and low MC settings to accommodate a wider range of MC cartridges, enriching quality vinyl playback in terms of both operation and sound quality. In addition, a Mute-Button is now featured on the front panel.
- 3-band tone control - In addition to BASS and TREBLE, a new MIDDLE control effective in the vocal and lead instrument frequencies bandwidth has been included. L/R balance, line straight, loudness, and other functions are also covered.
- Low Impedance Transmission to the speakers - Large, low resistance speaker relays are connected in parallel to transmit the driving force from the substantial power supply and output circuitry. Internal, 3.5mm2 ultra-thick cable is directly connected to the speaker terminals to ensure low impedance transmission, achieving a damping factor of 330 (current injection method).
- Balanced Headphone output to maximise sound quality, giving a separate ground for left and right channels through a single 4.4 mm connection. It also has a more traditional, single ended 6.3 mm (¼ inch) jack.
- Digital volume readout to read more accurately from afar
L-509Z in Luxman’s trademark brushed aluminium finish £10,999
Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier
Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier - back
Class A/AB – Analogue only:
L-505Z – Integrated Class A/AB Amplifier – 100w per channel/8 Ohms (150wpc/4 Ohms) £5,499
L-507Z - Integrated Class AB amplifier - 110wpc/8 ohms (220wpc/4 Ohms) £7,999
L-509Z - Flagship Integrated Class AB Amplifier - 120wpc/8ohms (220wpc/4 Ohms) £10,999
C-10X - Flagship Pre-amplifier - £15,999
M-10X – Flagship Class AB Power Amplifier (new LIFES feedback-engine circuit) – Stereo: 150wpc/8 ohms (300 w/4 Ohms) and is stable down to 1 Ohm, where it delivers 1200 w (1.2kW) per channel to drive the most demanding speaker loads. Mono: It is also bridgeable to a mono-block with 600wpc/8ohms - £15,999
Class-A - Analogue only:
NEW L-100 Centennial Integrated Class-A Amplifier - Class-A output of 20w per channel/8 Ohms (40wpc/4 Ohms) £9,999
We will have the full write up for this shortly. Utilising the brand new LIFES v1.1 feedback engine.
C-10X Flagship Pre-amplifier
M-10X Flagship Power Amplifier
