Luxman SQ-505X (1971)

A solid-state stereo integrated pre-main amplifier released in July 1971 with high-fidelity specifications for its era.

Overview

The Luxman SQ-505X is a solid-state stereo integrated amplifier combining a preamplifier and main amplifier in one chassis. Manufactured by Luxman and released in July 1971, it was designed for high-performance audio systems. It features a fully transistorized signal path with advanced design choices aimed at minimizing distortion and noise, including direct coupling across all stages and ultra-low noise components in the preamp section.

Specifications

Continuous output (both channels, 8 Ω)30W + 30W
Continuous output (single channel, 8 Ω)35W
Total harmonic distortion0.04% or less (8 Ω, 30W)
Cross modulation distortion0.04% or less (8 Ω, 30W, 70 : 7 kHz = 4 : 1)
Output bandwidth5 Hz to 50 kHz (-3dB, 0.04% THD)
Frequency characteristic10 Hz to 60 kHz (within -1dB)
Input sensitivity (Main In)430 mV (8 Ω, 30W)
Input impedance (Main In)50k Ω
Damping factor30 (8 Ω)
Damping factor60 (16 Ω)
Residual noise (Main Amp)1 mV or less
Preamplifier Frequency characteristic10 Hz to 50 kHz -3dB (Aux1)
Preamplifier Total harmonic distortion0.05% or Less (1 kHz, 1 V, Aux1)
Preamplifier Input sensitivityPhono1, 2 : 2 mV; Aux1, 2, 3 : 80 mV
Preamplifier Input impedancePhono1 : 30k Ω, 50k Ω, 100k Ω; Phono2 : 50k Ω; Aux1, 2, 3 : 30k Ω
Preamplifier Signal-to-noise ratioPhono1, 2 : 63 dB or more; Aux1, 2, 3 : 80 dB or more
Preamplifier Maximum Allowable Input (1 kHz, Phono)300mV
Tone controlLUX System NF Type with Bending Point Switching; Low Bend Point : Defeat, 150 Hz, 300 Hz, 600 Hz; High Frequency Curve Point : Defeat, 6 kHz, 3 kHz, 1.5 kHz
Preamplifier Residual noise25 μV or less
Preamplifier Crosstalk (1 kHz)Phono : -60dB or less; Aux : -65dB or less
FilterLow-cut : 70 Hz (-6dB/oct.); High Cut : 6 kHz (-6dB/oct.)
Low booster100Hz (6dB/oct)
AttachmentAttenuator (-18dB); Speaker switch (2 systems); Premain isolation switch; Tape monitor (2 systems); Recording output terminal (2 systems)
Semiconductor usedTransistor : 31; Diode : 2 pcs; Varistor : 4 pcs
Power consumption130W (8 Ω simultaneous load at maximum output)
External dimensionsWidth 450 x Height 160 x Depth 268 mm
Weight10.5kg

Design

The main amplifier uses a dual power supply system with all stages directly coupled, eliminating capacitors in the signal path. The complementary output stage employs PNP-type power transistors in a pure output configuration to prevent crossover distortion. The first stage uses two differential amplifier circuits. The preamplifier’s equalizer stage is a three-stage direct-coupled circuit using a PNP-NPN-PNP transistor configuration and incorporates ultra-low noise 2SA493 silicon transistors throughout all preamp stages. Tantalum and Mylar coupling capacitors with low leakage current are used to reduce switch-on shock noise. The unit features a friction-type double volume control for tone adjustment, allowing ganged operation with independent fine-tuning capability.

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