Luxman PD-555 (1980–1983)

At 26.5 kilograms and finished in champagne, this is a turntable built for exactly 55 people.

Overview

The Luxman PD-555 Limited Special Edition was released between 1980 and 1983 to mark Luxman's 55th anniversary. Only 55 examples were produced, and each came with a personalized 2 kg metal-and-glass plaque for its original owner. It was the flagship of Luxman's belt-drive turntable line, and it went up against the Technics SP-10 and Micro Seiki RX-5000. Those two leaned on direct drive. Luxman went with isolation and mass, betting that belt drive done with extreme precision could deliver a purer analog sound.

It shipped as a foundation, not a complete playback system: an arm-less chassis pre-drilled and reinforced to accept two tonearms at once, either 9" or 12", with optional base plates for fine-tuning VTA and azimuth. That was deliberate. The PD-555 assumed its owner already had, or knew how to choose, the right cartridge and tonearm. Then there's the vacuum system, a separate VS555 pump that pulls the record flat against the platter and eliminates micro-vibrations from warping and ensures optimal contact. No clamps, no weights - just atmospheric pressure.

Key Features

30cm Aluminum Die-Cast Platter with 8.5 kg Mass

The PD-555's 30cm aluminum die-cast platter weighs 8.5 kg and has a moment of inertia rated at 1.2t/cm². That mass works as a flywheel and resists speed fluctuations. It also smooths out motor ripple and external vibrations. Add a large main bearing and precision belt drive, and wow and flutter measure less than 0.03% WRMS. Audio (September 1980, p.28) noted the unit's "heavy, diecast aluminum frame, heavily insulated to prevent acoustic feedback."

Brushless, Slotless DC Servo Motor with Phase-Locked Loop Control

The platter is driven by a brushless, slotless DC servo motor. It was chosen for near-silent operation and no cogging or electromagnetic interference, so no electrical noise gets into the signal path. A phase-locked loop speed control locks onto a built-in quartz oscillator and continuously corrects any deviation. Speed holds steady at all three speeds - 33⅓, 45, and 78 rpm - with pitch adjustment of ±2.5% per speed, enough for fine-tuning to concert pitch or tape synchronization.

Vacuum Disc Stabilizer System with Separate VS555 Pump

The defining feature of the PD-555 is its vacuum disc stabilizer, driven by the separate VS555 vacuum pump. The pump connects to the plinth and draws air from beneath the record, pulling it flush against the platter. Warps are flattened, micro-vibrations eliminated, and tracking accuracy improved. Owners report a noticeable increase in clarity and soundstage stability with the vacuum engaged. Audio (January 1983, p.57) confirmed the system's effectiveness, calling Luxman's vacuum-suction approach "excellent," though it added that "the rubber sealing gaskets and the record must be scrupulously clean if the vacuum is to be maintained" Audio (January 1983, p.58). The VS555 draws 70W.

Modular Dual-Tonearm Chassis in Champagne Finish

The PD-555's chassis is pre-drilled and reinforced to accept two tonearms at once - say, a 9" for stereo and a 12" for mono reissues or 78s. That suits a collector who switches formats regularly. The optional base plates allow adjustment of vertical tracking angle and azimuth. The Limited Special Edition is finished in champagne (the standard model is silver), with engraved anniversary text near the power switch and gold printing on the VS555 pump. It's made in Japan. The PD-555 weighs 26.5kg and the VS-555 pump 7.0kg, which points to a build that favors damping and rigidity over convenience.

Historical Context

The PD-555 followed earlier models like the PD-441 and PD-444. It sat at the top of Luxman's belt-drive range in the late 1970s and early 1980s. While some contemporaries pursued direct drive, Luxman staked its claim on belt-driven isolation, mass and precision. A 1980 "top ten best turntables" ranking listed it as a "Japanese Direct Drive" despite its belt-drive design, which suggests reviewers weren't used to high-end belt-driven engineering.

Collectibility & Value

With only 55 units made, the PD-555 Limited Special Edition is rare. Recent asking prices are €4,500 and $4,200, plus a 1999 listing at £1,599 (Hi-Fi World). They vary, but they consistently place the PD-555 among the most valuable vintage Japanese turntables. The most common maintenance issue is the drive belt, which may need replacement after decades of use. Precision flat replacement belts are available, and the design allows relatively straightforward access. The separate VS555 vacuum pump is serviceable, but given the system's complexity and rarity, repairs should go to specialists familiar with high-end analog gear. Rumble is rated at less than -72dB, and signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 72dB. Finding one with a functioning vacuum system is key, since collectors note that the vacuum's performance is as much a part of the experience as the sound itself.