Luxman K-120 (1979)
The Luxman K-120 is a two-head, single-motor cassette deck. Stereo Review reviewed it in the October 1979 issue at a price of $400. That review is about the only thorough documentation on this model. The record is thin otherwise, with no production years, market history, or collectibility data.
The review shows a straightforward, honest design. The K-120 has Dolby noise reduction, selectable chrome and ferric tape equalization, and peak-reading indicators spanning -20 to +5 dB. The line outputs are fixed level. There is no microphone input mixing, a deliberate simplification. The tape counter is the pushbutton-reset type.
The review measured wow-and-flutter of ±0.06% (weighted). Frequency response is 40 Hz to 12 kHz on chrome tape and 40 Hz to 11 kHz on ferric. Signal-to-noise ratio is 62 dB with Dolby on chrome. Line input sensitivity for full-scale recording is 25 mV (0.27 mV from mic), with output level at 0.68 V into 10 kilohms. Headphone output is 0.85 V into 8 ohms.
Physical specs are modest: 16¾ in. wide, 6 in. high, 11¾ in. deep, and 13¼ lb. It is a compact, no-frills deck, typical of Luxman's late-1970s approach.
- Type: Two-head cassette deck, single motor
- Price (1979): $400
- Tape speed: 1-7/8 ips
- Wow-and-flutter: ±0.06% (weighted)
- Frequency response (record/playback): 40 Hz – 12 kHz (chrome), 40 Hz – 11 kHz (ferric)
- S/N ratio: 62 dB (Dolby, chrome)
- Dimensions: 16¾" W x 6" H x 11¾" D
- Weight: 13¼ lb.
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