Luxman R-1120 (1978–1979)
At 17 kg, it lands on the rack with a thud. This receiver was built to win the late-'70s power race, not to cut corners.
Overview
The Luxman R-1120 is a solid-state AM/FM stereo receiver introduced in 1978 as the "long awaited advent of super powered 'tuner-amplifier' from Luxman," according to classicreceivers.com. It was made in Japan and sat in the upper tier of the receiver wars, where power ratings and build quality were the main battlegrounds. It cost approximately $995 USD (or 2,300 DM in Europe) at launch. It was aimed at serious audiophiles who wanted refinement, protection circuitry, and a tuner section that could hold its own against separates. It puts out 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz, both channels driven, THD no more than 0.03%), and it was conservatively rated, which suggests headroom that many competitors lacked. Signal-to-noise ratio is 88 dB on line inputs and 72 dB on MM phono, so the background is quiet. The chassis measures 490 x 180 x 415 mm (W×H×D) and weighs 17 kg (38 lbs). The wood cabinet has a vinyl woodgrain covering, which owners report is prone to shrinking over time. That is a common flaw with finishes of that era.
120-Watt Solid-State Power Amplifier with Low Distortion
The amplifier section delivers 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms across the full 20-20,000 Hz bandwidth with no more than 0.03% total harmonic distortion. Luxman didn't pad the spec with short-term power bursts or narrow bandwidth claims. The rating is full-range, continuous, and both channels driven. The high damping factor implied by the power supply and output stage lets it control difficult speaker loads, and owners still praise that decades later. Audio (March 1979, p.75) noted that Luxman amplifiers "were never intended to compete with typical receivers - those that equate output power with performance." One owner on HiFi Engine called it "one of the best receivers ever produced." The weak spot is the output stage. Multiple owners report catastrophic transistor failures, and one describes a complete channel replacement involving output, driver, and pre-driver transistors. Such repairs are feasible but not trivial, and some owners have upgraded with modern low-noise transistors to improve reliability and performance.
Triple Speaker Outputs with Protection and Muting Circuits
Equipped with three pairs of speaker terminals, the R-1120 allows users to run multiple speaker sets — a practical feature for multi-room setups or A/B comparisons. But Luxman didn’t just add terminals; it backed them with intelligent circuitry. A power limiter circuit actively protects the output transistors from excessive current, a safeguard that likely saved many units from thermal runaway during mismatched loads or prolonged high-volume operation. Complementing this is a time-delay muting circuit that prevents turn-on thumps, preserving both speaker drivers and eardrums. These features weren’t universal in 1978, and their inclusion signals Luxman’s focus on longevity and user experience over cost-cutting. The receiver’s 500 W maximum power consumption reflects the demands of its dual-channel 120 W design, requiring a robust AC line — something potential users should consider when integrating it into modern setups.
FM/AM Tuner with High Sensitivity and Stereo Quietening
The FM tuner section was a standout for its time, with high sensitivity and strong stereo quieting. HiFi-Stereo (June 1978, p.133) reported that stereo quieting reaches 60 dB with only 45.5 dBf of input, promising "enjoyable listening in all but the deepest fringe areas." That means the tuner can lock onto weak or distant stations with minimal noise. The tuning range covers FM and MW (medium wave). The phono inputs support both MM (2.7 mV) and MC (0.18 mV) cartridges, each with 47 kOhm impedance. A fully specified MC input is rare in receivers, and it suggests Luxman expected the unit to be paired with high-end turntables. The tuner fits Luxman's reputation for separating itself from mass-market receivers, which often skimped on RF stages to save costs.
Historical Context
The Luxman R-1120 arrived in 1978, at the height of the receiver wars, when Japanese manufacturers flooded the market with increasingly powerful, feature-laden stereo receivers. While many brands chased wattage with inflated specs, Luxman emphasized measured performance, build quality, and circuit integrity. It was marketed as a "super powered tuner-amplifier" and positioned as a high-end alternative to separates, with near-preamp levels of refinement in a single chassis. It was not a budget offering. At $995, it competed with mid-tier separates systems. The design called for low distortion, a robust power supply, and protective circuitry. Its sibling, the R-1120A, is described by collectors as "less sought after," which implies a step down in performance or desirability.
Collectibility & Value
The Luxman R-1120 still has a loyal following among vintage audio enthusiasts. Units in excellent condition have sold for as much as $1,000, though a 2011 sale of an excellent-condition unit fetched $400, which now looks low. A February 2024 Facebook listing offered the receiver with a Dual CS 5000 turntable for $1,400. In Europe, a listing on HifiShark priced one at CZK 29,500 (approximately $1,200 USD). One owner declared, "luxman r1120 owes me £900." Buyers should know the caveats. The vinyl woodgrain covering is known to shrink and peel, and transistor failures, particularly in the output stage, are a documented issue. Repairs are possible, and some owners have upgraded internal components for improved longevity.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Luxman R 1120 listings are live right now — these searches show current Luxman and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.
Related Models
- Luxman R-5030
- Luxman RX-103 (1978)
- Luxman R-114 (1975)
- Luxman R-1500E (1975-1978)
- Luxman R-104 (1975)
- Marantz 2226 (1974-1976)
- Marantz 2226B (1979-1980)
- Marantz 2235 (1974-1977)
- Marantz 2238B (1978-1980)
- Marantz 2250B (1978-1980)