Luxman WL-700 (1973–1975)
At 4.4 kg and wrapped in warm wood, this tuner looks like furniture that happens to pull in FM and AM.
Overview
The Luxman WL-700 is not a flashy tuner. No glowing VU meters, no oversized dial. It is a solid-state AM/FM multiplex stereo tuner, released between 1973 and 1975, when Japanese high-fidelity engineering was hitting its stride. It was priced at 1,088 DM at launch. That is not entry-level, but not quite flagship territory either. It sits in the mid-tier, for listeners who wanted more than basic reception without exotic pricing.
One source describes the WL-700 as a two-part system: a remote outdoor tuner unit (WL-700T) and a base receiver. No other documentation backs this up, and multiple listings call the WL-700 a standalone tuner. Without manufacturer documentation or service manuals, the claim stays unresolved and is not part of the main account. The prevailing evidence says single-unit tuner.
It was designed to complement the Luxman SQ-700X amplifier, a pairing that collectors still seek today. Matched or standalone, the WL-700 reflects Luxman's idea of components meant to work together.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Luxman |
| Type | FM AM Tuner |
| Tuning range | FM, AM |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 400 x 130 x 245 mm |
| Weight | 4.4 kg |
Key Features
Wooden Case with Illuminated Tuner Scale
The wooden enclosure sets the WL-700 apart from the brushed aluminum or black steel boxes that dominated the era. The exact wood type isn't specified, but the finish is consistently described as beautiful. The illuminated tuner scale gives the audio rack a focal point, and the glow of the dial catches the eye in a dim room.
Matched Design for SQ-700X Amplifier
Luxman clearly intended the WL-700 to be part of a system, specifically paired with the SQ-700X amplifier. The proportions, finish and front-panel layout suggest a coordinated family look. Collectors note that finding both units together increases desirability, for sonic synergy and for visual harmony. The SQ-700X connection also hints at Luxman's strategy in the mid-70s: complete, co-designed signal chains rather than isolated components.
Collectibility & Value
The WL-700 trades quietly in the vintage audio market. One recent listing on VintageChief via HiFiShark showed a price of €379, suggesting moderate demand and availability. The documentation reports no widespread chronic failures or maintenance issues, though detailed service records and common fault patterns are not available. A single Reddit user noted, "it sounded great with nothing else to compare it to in an A/B," which is a backhanded compliment at best.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Luxman WL 700 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.