Luxman HQ-555 (1968–1971)
The Luxman HQ-555 is a big stereo receiver from the late 1960s. It was released in August 1968 at a Japanese retail price of ¥85,000, and production ran from 1968 through 1971. It weighs 14kg and sits in a wooden cabinet with a silver faceplate. A 1972 Belgian source listed it at 12,900 Belgian francs, noted at the time as a considerable sum (roughly 800 Dutch guilders).
The HQ-555 is a 50W + 50W receiver into 8 ohms, with total harmonic distortion rated at no more than 1%. Frequency response is specified at 20 Hz to 20 kHz within −1dB. Phono input sensitivity is 2mV (audio-database.com) or 1.8mV for MM (hifi-studio.de) - sources conflict - with a signal-to-noise ratio of 60dB or better. Tone controls are the CR type, offering +12 to −10dB at 100 Hz (bass) and +12 to −10dB at 10 kHz (treble). The FM tuner section uses an FET cascode circuit. The AM section uses single-stage RF and IF amplification. The parts count is 34 transistors, 3 FETs, 3 ICs, 2 SCRs, and 28 diodes. Maximum power consumption is 220W. Dimensions are 450mm wide, 160mm high, and 320mm deep.
A Dutch forum thread has an owner describing the HQ-555 as built "double mono," with what appears to be two output transistors per channel given the power rating. The same owner says the tuning dial is a narrow strip above the function buttons, and suspects a three-gang tuning capacitor, though a four-gang couldn't be ruled out from the photos. The power supply section is tucked underneath the chassis.
One known maintenance problem is the bipolar electrolytic capacitors on the outputs. An owner reports that exact replacements are hard to find, as most of these are no longer available in the original configuration. The forum advice is to substitute ordinary (polarized) capacitors, or to use higher-voltage-rated parts (e.g., 63V in place of 35V units) that are physically smaller and may fit. One suggestion to use thick MKP polypropylene film capacitors was countered by another user, who said such parts are simply too large to fit. Another tweak suggested is removing the plastic sleeve around the electrolytic capacitors, which one user claims is a significant improvement.
Little is documented about the HQ-555's broader market context or its place in Luxman's lineup of the period. What survives is a picture of a well-built, heavy, dual-mono receiver from Luxman's late-1960s peak — a unit that owners today still find worth the effort of restoration.
- Output: 50W + 50W (8 Ω)
- THD: ≤1%
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, −1dB
- Phono input: 2mV (audio-database.com) or 1.8mV MM (hifi-studio.de) — sources conflict — S/N 60dB
- Dimensions: 450 × 160 × 320 mm
- Weight: 14kg
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