Luxman TP-117 (circa 1989–1990)
The Luxman TP-117 is a tuner/preamplifier built as the master control for a two-zone multiroom audio system. HiFI-Stereo (September 1989, p.68) called it an unusual component for its time. One chassis holds a sensitive FM tuner and a full-function preamplifier, and it feeds independent sources to two separate listening rooms.
Each zone gets its own source selection. The choices are tuner, CD, phono, tape 1 or 2, videodisc, VCR, and an AV input that can take an additional video source. Each of the two speaker outputs is rated for a total load of 500 watts. Two pairs of source-component outlets are each rated for 300 watts total (HiFI-Stereo, September 1989, p.70). A separate remote unit, the RTP-117, handles volume, source switching, and system power from the second zone.
The built-in FM tuner steps in 25 kHz increments instead of the standard 200 kHz. An internal switch can disable this for conventional tuning. In the preamp section, lab tests measured RIAA phono-equalization error at +0.5 dB at 20,000 Hz and -1.25 dB at 20 Hz. Phono-input impedance was 35,000 ohms in parallel with 95 picofarads (HiFI-Stereo, September 1989, p.72).
Audio (October 1990, p.333) characterized the TP-117 as a component whose standalone sonic quality “rivals the finest tuners and preamplifiers in the world.” Julian Hirsch, writing in HiFI-Stereo (September 1990, p.40), revisited the TP-117 a year after his initial test, noting it was designed as the heart of a two-zone system—a niche it occupied before multiroom audio became commonplace.
Information on production years, original pricing, and total sales volume is thin. The TP-117 appears to have been a relatively short-lived, high-end flagship for Luxman's late-1980s separates lineup, and it is documented mainly through these period reviews.
Known Specs (from period reviews)
- Type: Tuner/preamplifier with multiroom control
- Zones: Two independent listening rooms
- Source inputs: Tuner, CD, phono, tape 1, tape 2, videodisc, VCR, AV
- Speaker outputs: Two pairs, each rated 500W total load
- Component outlets: Two pairs, each rated 300W total
- FM tuning increments: 25 kHz (defeatable via internal switch)
- Phono equalization error: +0.5 dB (20 kHz), –1.25 dB (20 Hz)
- Phono input impedance: 35,000 Ω / 95 pF
- Remote control unit: RTP-117 (zone 2 operation)
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