Come here often? I don’t hide my appreciation for Luxman gear’s classic looks and the new L-505Z Integrated Amplifier has not fallen far from the fruitful family tree.
The new L-505Z sits at the entry point in Luxman’s Z Series of integrated amplifiers, offering 100 Watts per channel of Class AB power into 8 Ohms and 150 Watts into 4 from the Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System (LIFES1.0) equipped power amp stage.
From Luxman:
Previously, feedback has been considered a double-edged sword. While it plays a central role in reducing distortion, even minuscule inaccuracies in its application can compromise musicality. It was to overcome this paradox that Luxman created the Only Distortion Negative Feedback (ODNF) circuit in 1999 and refined it through five generations up to 2021. LIFES1.0 supersedes even these proud achievements, with a completely redesigned circuit featuring improvements in distortion detection, regulation, and thermal stability. The result is a rare combination of exceptionally low distortion and the natural sound quality associated with “non-feedback” type circuits.
The L-505Z houses a number of upgrades from the L-505uXII it replaces including an improved moving magnet/moving coil phono preamp, LECUA (Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator) equipped volume and balance controls, 12-volt triggers, parallel headphone output jacks including a “Pentaconn” balanced type, and 7-segment LED volume level-VU meter display. Who doesn’t like meters?
From Luxman:
The LECUA system is built around a custom solid-state IC precision attenuator. It delivers meticulous volume adjustment across 88 discrete steps while minimizing distortion. The traditional rotary volume knob interface achieves a satisfying, weighty tactile response.
As you can see there are plenty of ins and outs (see specs below for details) as well as 2 sets of speaker binding posts.
You can learn a lot more about the new Luxman L-505Z, which is available now for $5995, in the press release below and/or wait to read all about it when a review sample lands in the Barn! Stay tuned!
Here’s the complete press release from Luxman:
Luxman integrated amplifier brings exceptional performance to a wider audience
L-505Z incorporates LECUA volume control and LIFES1.0 power amp stage
BALLSTON SPA, New York, September 2024 – Luxman completes the Z Series line of integrated amplifiers with the introduction of the L-505Z. The new model represents the latest development in a series of 505 models going back to the L-505f of 2001, while introducing significant upgrades including the Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System (LIFES1.0) and the Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator (LECUA). “The Z Series is now complete, in anticipation the company’s 100th anniversary in 2025,” commented Jeff Sigmund, president of Luxman America. “The global community of reviewers, resale partners, and music lovers has welcomed our Z Series. We’re looking forward to introduce the L-505Z’s level of performance to a wide range of listeners.”
The L-505Z is intended to replace the popular L-505uXII and completes the Z Series joining the L-507Z and 509Z. Upgrades from its predecessor also include an improved moving magnet/moving coil phono preamp, LECUA controlled LR balance adjust function, 12-volt triggers, parallel headphone output jacks including a “Pentaconn” balanced type and 7-segment LED volume level-VU meter display.
The L-505Z integrated amplifier is available now at a suggested retail price of $5,995.
LUXMAN Integrated Feedback Engine System (LIFES1.0)
The LIFES1.0 power amp stage is the latest expression in Luxman’s multi-decade quest to combine the expressive power of negative-feedback-free amplifiers with the ultra-low distortion that feedback enables. Previously, feedback has been considered a double-edged sword. While it plays a central role in reducing distortion, even minuscule inaccuracies in its application can compromise musicality. It was to overcome this paradox that Luxman created the Only Distortion Negative Feedback (ODNF) circuit in 1999 and refined it through five generations up to 2021. LIFES1.0 supersedes even these proud achievements, with a completely redesigned circuit featuring improvements in distortion detection, regulation, and thermal stability. The result is a rare combination of exceptionally low distortion and the natural sound quality associated with “non-feedback” type circuits.
The L-505Z combines high power and superb linearity, thanks to bipolar transistors in triple paralleled Darlington push-pull configuration. The highly regulated power supply boasts a massive, 540 VA EI-type transformer and an array of four new-generation type 10,000 µF filter capacitors. The Class AB output stage is conservatively rated at 100W+100W at 8 ohms and 150W+150W at 4 ohms. The result is exceptional sound quality with an abundance of energy.
Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator (LECUA)
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, improved over generations. The LECUA system is built around a custom solid-state IC precision attenuator. It delivers meticulous volume adjustment across 88 discrete steps while minimizing distortion. The traditional rotary volume knob interface achieves a satisfying, weighty tactile response.
LECUA technology is also applied to the balance control.
Luxman paid meticulous attention to vinyl playback with an advanced phono equalization circuit featuring a parallel first stage for effortless musicality. The circuitry accommodates both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges via a front-panel selector. To maintain the integrity of delicate musical signals while enhancing the energy of the output, Luxman engineers have long considered the preamplifier stage as a “power amp driver.” For this reason, the last stage of the preamplifier is fitted with discrete buffer circuitry and high-current supply.
Other enhancements
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 now illuminated by white LEDs for optimum viewing. To help listeners concentrate on the music, both the LED display and VU meter lighting can be deactivated by the supplied remote control. The 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. Preamp output and power amp input enable flexible system configurations including bi-amping and powered subwoofer connection.
To suppress airborne and shelf-borne vibration that can blur the micro-dynamics of quiet musical passages, the L505Z is uncommonly robust, weighing in at 50 pounds (22.5 kg).
Refined circuit topology, supplied remote control
To protect the purity of music reproduction, Luxman engineers gave careful thought to signal routing and input/output terminals. Beeline topology minimizes internal signal runs. Oxygen-free copper (OFC) wiring helps ensure uncommon musicality. The internal cables further protect the signal with spiral wrap shielding for each non-plated core wire. Because slight variations in ground impedance can have a subtle smearing effect on the music, Luxman engineers adopted a loop-less chassis structure.
Even the printed circuit boards reflect Luxman’s thoroughgoing approach: round-cornered asymmetric printed circuit traces ensure smooth current transmission while resisting interferences. Luxman also provides 18-mm spacing between input terminals to accommodate high-grade interconnects. The inline speaker terminals offer ample spacing for large gauge speaker cables and Y terminators.
The supplied RMA-17A wireless remote control also operates Luxman digital players released after 1996.
ABOUT LUXMAN
Luxman America, Inc. based in Ballston Spa, NY, is the exclusive North American distributor of Luxman brand products designed and produced by Luxman Corp., of Yokohama, Japan. Luxman was among the world’s first consumer electronics companies, founded at the dawn of the radio age in 1925. Over the decades, Luxman audio components have become synonymous with timeless styling, exquisite fit and finish, and above all, uncompromising sound quality. When the audio industry moved en masse into transistor amplifiers, Luxman continued to create classics vacuum tube amplifiers without interruption. Landmark products include the SQ-5A vacuum tube integrated amplifier (1961), the PD-300 turntable with vacuum disc stabilizer (1980) and the DU-10 universal disc player for CD, SACD and DVD Audio (2001). For additional information, we invite you to visit luxmanamerica.com and Like us on Facebook.
L-505Z Specifications
Rated output: 100W + 100W (8Ω), 150W + 150W (4Ω)
Input sensitivity/input impedance:
PHONO (MM): 2.5mV/47kΩ
PHONO (MC): 0.3mV/100Ω
LINE: 180mV/47kΩ
BAL.LINE: 180mV/55kΩ
MAIN IN: 1V/47kΩ
Output voltage: PRE OUT: 1V
Frequency response: PHONO: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.5dB) | LINE: 20Hz to 100kHz (within -3dB)
Total harmonic distortion: 0.009% or less (8Ω, 1kHz) | 0.09% or less (8Ω, 20Hz to 20kHz)
S/N ratio (IHF-A):
PHONO (MM): 87dB or more
PHONO (MC): 70dB or more
LINE: 104dB or more
Volume adjustment: LECUA
Amplification feedback circuit: LIFES 1.0
Output configuration: Bipolar parallel push-pull
Damping factor: 200
Max. amount of tone control:
BASS: ±8dB at 100Hz
TREBLE: ±8dB at 10kHz
Power supply: 230V~(50Hz) / 115V~(60Hz)
Power consumption: 330W | 90W (under no signal), 0.5W (at standby)
External dimensions: 440(W) x 178(H) x 454(D) mm | front side knob of 20mm and rear side terminal of 27mm included in depth
Net weight: 22.5kg (main unit)
Accessories: Remote control (RA-17A) | Power cable
Speaker terminal Supported Y-lug terminal dimension:
Width of part a: 15mm or less
Width of part b: 8mm or more
* Connection may not be performed depending on the shape of the Y-lug terminal.
* Slide the phase selector switch to the INVERT position to make the balanced input terminals pin No 2 to change to HOT, and No. 3 to COLD.
* Meter lighting, monaural, subsonic, and loudness can be switched with the remote control.
* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
* The products listed in this catalog do not include line cables. Please purchase cables separately.
