Luxman LMC-2
The cartridge weighs just 5.8 grams. Under the modest shell is an unusual magnetic design.
Overview
The Luxman LMC-2 is a moving coil phono cartridge, the second series in Luxman's LMC (Linear Magneto-field Cross) line. It is built around a centralized mounting block chassis. Most MC designs use yokes and asymmetrical magnetic circuits. The LMC-2 uses a coaxial dual-ring samarium-cobalt magnet system instead, which makes a uniform 360° magnetic field around the cantilever. That removes the need for a traditional yoke. The generator's total weight drops to one-eighth that of standard assemblies, and generation efficiency goes up fivefold. The aim was linearity and high-frequency traceability, with less mechanical resonance and mass.
Luxman positioned the LMC-2 as a high-performance component for critical analog playback. The whole vibration system - coil, cantilever and magnets - is mounted axially to a single block chassis of zinc alloy die-cast, chosen for its vibration-damping properties. The idea is to hold alignment and rigidity under tracking stress. The cover is acoustically isolated from the support structure, which is meant to stop unwanted resonances from coloring the sound or inducing feedback. The suspension uses stainless steel wire instead of elastomeric dampers, to eliminate non-linear loading and improve dynamic response.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Luxman |
| Product type | MC (Moving Coil) phono cartridge |
| Output voltage | 0.2 mV (1 kHz, 5cm/sec, lateral) |
| Channel balance | 0.5 dB or less (1 kHz) |
| Channel separation | 25 dB or less (1 kHz) |
| Compliance | 10 x 10^-6 cm/dyne (100Hz) |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz to 60 kHz |
| Tracking force | 1.5g ± 0.2g |
| Internal impedance | 6 Ω |
| Recommended load impedance | Head amplifier: 40 Ω or more; Step-up transformer: 3 Ω or more |
| Cartridge body weight | 5.8g |
| Stylus replacement cost | ¥20,300 |
| Cantilever | Titanium taper pipe |
| Stylus | 0.15 mm Square Semi-Line Contact, Natural Diamond |
| Magnet | 2 x Samarium Cobalt |
| Chassis | Zinc alloy die-cast |
Key Features
360° Uniform Magnetic Field via Coaxial Samarium-Cobalt Magnets
The LMC (Linear Magneto-field Cross) system uses two coaxial ring-shaped samarium-cobalt magnets to generate a symmetrical, 360° magnetic field around the cantilever. Luxman left out the iron yoke found in most MC cartridges. That cut the magnetic circuit mass down to 1/8 the weight of conventional designs and improved magnetic linearity at the same time. The yokeless structure reduces hysteresis and distortion, which gives cleaner signal generation. Samarium-cobalt is known for high flux density and temperature stability, so performance stays consistent under dynamic conditions.
Centralized Mounting Block Chassis with Zinc Alloy Die-Cast Body
The transducing system is mounted axially to a single, rigid block of zinc alloy die-cast. This centralized structure limits flex and misalignment during playback. The zinc alloy body also acts as a built-in damper, soaking up vibrational energy that could otherwise reflect back into the coil or stylus. The design aims to cut phase anomalies and micro-resonances, which plague more loosely assembled cartridges.
Titanium Taper Pipe Cantilever with Semi-Line Contact Stylus
The cantilever is a titanium taper pipe, chosen for its high strength-to-mass ratio and rigidity. It carries a 0.15 mm square semi-line contact natural diamond stylus. The assembly is engineered to track high-frequency modulations up to 60 kHz with minimal record wear. A semi-line contact profile has a larger contact area than an elliptical tip. That improves groove wall fidelity and reduces pressure on the vinyl surface. The goal is to balance resolution with longevity, especially on well-maintained pressings.
Acoustically Isolated Cover and Stainless Steel Wire Suspension
The LMC-2's cover is mechanically decoupled from the internal support structure, so airborne vibrations don't couple into the generator. This helps avoid sonic coloration and feedback squeal, particularly in high-gain MC systems. The suspension uses stainless steel wire instead of rubber or silicone dampers, intended to maintain linear restoring force across the tracking range. That avoids the non-linear damping common in elastomeric suspensions, which can compress or stiffen under dynamic loads.
Collectibility & Value
Some audiophiles regard the Luxman LMC-2 as one of the best MC cartridges of its era. Owners describe it as “highly coveted” and “one of the best MC heads.” Resale listings have been observed at $399.95 and $459.95 USD. The original price was ¥29,000 (circa 1982), and stylus replacements are priced at ¥20,300, so support for long-term ownership continues. No detailed data on common failures, service life, or maintenance requirements is available.
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Related Models
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- Fisher CUSTOM-ELECTRA-I (K-14/K-15) (1957)
- Fisher CUSTOM-ELECTRA IV (E33/E44) (1960)
- Akai AM-2400 (1978)
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