Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier - For its 100th birthday

Foto © Dekoni Audio | Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier

The new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier, which Luxman is launching on the occasion of the company's 100th anniversary, is intended to be the new flagship in the stereo integrated amplifier sector.

Only the best is good enough, after all, there is a very special event to celebrate, namely the 100th anniversary of the Luxman Corporation, according to the traditional Japanese HiFi manufacturer, which is launching a very special stereo integrated amplifier to mark the occasion, namely the new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier.

In keeping with the occasion, the Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier is the new flagship in the field of stereo integrated amplifiers, a solution which, according to the developers, represents the spearhead of audio technology.

Luxman Corporation – One of the oldest audio manufacturers in the world

Luxman Corporation can look back on a very long history as one of the oldest audio manufacturers in the world. The company is now celebrating its 100th birthday and, as already mentioned, the new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier is a very special stereo integrated amplifier.

The new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier is, how could it be otherwise, fully in keeping with the tradition of the Japanese company and thus fulfils the requirement to perfectly reproduce the emotional power of musical instruments, from grand pianos to violins and electric guitars. Voices should also be reproduced naturally and in great detail to guarantee music lovers an experience that comes as close as possible to a live concert.

LIFES technology replaces ODNF technology

The centrepiece of the concept of the new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier is therefore the Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System, which replaces the ODNF circuit previously used and in which a finely adjusted negative feedback literally brings the music to life, as the manufacturer itself describes it.

Luxman Corporation is convinced that this so-called LIFES technology has been integrated into the Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier on an additional circuit board in both the preamplifier and power amplifier module and only feeds back the distorted components of the audio signal, resulting in a natural sound image, free of any distortion, which is unrivalled in systems with negative feedback.

The Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier delivers two outputs of 120 watts to speaker systems with an impedance of 8 ohms and two outputs of 220 watts into 4 ohms.

LECUA-EX damping system

Another exciting feature of the new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier is the so-called LECUA-EX attenuation system for controlling the volume. Instead of a potentiometer, a series of high-quality fixed value resistors are used here, separately for each channel and therefore completely independent of each other, which can be used to precisely control the level between 0 and 87 dB in 88 steps.

Single-Chassis-Separate Concept

In order to prevent negative influences from the outset, the engineers at Luxman Corporation have opted for the single-chassis-separate concept for the new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier. The preamplifier and power amplifier of the stereo integrated amplifier are therefore each inserted in closed and separate modules in the particularly solid housing.

Flexible use

As befits such a solution, there are of course numerous connection options available to make the Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier the central interface of a fine HiFi system.

Four pairs of RCA sockets are available for unbalanced and two pairs of XLR connections for balanced source devices. It should also be emphasised that this stereo integrated amplifier has an integrated phono preamplifier that allows the connection of drives with MM cartridges as well as MC cartridges.

There is also an integrated headphone amplifier, with an unbalanced 6.3 mm stereo jack and a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn for connecting headphones directly to the front.

It should also be mentioned that the Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier’s preamplifier and power amplifier can be operated completely independently of each other if desired, so as not to stand in the way of any future additions to the HiFi chain.

If desired, a tone control can be brought into play, whereby in addition to a bass and treble control, there is now also one for mids, so that voices and solo instruments can be given more emphasis. The Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier also has a loudness function and a balance control.

However, the Line Straight function can be used to completely remove all of the above from the signal path, guaranteeing a completely unadulterated performance.

As a special visual attraction, the new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier has been given VU metres that are in keeping with the classic Japanese tradition in amplifier systems.

Housing in elegant hairline finish

The thick aluminium housing in the so-called hairline finish is not only intended to lend the new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier elegance, but also to ensure optimum heat dissipation from a very practical point of view. This is also supported by design measures such as ventilation openings.

For the best possible decoupling, the Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier sits on solid feet made of cast iron.

Prices and availability

According to the manufacturer, the new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier will be available immediately from specialist retailers at a recommended retail price of € 12.990,- – the scope of delivery also includes a matching infrared remote control.

Getting to the point

Luxman Corporation is touting the new Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier as the pinnacle of audio technology, the spearhead and new flagship, which is intended to mark the 100th anniversary of the long-established Japanese High-end HiFi manufacturer.