Luxman T-117 (1988–1990)

Name: Luxman T-117
Brand: Luxman

A digital tuner that doesn’t just find stations—it reveals them, with a clarity that still startles decades later.

Overview

The Luxman T-117 Digital Synthesized AM/FM Stereo Tuner isn’t flashy, but it’s deeply capable—a precision instrument from an era when Japanese manufacturers were pushing the limits of broadcast reception. Built between 1988 and 1990, the T-117 was designed for listeners who demanded more than just a radio: they wanted a window into the airwaves, with the sensitivity, stability, and sonic fidelity to make FM and AM feel like high-fidelity sources. Priced at ¥59,800 when it launched in June 1987, it landed as a serious contender in the upper-mid tier of tuners, combining digital synthesis with a carefully engineered analog signal path.

This is not a passive preamp or an amplifier wearing a tuner’s disguise. The T-117 is a dedicated broadcast receiver, built around a PLL (phase-locked loop) system and a dual-detection architecture that blends pulse count and PLL methods for rock-solid tuning. It handles FM, AM (MW), and even includes a TV sound tuner section—though the latter is more of a bonus than a centerpiece. What stands out is how thoroughly it was engineered: from its 4-gang front end with high-voltage tuning varactors to its ceramic filters selected for optimal group delay, every stage was chosen to preserve signal integrity.

It’s housed in a sleek black metal case, measuring 438 mm wide, 62 mm high, and 323 mm deep, with a low-slung profile that fits neatly into any rack. The front panel is clean, dominated by a digital frequency display and minimal controls—this is a machine that speaks through its performance, not its aesthetics. And while it lacks the warmth of tube gear or the heft of a power amp, its presence in a system is quietly authoritative. When a station comes in, you don’t just hear it—you feel like you’ve tapped into something pure, something uncorrupted by noise or distortion.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Luxman
Production years	1988–1990
Original price	¥59,800 (released in June 1987)
Product type	Digital Synthesized AM/FM Stereo Tuner
Power consumption	15W
External dimensions	438 mm (W) x 62 mm (H) x 323 mm (D)
Weight	3.6 kg
Power type and voltage	Alternating Current (AC) / 120; 220 Volt
Tuning Bands	AM, FM
FM Frequency range	87.5MHz - 108MHz; 87.9MHz - 107.9MHz (UZ)
AM Frequency range	522kHz - 1,611kHz; 530kHz - 1,620kHz (UZ)
FM Practical sensitivity (IHF)	8.8dBf
FM 50dB Quieting Sensitivity/75Ω	Mono 19dBf, Stereo 38dBf
FM Signal-to-noise ratio (at 65dBf)	Mono 88dB, Stereo 78dB
FM Distortion factor (at 65dBf)	Mono: 0.04%, Stereo: 0.05%
FM Selectivity	45 dB (± 400 kHz)
FM Stereo separation	60dB (1kHz), 45dB (100Hz)
FM Output voltage/Impedance	700mV / 2kΩ
AM Practical sensitivity (IHF)	58dB/m
AM Signal-to-noise ratio	50dB
AM Distortion factor	0.4%
AM Output voltage/Impedance	210mV / 2kΩ
Preset station memory	24 station random preset station memory
Versions/Power Requirements	SD, EK Models / 220V AC 50Hz; UZ Model / 120V AC 60Hz

Key Features

Front-End Precision

At the heart of the T-117 is a high-sensitivity dual-gate MOS-FET front end, chosen for its low noise and excellent linearity. This isn’t just a cost-no-object part—it’s a deliberate choice to maximize weak-signal reception without introducing the hiss or distortion that plagued lesser tuners. Combined with high-voltage type tuning varactors and four ceramic filters, the signal path is optimized for stability and clarity, especially in fringe areas where other tuners would give up.

Dual Detection System

One of the T-117’s standout engineering choices is its “optimal twin detector,” which uses both pulse count detection and PLL detection circuits. Pulse count offers excellent linearity across a wide band, while the PLL method locks onto the signal by comparing the local oscillator’s divided frequency with a reference, then feeding back any difference to stabilize tuning. This hybrid approach gives the T-117 the best of both worlds: fast, accurate tuning with the rock-solid hold of a synthesized receiver.

Smart Tuning & Listening Features

The T-117 doesn’t just tune—it thinks. Its auto-tuning function uses the IF count method, locking onto stations with ±10 kHz precision on FM and ±3 kHz on AM. It includes a center tuning indicator and a 4-dot signal strength meter, so you can fine-tune manually with confidence. The “high blend” function automatically adjusts stereo decoding to reduce noise when signal strength drops, and the system even includes a birdie noise canceler and pilot canceler to clean up interference.

“Computer-Analyzed Tuning” (C.A.T.) continuously samples the incoming FM signal and switches the audio output to high-blend mode when the level is too low for noise-free stereo. It’s not AI, but it’s smart—anticipating problems before your ears do.

System Integration & Usability

Despite being a standalone tuner, the T-117 was designed to play well with others. It features a system remote control terminal I/O, allowing it to be operated via the Luxman F-105 AV surround controller. That means you can manage your entire system from one remote—a luxury in the late 1980s. The back panel includes a 75-ohm 'F' connector for FM antenna, a terminal for external AM antenna, and an adjustable clip-on AM loop antenna. There’s also a Memory/Normal switch, a 25–200 kHz tuning increment switch (handy for cable radio), and RCA phono line outputs.

The 24 random-access preset memories are a joy to use—no more scrolling through unused stations. You can store your favorites and recall them instantly, which was a big deal when many tuners still used mechanical presets. The REC CAL function, based on a 400 Hz reference level, ensures recording levels stay consistent, a nod to the era when taping broadcasts was still common.

Collectibility & Value

The Luxman T-117 is described as “a rare and perfect match” by those who’ve encountered it, and that scarcity adds to its appeal. It’s not as widely known as some of Luxman’s amplifiers, but among tuner enthusiasts, it has a reputation for being “one hell of a good sounding tuner.” Don Scott of Stereophile called it “one of the best sounding tuners ever,” comparing it favorably to his reference Sansui TU-9900. Others have noted it sounds richer than the Denon TU-767 or Yamaha T-85, despite similar specs.

Owners report it’s “as clean as the Denon TU-767” with sensitivity on par with the Yamaha T-85, but with a more musical character. Some even prefer it to high-end models like the Mac MR 78 and Magnum Dynalab FT-11. One user summed it up: “Not bad for a 30-year-old tuner.”

But time has not been kind to all units. A common problem is leaking electrolytic capacitors—specifically C001 and C007, which are noted in repair circles. These can cause power supply issues or memory loss, and should be checked and replaced if necessary. There’s also a note that service manuals may not exactly match all PCB layouts, so repairs require care.

While current market prices aren’t documented in the fact sheet, the T-117’s combination of performance, build quality, and rarity makes it a compelling find for collectors who appreciate the golden age of FM broadcasting. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to hear music is through the air.