Luxman M-12 (1977)
A stereo power amplifier released in 1977, with a DC-coupled design and low distortion.
Overview
The Luxman M-12 is a stereo power amplifier introduced in September 1977. It delivers 80 watts per channel into 8 ohms with exceptionally low distortion. It uses a DC amplifier configuration and a parallel push-pull output stage, which gives it stable, wide-bandwidth performance. For its time it also had advanced features, including a speaker protection circuit with DC drift detection and overcurrent protection.
Specifications
| Effective power | 80W + 80W (8 Ω, both channel operation, 20 Hz to 20 kHz) |
| Total harmonic distortion factor | 0.006% or Less (8 Ω, 80W, 20 Hz to 20 kHz) |
| Cross modulation distortion factor | 0.006% or Less (8 Ω, 80W, 60 hz : 7 khz = 4 : 1) |
| Output bandwidth | 5 Hz to 100 kHz -3dB (8 Ω, 0.1%) |
| Frequency characteristic | DC ~ 100 kHz -1dB or less |
| Input sensitivity | 600mV |
| Input impedance | 20k Ω |
| SN ratio (IHF-A correction, input short) | 110 dB or more |
| Separation | 80 dB or More (20 Hz to 20 kHz) |
| Damping factor | 150 or More (8 Ω, 1 kHz) |
| Protection circuit | Speaker protection circuit with DC drift detection Overcurrent protection circuit |
| Attachment | Input capacitor IN-OUT switching Left and right independent attenuator |
| Power supply voltage | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 200W (Electrical Appliance and Material Control Law) |
| External dimensions | Width 436x Height 95x Depth 328 mm |
| Weight | 14.5kg |
Design
The M-12 has no input coupling capacitors, so the signal passes DC from input to output. The output stage is a parallel push-pull connection, which improves current delivery and stability. A DML-IC sits in the power amplifier circuit and handles precise signal control. The power supply has two large power transformers and two high-capacity electrolytic capacitors, designed for better sound quality and dynamic response.
Market
The Luxman M-12 originally retailed for ¥150,000 at release in 1977. Collectors and audiophiles still look for it because of its build, low distortion and clean Luxman engineering. Units in working condition with original documentation are increasingly rare.
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