Luxman E-200 (1981–1984)
The Luxman E-200 is a standalone stereo phono equalizer preamplifier. It was produced from 1981 to 1984, when vinyl was still the primary format for serious listening. It was a separate component for the analog purist, someone who wanted dedicated phono circuitry instead of the built-in stage of an integrated amp or receiver. It sold new for 59,800 yen in Japan.
Electrically, the E-200 is a straightforward, well-specified design. It has both MM and MC inputs, selected with a switch on the rear panel. The MC input presents a 100Ω load and the MM input 50kΩ. MM sensitivity is 2.5 mV and MC is 0.2 mV, with gain of 36 dB and 58 dB respectively. The unit uses high-grade op-amps and has a subsonic filter. The RIAA response is spec'd at 20 Hz-20 kHz within +0/-0.2 dB, and distortion is quoted at a very low 0.005%. Signal-to-noise is 92 dB on MM and 70 dB on MC (IHF A weighted). Rated output is 1.5 V with a maximum output of 5 V, and output impedance is 600Ω.
Physically, it follows Luxman's early-80s house style: 438 mm wide, 96 mm high, 318 mm deep, and 4.6 kg. Power consumption is a modest 12 W.
Beyond the spec sheet, documentation is thin. No original Luxman brochure text, owner reviews, or service manual contents have surfaced in the archive. Nothing is recorded about common failure points or capacitor aging. At over forty years old, though, any unit will likely benefit from a recap if it hasn't had one.
Known Specifications
- MM input: 2.5 mV / 50kΩ
- MC input: 0.2 mV / 100Ω
- Gain: 36 dB (MM) / 58 dB (MC)
- S/N ratio (IHF A): 92 dB (MM) / 70 dB (MC)
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0/−0.2 dB)
- THD: 0.005%
- Rated output: 1.5 V (max 5 V); output impedance 600Ω
- Dimensions: 438 × 96 × 318 mm; 4.6 kg
- Power: 100 V, 50/60 Hz, 12 W
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