Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier – First Look
All Image Credit: Luxman
Luxman have just released the L-509Z, their latest flagship integrated amplifier in the Luxman next-level of “single-chassis separates” concept. As the premium model for the new Z-Series generation, the L-509Z preamplifier and power amplifier sections both use Luxman’s new generation of amplification feedback engine, Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System (LIFES), while the volume control uses their new, Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator – Excellent eXperience, (LECUA-EX) system, that is said to suppress sound quality deterioration and realizes a more precise feel of operation. The new power amplifier is designed around Luxmans proprietary, Only Distortion Negative Feedback (ODNF) amplification circuitry, that is said to achieve excellent static characteristics and a natural sound quality as if it were a “non-feedback” system, developing 120W+120W at 8 ohms and 220W+220W at 4 ohms.
The L-509Z replaces the L-509X and joins the L-507Z in Luxmans Z Series. Compared to the 509X, this new integrated amp offers; a new phono preamp for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) with switchable gain to accommodate both low and high-output MC cartridges, completely redesigned tone controls with separate bands for bass, midrange and treble, 12-volt triggers, an illuminated 7-segment LED volume level display in addition to the large front panel VU meters and a front-panel mute switch. Additionally a 4.4mm front panel socket has been added to the 6.3mm standard headphone socket, it uses independent left and right grounding and provides a balanced headphone output claiming to; “improve L-R separation and localization.”
Luxman Technologies:
Based upon the original ODNF principles of only using the distorted components generated in the audio signal’s path to be fed back to control the final amp stage, Luxman developed their LIFES technology. This latest development improves upon; distortion detection, regulation and thermal stability and is employed throughout the design in separate modules for the fully discrete pre and power sections. The Class AB power output stages are designed around three stage Darlington bipolar transistors in a quadruple-paralleled push-pull configuration that is said to achieve near perfect power linearity performance, developing 120W+120W at 8 ohms and 220W+220W at 4 ohms.
Power & Pre Amplifier LIFES Modules LECUA-EX Encoder & Module
In order to achieve both an excellent tactile feel and minimize left/right volume tracking errors that can lead to stereo imbalance or even distortions, Luxman developed LECUA. An electronically controlled attenuator system that switches through a series of high-quality, fixed value resistors for each channel independently, minimizing wear and effects of external vibrations. The L-509Z combines a highly precise rotary encoder with a newly developed weighted rotation mechanism to create the LECUA-EX, offering even greater reliability together with a natural, high-quality operational feel and minimal degradation in sound quality. It provides 88 fine steps from 0 to -87dB and an acceleration setting for the speed at which the volume knob is rotated.
Supporting these new technologies is a traditional, very stable analog power supply design that uses a custom and highly regulated 600VA El transformer together with eight newly developed 10,000μF large-capacity filter capacitors. Special attention has been given to; each PCB’s foil layouts and surface finish in optimizing signal and current flow, the internal use of oxygen-free copper (OFC) cabling and large, low resistance speaker relays that are connected in parallel using 3.5 mm square ultra-thick cable to directly connect to the speaker terminals, ensuring low impedance speaker connectivity that achieves a damping factor of 330. Attention has also been given to the amplifier case in order to suppress effects of airborne and shelf-borne vibration. The chassis is very robust with thick aluminum panels, density gradient cast iron feet and a top panel featuring the classic Luxman hairline finish and 28 individually cut ventilation ports.
Rear panel stereo audio input connectivity includes; unbalanced RCA phono, four line-level RCA and two line-level balanced XLR inputs. Two unbalanced RCA preamp outputs and one unbalanced RCA power amp input enables flexible system configurations including bi-amping. Speaker connectivity supports either two pairs of individual speakers or speaker bi-wiring using the dual pairs of speaker binding posts available for each speaker channel.
Finally control is available from the front panel ergonomically positioned controls or the supplied RA-17A wireless remote, with additional wired control via the 12 volt trigger input and output that accommodate compatible hardware systems and control input and output terminals for operation with compatible Luxman components.
Specifications:
- Rated output:
- 120W + 120W (8Ω)
- 220W + 220W (4Ω)
- Input sensitivity/input impedance:
- PHONO (MM): 2.5mV/47kΩ
- PHONO (MC-H): 0.3mV/100Ω
- PHONO (MC-L): 0.1mV/40Ω
- LINE: 180mV/47kΩ
- BAL.LINE: 180mV/79kΩ
- MAIN IN: 1.1V/47kΩ
- Output voltage: PRE OUT – 1V
- Frequency response:
- PHONO: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.5dB)
- LINE: 20Hz to 100kHz (within -3dB)
- Total harmonic distortion:
- 0.007% or less (8Ω, 1kHz)
- 0.03% or less (8Ω, 20Hz to 20kHz)
- S/N ratio (IHF-A):
- PHONO (MM): 87dB or more
- PHONO (MC-H): 70dB or more
- PHONO (MC-L): 62dB or more
- LINE: 106dB or more
- Volume adjustment: LECUA-EX
- Amplification feedback circuit: LIFES 1.0
- Output configuration: Bipolar 4-parallel push-pull
- Damping factor: 330
- Max. amount of tone control
- BASS: ±8dB at 100Hz
- TREBLE: ±8dB at 760Hz
- TREBLE: ±8dB at 10kHz
- Power supply: 230V~(50Hz) / 115V~(60Hz)
- Power consumption: 390W, 150W (under no signal), 0.5W (at standby)
- External dimensions: 440(W) x 193(H) x 463(D) mm
- Net weight: 29.4kg
- Accessories: Remote control (RA-17A), Power cable
MSRP:
- US: $12,495.00
- UK: £11,000.00
- EU: €13,999.00
For more information visit the Luxman web site.
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