Luxman L-501S (1998)
An integrated amplifier from Luxman's L series, released in December 1998 with high-fidelity specifications and advanced circuit design.
Overview
The Luxman L-501S is an integrated amplifier in the company's L series. It uses technology taken from Luxman's high-end models. It came out in December 1998 with a dedicated MM phono input and motor-driven volume and input controls. User functions include loudness, balance, mono switch and tone controls. Dual speaker terminals allow bi-wiring. A straight-through switch shortens the signal path for better clarity.
Specifications
| Continuous output power | 70W + 70W (8 Ω) |
| Total harmonic distortion (Line straight, 1 kHz) | 0.005% or Less (8 Ω, Both Channels Driven) |
| Total harmonic distortion (Line straight, 20 Hz-20 kHz) | 0.03% or Less (8 Ω, Both Channels Driven) |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance Phono (MM) | 2.5mV / 47k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance Line | 150mV / 47k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance Balanced Line | 150mV / 66k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity / Impedance Tape | 150mV / 47k Ω |
| Output voltage Recorder | 150mV |
| S/N ratio (Phono, IHF-A) | 90 dB or more (5 mV input) |
| S/N ratio (Line, IHF-A) | 106 dB or more (input short circuit) |
| Frequency response (Phono) | 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.5 dB |
| Frequency response (Line) | 20 Hz to 100 kHz -3dB or less |
| Tone control Bass | ± 6 dB (100 Hz) |
| Tone control Treble | ± 6 dB (10 kHz) |
| Loudness control | + 5 dB (±1 dB) at 100Hz, + 3 dB (±1 dB) at 10kHz |
| Power supply | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 175W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 467 x 151 x 439 mm |
| Weight | 13.0kg |
Design
The L-501S has large output transistors and a large heat sink for thermal stability. The power transformer is a high-efficiency EI core type, and the capacitors are large-capacity. The amplifier circuit is Luxman's CSSC (Complementary Single Stagger Circuit) topology, which gives high slew rate and wide bandwidth. The OD (Optimized Dual) β circuit and LUX STAR circuit manage power and ground paths independently, which improves linearity and separation. DC and AC feedback are handled separately, so stability doesn't need a DC servo. There is a dedicated headphone output with relay switching, phase inversion for balanced XLR inputs, and a line phase sensor for polarity correction. A system bus line allows remote operation with compatible Luxman CD players. The remote control handles power, input selection, volume and mute.
Market
The L-501S originally sold for ¥109,000. Interest among audiophiles has been growing. One observed used price from 2019 is a unit listed for $1,300 USD. Like any vintage electronics, it needs careful maintenance to perform at its best.
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