Luxman L-509X: Exceptionally solid integrated amplifier

The flagship model Luxman L-509X, which borrowed many technical solutions from the C-900u preamplifier and M-700u, M-900u power amplifiers, is the culmination of the development of this project. The company tried to ensure maximum versatility of this integrated amplifier: the preamplifier and power amplifier sections can be separated by pressing one button. You can connect two pairs of speakers to it and either switch between them or listen to them simultaneously. Looking inside, it is impossible not to appreciate the quality of the design. All the circuits look very neat. The high quality of not only the components, but even the material from which the board is made is impressive. Obviously, Luxman did not skimp on this.

The device uses the fourth-generation ODNF negative feedback circuit, which is designed to eliminate distortion. ODNF 4.0 also increases the output signal slew rate and provides a wide frequency range. The output section uses a three-stage circuit on Darlington transistors and four parallel push-pull amplification circuits, and the pre-section uses a discrete buffer circuit (the same as in the C-900u). Thanks to such technologies, it is possible to reduce impedance, increase the signal-to-noise ratio and ensure the purity of the sound. The power supply is equipped with a large 600 VA transformer and eight high-capacity capacitors. As a result, the amplifier is capable of delivering 120 watts per channel (8 ohms) and 220 watts at 4 ohms.

The 88-step LECUA1000 volume control circuit (analogous to the attenuator in the C-900u model) with the shortest possible signal paths deserves special attention. The vibration-resistant control board ensures excellent sound quality at any volume. The Luxman L-509X uses high-quality low-resistance relays, and four pairs of screw terminals are installed at the output. The device has a large damping factor and is capable of handling any acoustic systems. The circuits are equipped with premium-class components, and the printed circuit boards themselves are resistant to fractures and have gold-plated contact tracks with smooth angles, which helps the signal pass along the shortest route.

The flagship is made in an elegant retro design with arrow VU indicators, which received white LED backlighting, distinguishing this amplifier from its brothers in the series with blue and yellow illumination. The model has a built-in MM/MC phono preamp. On board there are a pair of XLR inputs and a set of RCA linear inputs, one of which is made of a special alloy that has the conductivity of copper and the wear resistance of brass. There is a recording-monitoring loop and a Pre Out output, there is direct access to the Main In end section.

The build quality is excellent. The L-509X weighs almost 30 kilograms and feels exceptionally solid. The construction and finish are impeccable and would grace an amplifier in a much higher price range. The controls are well damped and have a pleasantly precise feel. The remote control fits comfortably in the hand, but the button layout feels a little odd. Most high-end manufacturers pay minimal attention to their remote controls; this one is quite good. Overall, despite the high price, the Luxman amplifier is definitely worth the money – and then some.

Luxman L-509x Specifications

Output power 2 x 120 W (8 ohms); 2 x 220 W (4 Ohm)
Input Sensitivity/Impedance 180 mV/47 kOhm (RCA Line), 180 mV/55 kOhm (XLR Line), 1.1 V/47 kOhm (Main In), 2.5 mV/47 kOhm (MM Phono), 0.3 mV/100 Ohm (MC Phono)
Output Voltage 1 V (Pre Out), 180 mV (Rec Out)
Frequency Response Line In: 20 Hz – 100 kHz (- 3 dB), Phono: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (± 0.5 dB)
Harmonic Distortion Less than 0.007% (1 kHz, 8 Ohm), Less than 0.06% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 8 Ohm)
Signal-to-noise ratio 105 dB (line input), 91 dB (MM phono preamplifier), 75 dB (MC phono preamplifier)
​​Volume attenuator new version LECUA1000
Feedback circuit ODNF 4.0 (Only Distortion Negative Feedback)
Output section parallel push-pull amplification using bipolar transistors
Damping factor 370
Tone control HF: ± 8 dB (10 kHz), LF: ± 8 dB (100 Hz)
Possibility to bypass the tone block and balance control yes, Line Straight button
Inputs 2 balanced XLR (with switches for inverting the signal phase), 4 linear RCA (a pair of Line-1 connectors are made of a special copper-based alloy), MM / MC phono preamplifier connectors (RCA), Monitor (RCA) for recording monitoring, Main In (RCA) for direct access to the final section
Outputs 6.3 mm for headphones, RCA for recording, Pre Out (RCA)
Other switching ground terminal
Loudness compensation yes Case
material steel, aluminum
Power supply massive power transformer with E-shaped core plates with a capacity of 600 VA, 8 buffer smoothing capacitors with a capacity of 10,000 μF each (4 pcs. per channel)
Speaker output 4 pairs of high-quality screw terminals
Remote control RA-17A in an aluminum case, suitable for controlling the Luxman CD player
Power consumption 380 W, 150 W (no signal), 0.5 W (standby)
Anti-vibration feet yes
Dimensions (WxHxD) 440x193x463 mm
Weight 29.3 kg