Luxman R-117 (1987–1992)

One of the last great high-powered stereo receivers before the A/V revolution changed everything

Overview

The Luxman R-117 isn’t just another receiver from the late '80s—it’s a statement. Built during a brief window when two-channel purity still reigned but digital sources were demanding more from amplifiers, the R-117 emerged as Luxman’s flagship stereo receiver and the pinnacle of the R-11x series. Introduced between 1987 and 1992, this beast was engineered to handle the wide dynamic swings of early CDs and the increasingly difficult impedance loads of modern speakers, all while maintaining a level of sonic refinement that earned Luxman the nickname “the McIntosh of Japan.” It’s widely regarded as one of the best receivers Luxman ever made, and many audiophiles argue it's among the finest stereo receivers of its era, period.

Surround sound was creeping in, and manufacturers were shifting toward multi-channel processing and home theater. The R-117 stayed with stereo. It delivered 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms with very low distortion (0.005%) and a damping factor of 200, which gave it tight control over speakers. It was built for music lovers who wanted maximum power, precision, and transparency.

Specifications

Key Features

Dual-Mono Class G Amplifier with ODNF

The R-117 is a dual-mono design. Each channel has its own independent power supply, fed by a massive, triple-shielded toroidal transformer. That helps maintain channel separation and prevent crosstalk under heavy loads. The amplifier operates in Class G, which uses multiple power rails to increase efficiency and reduce heat. When output reaches 175 watts per channel, signal-controlled Darlington switches kick in and boost the output-stage voltage by two-thirds for 30-millisecond bursts. This dynamic headroom lets the R-117 deliver up to 700 watts dynamically into 2 ohms, making it one of the most current-capable receivers of its time.

Luxman's proprietary ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) circuit is another key element. Conventional feedback systems correct error across the entire signal path. ODNF applies feedback only at the final output stage, which minimizes phase shift and preserves transient detail. The sound is powerful and articulate - clean, warm, and tube-like despite being solid-state.

Phono and Source Flexibility

The phono stage handles both moving magnet (MM) and low-output moving coil (MC) cartridges, with input sensitivity down to 0.25mV. It's a fully discrete, high-gain stage. For CD, the “CD Straight” circuitry bypasses all tone controls, loudness compensation, and signal switching, and routes the signal directly from input to amp section.

Advanced Tuner and Video Capabilities

The tuner section uses quartz-PLL synthesized tuning with a 5-gang varactor and dual-gate MOSFET front end, with exceptional sensitivity and selectivity. Automatic hi-blend circuitry reduces high-frequency noise on weak stations, and the 40 preset memory makes station recall easy. It's primarily a stereo receiver, but it also includes composite video switching for up to three sources, with professional-grade wide-band video buffer amplifiers to maintain signal integrity. That's rare in a component of this class.

Build and User Experience

The front panel is black (not silver), with a motorized volume control and a fully digital display. Massive heat sinks keep it thermally stable, and the chassis carries 38 audio and video I/O jacks. The supplied RR-117 remote control operates all major functions and works with other Luxman components. It even supports multi-room setups via an external remote eye. A switch inside the unit allows tuning in either 25- or 50-kHz increments, to suit regional broadcast standards.

Historical Context

The R-117 arrived as the compact disc was becoming the dominant format, offering wider dynamic range than vinyl and demanding amplifiers with more headroom. Speaker designs were also evolving, with some dropping to 4 ohms or lower, which challenged amplifier stability. The R-117 was built to meet both. It was also one of the last high-powered, high-fidelity stereo receivers from a major Japanese manufacturer before the A/V revolution redirected engineering toward surround sound and decoding formats like Dolby Pro Logic.

Luxman, then a division of Alpine Electronics, positioned the R-117 as its flagship, and advertising literature billed it as the “Ultimate Power Receiver.” It competed with models like the Sony STR-GX10es and Onkyo TX-890, but its dual-mono architecture, ODNF topology, and sheer current delivery set it apart.

Collectibility & Value

The R-117 remains in high demand among vintage audio enthusiasts, particularly those who value high-current amplification and clean, dynamic sound. As of 2023, working units typically sell for $600 to $1,000, depending on condition. The original RR-117 remote is highly sought after, though aftermarket replacements exist.

Common issues include blown output transistors, specifically the 2SC3281 and 2SA1302 pairs, and the so-called “clicking relay” problem, where the speaker protection relay fails to engage properly. This is often due to degraded contacts or relay coil failure. Many technicians recommend cleaning or replacing the relay (common substitutes include the R22-1D16-24 NTE relays). Maintenance should be handled by a technician familiar with high-power solid-state gear, as failures can cascade if not addressed promptly.

The R-117 is often described as “bulletproof” when properly maintained. Its build quality is exceptional, and service manuals with schematics and alignment procedures are available, so repairs are feasible. Repair shops like Stereo Rehab (Chicago), Approved Audio (CT), and Geardrum (NY) have experience with these units, according to owner reports.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ LUXMAN R-117                                                    Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $959                                    Latest            $480 │
│ Median    $776                                    Trend                — │
│ Low       $480                                    Volume           ~3/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ $1,000 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                            .    │
│        │                           .                         .           │
│   $743 ┤                                                                 │
│        │.                                    .                           │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│   $400 ┤                                                                .│
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │█                          █         █               █      █   █│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-05                      2026-06                      2026-07│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

eBay Listings

Recently sold on eBay: $700–$881 (median $776, based on 6 completed sales, past 12 months)

Luxman R-117 Stereo Receiver

$950

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