Luxman Corp., of Yokohama, Japan, was among the world’s first consumer electronics companies, founded at the dawn of the radio age in 1925. Over the years, products designed and produced by Luxman have become synonymous with timeless styling, exquisite fit and finish, and above all, uncompromising sound quality. The new L-509Z integrated amplifier is not only a refreshing revival of everything that made the brand so admired, it also introduces a next-level "single-chassis separates" concept, pursuing the ideal with a new, all-in-one flagship amplifier. As the premium model for the new Z-Series generation, the L-509Z has evolved beyond the concept of a traditional integrated amplifier.
"Integrated amplifiers have been central to Luxman’s identity, at least as far back as 1964, when our SQ-38 became a mainstay of Japanese jazz cafes," says Jeff Sigmund, president of Luxman America. "Our new flagship honors that tradition, incorporating the essence of our separate preamps and power amps while introducing significant innovations."
The L-509Z replaces the L-509X and joins the L-507Z of 2022 in Luxman's Z Series. Compared to its predecessor, the new integrated amp also offers a new phono preamp with switchable gain to accommodate both low-output and high-output moving coil cartridges. Other upgrades include completely redesigned tone controls with separate bands for bass, midrange, and treble; 12-volt triggers; 7-segment LED volume level display; and front-panel mute switch.
The new L509Z is the third component to incorporate LIFES1.0 and the first to have it not only in the power amplifier section, but also the preamplifier. The circuit is the latest expression in Luxman’s multi-decade quest to overcome the long-standing tradeoffs in amplifier negative feedback.
The L-509Z combines high power and superb linearity, thanks to three stage Darlington bipolar transistors in quadruple-paralleled push-pull configuration. The highly regulated power supply boasts a massive, 600 VA EI-type transformer and an array of eight 10,000 µF filter capacitors. The Class AB output stage is conservatively rated at 120W+120W at 8 ohms and 240W+240W at 4 ohms. The result is exceptional sound quality with an abundance of energy.
Unassuming and often overlooked, the volume control can be the source of subtle and not-so-subtle sonic degradations. Conventional, variable-resistor volume controls often introduce noise. And left/right tracking errors can unintentionally shift the stereo balance as the user adjusts volume. For these reasons, Luxman has long avoided the variable resistor in favor of carefully crafted attenuator circuits. Premiering on the L-509Z, the LECUA-EX is a computerized precision attenuator. It delivers meticulous volume adjustment across 88 discrete steps while minimizing distortion. The new LECUA-EX enhances the experience with a new rotary encoder, featuring a weighted mechanism to enable smoother adjustment with an immensely satisfying control “feel.”
Compared to the predecessor L-509X, the new amplifier also features a precise 7-segment LED display, making it easy to see volume level from any listening position. Instantaneous output is displayed on large, highly-sensitive VU meters which are illuminated by white LEDs for optimum viewing. The "Pentaconn" 4.4 mm, five-conductor, balanced headphone jack provides independent left/right grounding for improved stereo separation. It supplements the standard 6.3 mm jack. Rear-panel 12-volt trigger input and output accommodate compatible home automation systems. Control input and output terminals coordinate operation with compatible Luxman components. A front panel Mute button complements the remote control Mute. Two preamp outputs and one power amp input enable flexible system configurations including biamping.
To suppress airborne and shelf-borne vibration that can blur the microdynamics of quiet musical passages, the chassis is uncommonly robust with thick aluminum panels and density gradient cast iron feet. Of particular note, the top panel features a classic Luxman hairline finish and 28 individually cut ventilation ports. The amplifier weighs 65 pounds (29.4 kg).
Finally, to protect the purity of music reproduction, Luxman engineers gave careful thought to input/output terminals and signal routing. For example, the RCA terminals use a copper alloy that combines the conductivity of copper with the durability of brass. Luxman provides 18mm and 20mm spacing between terminals to accommodate high-grade interconnects. Large, parallel configured speaker relays and ultra-thick 3.5mm square cable ensure low impedance transmission. The inline speaker terminals offer ample spacing for thick speaker cables and Y terminators.
To protect the music from interference, beeline topology minimizes internal signal runs. Oxygen-free copper (OFC) wiring helps ensure uncommon musicality. The printed circuit boards also reflect Luxman’s thoroughgoing approach: peel-coat boards minimize dielectric effects while round-cornered printed circuit traces ensure smooth current transmission.
The L-509Z integrated amplifier is available immediately at a suggested retail price of $12,495. The supplied RA-17A wireless remote control also operates Luxman digital players released after 1996.
www.luxmanamerica.com
www.luxman.com
