Luxman L-507Z Integrated Amplifier & PD-151 MkII Turntable Celebrate 100 Years of Success

Luxman is rather rapidly approaching its 100th anniversary and the Japanese manufacturer shows no signs of slowing down. That’s becoming a trend with a lot of the older Japanese brands like Nakamichi, Denon, and Rotel — evolve the business and release something new that responds to changing consumer tastes or perish.

Luxman sits in a slightly different position because it competes rather favorably with some of the bigger American brands like McIntosh, Audio Research, and Mark Levinson who appeal to a more traditional high-end customer that already knows that Luxman is one of the best brands to ever come out of Japan.

The company doesn’t refresh its lineup every single year and we’re only seeing a constant flow of new products now because of delays caused by the pandemic and its looming milestone.

Featuring Luxman’s original LIFES1.0 distortion canceling feedback engine, the new Luxman L-507Z is a Class AB integrated amplifier ($8,995) that promises to deliver excellent quality. The first model in Luxman’s Z Series, the new integrated amplifier joins the Luxman PD-151 MkII Turntable ($6,490), which incorporates a new, proprietary tonearm featuring classic knife-edge bearings.

The turntable retains such key advantages as a low-speed, high torque motor and Luxman’s unique sine-wave/Pulse Width Modulation power supply. “The new components carry forward the Luxman hallmarks of uncompromising sound quality, sophisticated technology and timeless design,” said Jeff Sigmund, president of Luxman America. “They’re fitting additions as we approach 2025, our centennial year.”

Luxman L-507Z Integrated Amplifier: The Z Series Begins

Built for discriminating music lovers, the L-507Z is the first integrated amplifier in Luxman’s Z Series, which will feature LIFES1.0, the Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System.

First offered on the M-10X power amplifier earlier this year, LIFES1.0 is uniquely capable of reducing distortion while controlling the feedback inaccuracies that can compromise the expressive power of music reproduction. LIFES1.0 represents a substantial advance from Luxman’s signature ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) amplifier design.

It results from meticulous computer simulation using dedicated software, careful evaluation of new circuit components, extensive auditioning, and prototype listening tests. 

The L-507Z is also notable for prominent front panel VU meters; a large, 7-segment LED display that makes it easy to see volume level from any listening position; the “Pentaconn” five-conductor, balanced headphone jack for improved stereo separation; and rear panel 12-volt trigger for compatible home automation systems. 

Specifications:

• 110 Watts + 110 Watts RMS, Class AB into 8-ohm loads
• 210 Watts + 210 Watts RMS, Class AB into 4-ohm loads
• First integrated amplifier with LIFES1.0 (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) to simultaneously reduce distortion and preserve musical nuance and microdynamics
• Large dual VU meters with bright LED backlight, supplemented by large, 7-segment LED volume level display
• Highly regulated power supply with new EI-type transformer and an array of eight 10,000 µF filter capacitors
• LECUA1000 electronically controlled attenuator with 88 discrete steps, which was first featured in the C-900u control amplifier
• “Pentaconn” 4.4 mm headphone jack incorporates five conductors for balanced output, improves channel separation for private listening, supplements the standard 6.3 mm jack
• Home automation compatible with 12-volt trigger in/out connections
• Robust, anti-resonant construction, including thick aluminum chassis panels and density gradient cast iron feet; weighs 56 pounds (25.4 kg)
• Meticulous circuit design including smooth, round-cornered printed circuit board traces; beeline topology; low-impedance transmission; and carefully auditioned parts
• Supplied wireless remote control also operates Luxman digital players released after 1996

The Luxman PD-151 MkII Turntable

To serve the needs of the most demanding vinyl enthusiasts, Luxman is replacing the well-received PD-151A turntable with the substantially upgraded PD-151 MkII. The new deck is set apart by an original, new tonearm, the beautifully crafted LTA-309. It incorporates the knife-edge bearing technology originally developed by SAEC, a classic Japanese brand.

Other tonearm features include static balance, machined aluminum arm base, and arm height that adjusts to accommodate different cartridges. The PD-151 MkII carries forward the key advantages of its predecessor, including Luxman’s proprietary power supply and speed control technologies.

Specifications:

• Supports classic vinyl with 33-1/3, 45 and 78 rpm speeds
• Original, new LTA-309 tonearm is built around the highly-regarded knife-edge bearing technology developed by SAEC, a classic Japanese brand; achieves ultra-low friction, ultra-accurate groove tracing; arm height adjusts to accommodate different cartridges
• Luxman’s unique sine-wave/Pulse Width Modulation power supply for ultra-stable direct current
• Low-speed, high-torque DC motor is built on a high-precision cast alloy chassis; minimizes acoustic noise with super-smooth bearings and careful internal construction
• Rotational speed meticulously maintained by Luxman’s Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) feedback control loop
• 9-pound (4.0 kg) platter uses high mass to help maintain rotational precision, offers diamond-cut finish
• Highly rigid, 16-mm stainless steel shaft with a lower thrust bearing carefully lubricated with polyether ether ketone (PEEK)
• Brass radial bearing filled with organic molybdenum oil supports the upper shaft
• Anti-resonant rubber hybrid record coupling mat
• 10mm thick aluminum top panel supports internal electrical components attachment using Luxman’s original “damped underslung hanging method”
• Special rubber polymer damping isolates heavy electrical components from the chassis
• Isolator feet with special damping material protect the turntable chassis from shelf-borne vibration; each foot offers 5 mm independent height adjustment
• Available and highly recommended, the OPPD-DSC151 dust cover is 4-mm clear acrylic and includes cam/spring supporting hinges for easy opening and smooth closure
• High-grade AC input supports the weight of heavy accessory power cables

Price & Availability

Both are available now at the following MSRPs:

• Luxman L-507Z Integrated Amplifier – $8,995

• Luxman PD-151 MkII Turntable – $6,490, including the optional dust cover.

For more information: L-507Z | PD-151MkII