Luxman C-10X Preamplifier – First Look
All Image Credit: Luxman
After Luxman’s recent launch of their PD-191A turntable and L-509Z integrated amplifier flagship models, they have now complemented that range with the addition of their flagship preamplifier the C-10X (no phono stage).
The C-10X is equipped with Luxman’s new “LIFES” (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) amplifier feedback engine that was first introduced into its flagship M-10X power amplifier and the latest version of their original electronically controlled attenuator, “LECUA-EX”, (Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator), technologies that were developed to lead LUXMAN into the next century.
LIFES is designed to improve the static characteristics of the manufacturer’s Only Distortion Negative Feedback (ODNF) system, which results in an “effective” 50% reduction in distortion, improved constant voltage circuitry and a more stable operation.
To achieve this outstanding performance the C-10X uses four fully-balanced pre-amplifier blocks with associated audio pathways and volume attenuator directly connected throughout the design, that according to Luxman are partially responsible for; “achieving infinite silence, overwhelming instantaneous power, and a true sense of realism”.
We are also informed that the new LECUA-EX electronically controlled attenuator system promises enhanced volume control and reduced sound quality deterioration over 192 increments of 0.5 dB. This rotary encoder system is driven by a stylish volume knob and has a built-in heavyweight damping mechanism that achieves a smooth and tactile feel.
In order to ensure clean and stable power to drive the electronics and loads, the power supply section of the C-10X is equipped with a powerful CI core type power transformer and seven custom specified 3,300 μF filter capacitors to achieve a dedicated highly stable power supply smoothing for each channel.
Other mechanical improvements to improve noise and sound quality include; gold plated 100 μm thick non-angled pcb foil wiring patterns, custom designed electronic components, oxygen free internal cabling (OFC) and a magnetic and electrical loop-less metal housing chassis structure that will not generate ground loops, isolating the effects of generated magnetic fields and reducing any rise in ground impedance due to chassis current.
The fluorescent display features a dimmer and zoom function and normally shows input and output volume levels, but for remote controlled distant viewing the volume level display can be zoomed to four times its size.
Front panel control includes; source selection, balance, output mode and tone controls enable fine-tuning of bass ±8dB (100Hz) and treble ±8dB (10kHz). Additionally, the status of various function switches can be monitored using the LED indicators inside the front panel acrylic display.
Rear panel connectivity includes; three pairs of balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, one external unbalanced RCA PRE input and two pairs of balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output connections. Wired control is available using the control and trigger input/output terminals for power-syncing and daisy-chaining between compatible devices.
Finally, the C-10X shares its case design with the M-10X having large slanted sides with a bold contrast between the extra-thick front panel and chassis. Having a finely machined, hairline finished aluminum top panel that creates a beautiful contrast to the blasted white front panel.
Features At A Glance:
- Electronics:
- Newly developed, high-quality sound with rich musicality, full of vitality, discrete amplification feedback engine LIFES adopted.
- Fully balanced configuration with 4 preamplifier blocks achieves a completely direct circuit from balanced input to balanced output.
- Combining our original LECUA electronically controlled attenuator with a heavy rotary mechanism realizes high-precision volume control over 192 steps of 0.5dB.
- The gain of the preamp circuitry that handles a wide dynamic range has been increased to 15dB, where its predecessor, the C-900u, was 12dB.
- Highly stable power supply combines a large-capacity CI core power transformer and custom-designed filter capacitors (3,300uF x 7).
- For the internal wiring, they have use original OFC cable that realises natural signal transmission with special wrap shielding for each non-plated copper core wire.
- 100μm thick, non-resistive, gold-plated peel coat circuit board tracing eliminates the dielectric effect of resistive coating for any audio circuit.
- Use:
- LR balance adjustment, volume shift functions and bass/treble controls are handled by LECUA.
- Input offset function can preset the input and output levels for multiple input devices over a range of 0 to -6dB for each stereo input.
- Volume-linked loudness function matches human hearing characteristics (can be turned ON or OFF using the remote control).
- Versatile output mode switching allows you to choose between unbalanced, balanced and bi-amped according to your listening system.
- Bi-amp output mode levels for unbalanced connections may be set for each output (6dB).
- For balanced inputs 1 to 3, the phase preset setting is saved for each pair of terminals.
- Equipped with an unbalanced external pre-input terminal that can be connected to the pre-output of an AV system or similar.
- Design and exterior:
- Three-dimensional design common to the M-10X and D-10X, with large slanted sides and a bold contrast between the extra-thick front panel and chassis.
- Fluorescent display with various modes, zoom and dimmer functions with excellent visibility that shines against fine blasted white finish.
- Aluminum top panel with a fine hairline finish creates a contrast to the front panel.
- Mechanical features and accessories:
- Loop-less chassis structure eliminates the effect of rising ground impedance due to chassis currents and magnetic induction.
- Cast iron legs protect the unit from unwanted vibrations due to their structural density gradient.
- Original 27mm pitch, RCA terminals for unbalanced inputs and outputs, high-quality Neutrik XLR terminals for balanced inputs and outputs.
- Control input/output terminals can sync remote control signals between compatible devices and expand support for remote operation by other wireless devices in the future.
- Equipped with a new trigger input/output terminal that enables power syncing between compatible devices (daisy-chaining is also possible).
Specifications:
- Input sensitivity/Input impedance:
- Unbalanced 180mV/45kΩ
- Balanced 180mV/90kΩ
- Output/input impedance:
- Unbalanced 1V (Maximum 14.1V)/90Ω
- Balanced 1V (Maximum 28.7V)/180Ω
- Frequency response:
- 20Hz to 20kHz (+0, -0.1dB)
- 5Hz to 110kHz (+0, -3.0dB)
- Total harmonic distortion:
- Unbalanced 0.005% (20Hz to 20kHz)
- Balanced 0.003% (20Hz to 20kHz)
- S/N ratio (IHF-A):
- Unbalanced 129dB (IHF-A)
- Balanced 132dB (IHF-A)
- Amplification circuit: LIFES 1.0
- Volume adjustment: LECUA-EX
- Tone control: BASS:±8dB(100Hz), TREBLE:±8dB(10kHz)
- Input: Unbalanced x 3, Balanced x 3
- Output: Unbalanced x 2, Balanced x 2
- Front panel: Power button, input switch selector, Volume control, FL display, Line straight, Output mode, External pre input, Tone control (BASS/TREBLE), LR balance
- Rear panel: In/output terminals, Main power switch, Ground terminal, Trigger terminal, Control terminal, AC inlet
- Remote control functions: Operation, Dimmer, Input switch selector, Output mode (unbalanced, balanced, bi-amped), Balance phase switch, External pre input, Preset (Balance phase, input level offset, bi-amp output level), Line straight, Loudness, Volume(up/down), Volume mute, Zoom display
- Power consumption: 40W, 2.6W (at standby)
- Dimensions: 440 (W)×130 (H)×434 (Including 16mm front knobs and 15mm rear terminals) (D) mm
- Weight 19.8kg (Main unit)
- Accessories: Remote control (RA-20), Power cable
MSRP:
- US: $19,950.00
- UK: £16,000.00
- EU: €20,000.00
For more information visit the main Luxman web site, or Luxman US web site.
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