Luxman DU-10 (2001)
A heavyweight universal player from the early 2000s that plays everything from SACD to F-DISC, with dual DACs and obsessive build quality.
Overview
The Luxman DU-10 is a serious, no-compromise universal player. It came out in February 2001, when high-resolution audio was just getting started. It was built to handle any disc format you threw at it: CD, DVD Audio, DVD Video, SACD, Music CD-R, Video CD, even F-DISC. If it spun and held data, the DU-10 was engineered to play it. It cost ¥880,000 at launch, so it wasn't for casual listeners. The buyer wanted one machine for audio and video, stereo and surround, without giving up any fidelity. The chassis weighs 20 kg, which tells you Luxman wasn't messing around.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Luxman |
| Model | DU-10 |
| Type | Universal player |
| Production year | February 2001 |
| Playable discs | DVD Audio, DVD Video, SACD, CD, Music CD-R, Video CD, F-DISC |
| Frequency response | DC ~ 40 kHz (DVD, SACD) |
| Dynamic range | 113 dB or more (DVD, SACD) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.001% |
| S-Video Output | Y Output Level: 1Vp-p/75 Ω, C Output Level: 286mVp-p/75 Ω, Output terminal: S terminal (one system) |
| Composite video output | Output level: 1Vp-p/75 Ω, Output terminal: RCA terminal (2 systems) |
| Component video output | Y Output Level: 1Vp-p/75 Ω, Cb/Cr output level: 0.7Vp-p/75 Ω, Output terminal: RCA terminal |
| Audio output (RCA) | Output level: 250 mVrms (1 kHz, -20dB), Output terminal: RCA terminal |
| Balanced audio output (2 ch) | Output level: 250 mVrms (1 kHz, -20dB) / 600 Ω, Output terminal: XLR jack |
| Multichannel audio output | Output level: 250 mVrms (1 kHz, -20dB), Output jacks: RCA jacks (rear L/R, center, subwoofer) |
| Digital audio output | Optical Digital Output: Optical Digital Terminal (up to 96 kHz), Coaxial digital output: RCA terminal, Coaxial digital output (PCM): RCA terminals, PDIF Terminal: Mini Jack (φ 3.5) |
| Digital audio input | Optical Digital Input: Optical Digital Terminal, Coaxial digital input: RCA terminal (32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz) |
| Power supply | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 50W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 467 x 187 x 420 mm |
| Weight | 20.0 kg |
| Accessories | Wireless Remote Control |
Key Features
Dual DAC Selection: Full Embassy vs. Shannon
The dual DAC system is the DU-10's standout feature, and you didn't see it every day. It has two distinct types: Luxman's original FE (Full Embassy) DAC, first used in the 1989 DA-07, and a Shannon-type DAC. You switch between them from the front panel. According to the design intent, the Full Embassy DAC is tuned for classical music, aiming for a rich, expansive soundstage. The Shannon type is said to be better suited for electronic music. A user-selectable sound like that was rare, even in high-end gear of the early 2000s.
Isolated Power and Circuitry
The DU-10 separates the power supply and transformer for the mechanism, video system, and audio system. Each circuit is isolated in its own chassis section. That keeps interference down and the audio path clean, which matters most for high-resolution SACD and DVD-Audio playback.
Massive, Vibration-Resistant Chassis
The build is over the top. The front and side panels are thick aluminum, and the top is a composite of aluminum and steel. The base uses FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer) with double the normal specific gravity and glass fiber reinforcement, specifically to dampen floor-borne vibrations. It weighs 20 kg, and the weight is there for a reason.
Progressive Video and Full Surround Decoding
The video side was equally capable for its time. It has a progressive video circuit that interpolates interlaced signals, effectively doubling the displayed information on progressive-scan TVs, which was a big deal in 2001. It also decodes 5.1-channel Dolby Digital (AC-3) and DTS surround, so it works as an A/V hub. Component, S-Video, and composite outputs covered every display option available back then.
Digital Input for Standalone DAC Use
The DU-10 has digital audio inputs, optical and coaxial. That means you can bypass the transport entirely and use it as a standalone D/A converter. Plug in a modern streamer or CD transport, flip the DAC switch, and you've got a high-end converter with selectable voicing. That flexibility wasn't common in universal players, especially at this level.
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