Luxman LMC-2
At just 5.8 grams, this featherweight MC cartridge hides a radical magnetic architecture beneath its modest shell.
Overview
The Luxman LMC-2 is a moving coil phono cartridge developed as the second series in Luxman’s LMC (Linear Magneto-field Cross) line, built around a centralized mounting block chassis structure. It represents a focused engineering effort to maximize signal generation efficiency while minimizing mechanical resonance and mass. Unlike conventional MC designs that rely on yokes and asymmetrical magnetic circuits, the LMC-2 employs a coaxial dual-ring samarium-cobalt magnet system to create a uniform 360° magnetic field around the cantilever. This approach eliminates the need for a traditional yoke, reducing the generator’s total weight to one-eighth that of standard assemblies and increasing generation efficiency fivefold. The result is a cartridge designed for precision, with an emphasis on linearity and high-frequency traceability.
Luxman positioned the LMC-2 as a high-performance component for critical analog playback, leveraging advanced materials and a novel mechanical layout. The entire vibration system — coil, cantilever, and magnets — is mounted axially to a single block chassis made of zinc alloy die-cast, a material chosen for its vibration-damping properties. This centralized structure aims to maintain alignment and rigidity under tracking stress. Even the cover is acoustically isolated from the support structure, a detail intended to prevent unwanted resonances from coloring the sound or inducing feedback. The suspension uses stainless steel wire instead of elastomeric dampers, a design choice meant 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
At the heart of the LMC-2 is its LMC (Linear Magneto-field Cross) system, which uses two coaxial ring-shaped samarium-cobalt magnets to generate a symmetrical, 360° magnetic field around the cantilever. By eliminating the iron yoke found in most MC cartridges, Luxman achieved a dramatic reduction in magnetic circuit mass — down to 1/8 the weight of conventional designs — while simultaneously improving magnetic linearity. This yokeless structure reduces hysteresis and distortion, contributing to cleaner signal generation. The use of samarium-cobalt magnets, known for high flux density and temperature stability, ensures consistent performance even under dynamic conditions.
Centralized Mounting Block Chassis with Zinc Alloy Die-Cast Body
The entire transducing system is mounted axially to a single, rigid block made of zinc alloy die-cast. This centralized structure enhances mechanical integrity by minimizing flex and misalignment during playback. The zinc alloy body also acts as a built-in damper, dissipating vibrational energy that could otherwise reflect back into the coil or stylus. This design prioritizes coherence in the signal path, reducing phase anomalies and micro-resonances that plague more loosely assembled cartridges.
Titanium Taper Pipe Cantilever with Semi-Line Contact Stylus
The cantilever is constructed from a titanium taper pipe, chosen for its high strength-to-mass ratio and excellent rigidity. Paired with 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. The semi-line contact profile offers a larger contact area than elliptical tips, improving groove wall fidelity while reducing pressure on the vinyl surface. This combination aims 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 to prevent airborne vibrations from coupling into the generator. This isolation helps avoid sonic coloration and potential feedback squeal, particularly in high-gain MC systems. Additionally, the suspension system uses stainless steel wire instead of rubber or silicone dampers, a design intended to maintain linear restoring force across the tracking range. This avoids the non-linear damping effects common in elastomeric suspensions, which can compress or stiffen under dynamic loads.
Collectibility & Value
The Luxman LMC-2 is regarded by some audiophiles as one of the best MC cartridges of its era, with owners describing it as “highly coveted” and “one of the best MC heads.” Current resale prices reflect this esteem, with listings observed at $399.95 and $459.95 USD. The original price was ¥29,000 (circa 1982), and stylus replacements are priced at ¥20,300, indicating ongoing support for long-term ownership. However, no detailed data on common failures, service life, or maintenance requirements is available.
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