The Luxman L-509Z flagship integrated amplifier is the first to offer LIFES1.0 stages in both preamp and power amp and the first with LECUA-EX volume control!
BALLSTON SPA, New York, September 2023 – Luxman continues to prepare for 2025, the company’s centennial, with a new top-of-the-line integrated amplifier. In addition to the company’s trademark sound quality, the L-509Z is the first component to incorporate the Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System (LIFES1.0) in both the power amp and preamp sections.
It’s also the first with the Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator-EX(LECUA-EX). “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,” said 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 a front-panel mute switch.
Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator-EX (LECUA-EX)
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. Left/right tracking errors can unintentionally shift the stereo balance as the user adjusts the 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.”
Other enhancements
Compared to the predecessor L-509X, the new amplifier also features a precise 7-segment LED display, making it easy to see the 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 bi-amping.
Refined circuit topology, supplied remote control
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 18- and 20-mm spacing between terminals to accommodate high-grade interconnects. Large, parallel configured speaker relays and ultra-thick 3.5-square-mm 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 supplied RA-17A wireless remote control also operates Luxman digital players released after 1996.
For additional information, please visit luxmanamerica.com
WHERE the MUSIC BEAT meets the AUDIOPHILE ELITE !
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