Luxman LV-105 (c.1985)

A hybrid pre-main amplifier blending tube warmth with FET precision, released around 1985.

Overview

The ALPINE/LUXMAN LV-105 is a hybrid pre-main amplifier developed jointly by Alpine and Luxman, combining solid-state and vacuum tube technologies in a single chassis. Built around 1985 and priced at ¥119,000, it delivers 105 watts per channel into 6 ohms with exceptional linearity and low distortion. The design prioritizes signal purity through a voltage-controlled amplifier architecture across all stages, minimizing current distortion and interference.

Specifications

Model	ALPINE/LUXMAN LV-105
Manufacturer	Alpine / Luxman
Product type	Hybrid pre-main amplifier
Rated Output (20 Hz ~ 20 kHz)	105W + 105W (6 Ω)
Total harmonic distortion factor	0.008% or Less (6 Ω, 1 kHz)
Frequency characteristic	1 Hz to 200 kHz, -3dB or less
Phono MM Input Sensitivity / Impedance	2.5mV/47k Ω
Phono MC Input Sensitivity / Impedance	125 μV/100 Ω
CD, Tuner, AV/AUX Input Sensitivity / Impedance	150mV/40k Ω
S/N ratio (A-curve correction) Phono MM	90dB
S/N ratio (A-curve correction) Phono MC	70dB
S/N ratio (A-curve correction) CD, Tuner, AV/AUX	110 dB
AV input terminal	Route 3
AV dubbing function	AV2 → AV1
Power supply voltage	100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz
External dimensions	Width 438x Height 148x Depth 346 mm
Weight	10.6kg
Original price	¥119,000 (around 1985)

Design

The LV-105 uses a FET in the first stage, a 3-pole vacuum tube in the pre-driver stage for high voltage resistance and linearity, and a MOS FET in the final stage. A voltage-controlled amplifier circuit is employed throughout all stages to prevent interference distortion caused by current amplification. S. T. A. R. circuits are implemented to isolate signal paths and eliminate interference between circuit blocks.