Luxman New P-100C Headphone Amplifier – First Look

All Image Credit: Luxman

Luxman have just released the P-100C headphone amplifier as part of the ‘Centennial’ series that celebrate Luxman’s 100 years in the Hi-Fi business. The P-100C is analogue throughout and does not contain a DAC or provide streaming support. The design features Luxman’s LIFES feedback engine and LECUA-EX volume control.

For those not familiar with the above two design features, LIFES, which stands for Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System, is a new feedback system used by Luxman in their amplifiers, replacing their previous ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) technology. LIFES aims to reduce unwanted effects of negative feedback, resulting in a lower distortion and S/N ratio, and a more natural sound quality. While LECUA-EX (Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator – Excellent eXperience) is a proprietary volume control system used in Luxman audio equipment. It’s an electronically controlled attenuator that switches through a series of fixed, high-quality resistors for each channel independently, providing smooth and precise volume control with minimal sound quality degradation. In the case of the P-100C it is supported by a large 7-segment LED display that guarantees precise, repeatable volume adjustment at any time.

Luxman’s LIFES feedback engine and LECUA-EX volume control PCB’s.

The P-100C also features four identical and discrete LIFES-centred amplifier circuits, two per channel allowing it to operate in four different modes that according to Luxman include:

• Balanced Output (BTL connection): Maximum channel separation, lower intermodulation distortion, stable power output.
• Unbalanced Output (parallel operation): Doubling the output power for more driving force.
• Parallel Unbalanced Mode: Separate ground routing for left and right channels via 4.4 mm Pentaconn and 4-pin XLR connectors for even finer stereo separation.
• Parallel BTL Balanced Mode (with two devices): Ultimate performance enhancement through mono operation with a total of eight amplifier channels – for an uncompromising sound experience at reference level.

Powering this latest design are two custom made, large-capacity OI-type transformers dedicated exclusively to each channel. Additionally, an independent EI-type transformer is provided for peripheral circuitry, such as driving relays and LED indicators.

The power supply incorporates four custom 10,000μF filter capacitors, while the driver stage includes four custom 3,300μF filter capacitors, all configured independently for the left and right channels. The P-100C also features large low-loss speaker relay switching and OFC cabling.

The rear panel connectivity includes; two pairs of balanced 3 pin XLR, with phase inversion switch, and one 1 x RCA stereo outputs, plus a stereo RCA line through out. Front panel connectivity includes four headphone sockets: 1 x 6.4mm, 1 x 4.4mm balanced, 1 x 4 pin XLR balanced and 1 x 3 pin XLR BTL balanced. Control is available using the rear panel 1.5mm input/output mono jacks.

Finally, the chassis uses a highly rigid, loopless structure that is said to prevent earth loop generation and eliminates the effects of chassis current impedance and magnetic fields. The bottom section features a 4.1mm thick (2.9 + 1.2mm) steel plate, which increases ground mass, lowers the product’s center of gravity and serves as a heatsink for the power block. Density gradient cast-iron feet are included to protect the internal electronic signals from unwanted external vibrations.

MSRP:

• US: $11,995.00
• UK: £8,999.00
• EU: €12,990.00

For more information visit the Luxman web site.

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