Luxman D-90 (1989–c. 1992)
The Luxman D-90 is a compact disc player from the late 1980s, introduced in 1989 and produced until around 1992. It was Luxman's flagship CD player during that period — at least until the D-91 arrived as its successor. A period advertisement in HiFI-Stereo (February 1988, p.169) placed it among the compact disc players of the era. What set the D-90 apart at launch was its use of a true 20-bit digital-to-analog converter, the proprietary LDA-1020, paired with 8x oversampling and a newly developed linear-phase digital filter. This made it one of the first consumer CD players to offer genuine 20-bit conversion, a significant step up from the 16-bit converters that dominated the era.
Luxman put a lot of effort into the analog output stage, which uses discrete, high-quality components. The D-90 also has separate power supplies for its digital and analog sections, so noise from the digital circuitry stays out of the audio path. The chassis is metal and the construction is heavy and no-nonsense, which fits Luxman's reputation from this period. Vintage audio enthusiasts regard the D-90 for its smooth, detailed sound, and it was built to compete with other high-end players of its time.
Known specifications include a frequency response of 2Hz - 20kHz, signal-to-noise ratio above 110dB, dynamic range above 105dB, channel separation above 100dB, and total harmonic distortion rated at 0.0028% (1kHz). One source lists a slightly better 0.0018%. Output is 2V, and the unit measures 459 x 120 x 333mm and weighs 10.8kg. It plays 12cm CDs only.
Collectibility today is real but not extreme. Working units typically sell for several hundred dollars, with some sellers asking over $500 in recent years. Original packaging or manuals can add $100 or more. The usual aging issues apply. Laser wear and aging electrolytic capacitors in the power supply are the most common problems, and since the digital and analog sections have separate supplies, a failing cap can produce audible issues in the output stage. Servicing typically means replacing those capacitors and cleaning or swapping the laser pickup. Those pickups are no longer made, so NOS or replacement units are often needed. Some owners have also modified the D-90 by replacing op-amps with discrete circuits.
No original price has surfaced, no pickup type is named in the sources, and Luxman never published production numbers. The output connector types (RCA vs. optical) also go unmentioned in the available record.
Known Specs
- DAC: Luxman LDA-1020, 20-bit linear
- Digital filter: 8x oversampling, linear-phase
- Frequency response: 2Hz–20kHz
- S/N ratio: >110dB
- Dynamic range: >105dB
- Channel separation: >100dB
- THD: 0.0028% (1kHz)
- Output level: 2V
- Dimensions: 459 x 120 x 333mm
- Weight: 10.8kg
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