Luxman D-113 (1987–1990)

Name: Luxman D-113
Brand: Luxman

A no-nonsense CD player from the analog-to-digital transition, built like a vault and engineered to let the disc do the talking.

Overview

The Luxman D-113 isn’t flashy, but it’s solid—like a well-worn tool that shows up and works, year after year. Released in June 1988 as part of a brief production run from 1987 to 1990, this CD player arrived when digital audio was still proving itself in high-fidelity circles. At a launch price of ¥44,000, it wasn’t cheap, but it wasn’t chasing luxury either. Instead, Luxman focused on precision, stability, and signal integrity—core values that carried over from their revered analog gear.

Marketed under the joint name ALPINE/LUXMAN, the D-113 reflects a period of collaboration or branding alignment between the two Japanese audio companies, though the exact nature of that relationship isn’t documented in the available records. What is clear is that this machine was built for reliability and clean playback. It’s a stereo CD player through and through, with no frills beyond what was necessary for solid disc handling and accurate digital-to-analog conversion.

It wasn’t trying to impress with glowing displays or futuristic curves. Its black finish, compact footprint (438 × 85 × 314 mm), and utilitarian front panel speak to function-first design. Weighing in at 4.5kg, it has heft without being excessive—enough mass to resist vibration, but not so much that it dominates a shelf. The included RD-113 remote control gave users basic system command, and for those building a broader Luxman/Alpine setup, it could integrate with the optional F-105 AV surround controller via system remote terminals.

This was digital audio done the Japanese high-end way: careful, deliberate, and built to last.

Specifications

Manufacturer	ALPINE/LUXMAN
Model	D-113
Type	CD Player
Years	1987–1990
Quantization Bits	16-bit linear
Sampling Frequency	44.1kHz
Channels	2 channels (stereo)
Frequency Characteristic	5 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.5 dB
Output Voltage	2.0V
Dynamic Range	93dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	95dB
Channel Separation	83dB
Wow and Flutter	Measurement limit value or less
Harmonic Distortion	0.005% (1kHz)
Digital Direct Output	0.5Vp-p/75 Ω
Audio Outputs	Digital Optical TOSLINK, Digital Coaxial RCA
Playable Media	CD, 8 cm CD
Digital Converter	PCM56P-J
CD Mechanism	KSS-152A
Power Supply	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
Power Consumption	12W
Dimensions (W×H×D)	438 × 85 × 314 mm
Weight	4.5kg
Color	Black

Key Features

Stable, Isolated Transport Design

At the heart of the D-113 is the KSS-152A CD mechanism, a unit known for durability and consistent tracking. Luxman didn’t just drop it in—they engineered around it. The player uses a “high rigid lock mechanism TypeII,” where the optical pickup base and the mechanism body base are kept independent. These two structures are separated by a special rubber damper and coil spring, effectively floating the pickup assembly to reduce vibration transmission. This kind of mechanical isolation was a hallmark of higher-end players at the time, helping maintain focus on the data track even if the unit was placed on an unstable surface.

Precision in Conversion and Filtering

The D-113 relies on the Burr-Brown PCM56P-J DAC—a 16-bit, 44.1kHz converter that was widely used in mid- to high-tier CD players of the late 1980s. It’s not exotic by today’s standards, but it was respected for its linearity and low noise. Luxman paired it with both a digital filter and an analog filter designed with a “gentle attenuation curve,” suggesting a preference for smooth roll-off over aggressive brick-wall filtering. The goal seems clear: avoid harshness and preserve natural decay in instruments, even if it meant slightly less steep anti-aliasing.

Low-Noise Operation and Digital Output

A dedicated power line filter helps block pulse noise from creeping in through the AC line—a thoughtful touch, especially in systems with multiple digital components. For those looking to bypass the internal DAC, the D-113 offers both optical (TOSLINK) and coaxial RCA digital outputs, each delivering a 0.5Vp-p signal into 75Ω. The coaxial output uses a newly developed high-efficiency pulse transformer, likely aimed at minimizing jitter and ground loops in external DAC setups.

Usability and Control

Despite its technical focus, the D-113 doesn’t ignore user experience. It supports 8 cm CDs—essential for CD singles and data discs of the era. The remote control (RD-113) enables full operation from the couch, and built-in functions include direct track selection, 16-track program memory, repeat play, timer operation, and “autospace,” a feature that inserts a 4-second gap between programmed tracks—handy for avoiding abrupt transitions in mixed playlists.

A headphone jack with volume control is included, which was not universal on CD players at this price point. It suggests Luxman anticipated some users might want private listening without needing a separate amp.

Collectibility & Value

The Luxman D-113 doesn’t command the prices of rare tube preamps or flagship separates, but it has presence in the vintage CD player market. A used Luxman D-113D was listed for DKK 1,695 (approximately $245 USD) on HifiShark.com on March 5, 2026. Another listing for a "Luxman D-113D Vintage Compact Disc Player W Remote Home Audio CD Player Repair" appeared on eBay but was marked "CURRENTLY SOLD OUT." A related model, the Luxman DC-113, was listed at $254.15 in working condition but without a remote.

One eBay reviewer simply noted: "The good player product is like discribe ,sounds great ." That’s about all we have in terms of user feedback—short, positive, and typo-laden, but telling in its sincerity. There’s no documented data on common failures, repair frequency, or long-term reliability quirks. Given the use of a standard KSS-152A mechanism, any issues are likely related to laser wear, belt degradation (if applicable), or aging capacitors in the power supply—typical for players of this era.

Its collectibility rests on solid engineering, a clean spec sheet, and the Luxman name. It’s not a showpiece, but for someone building a period-correct 1980s Japanese high-fi system, the D-113 is a credible, functional choice.