Luxman WL 717 (1971)
At 4.4kg, it sits on the shelf like a precision instrument - dense, deliberate, and built to last.
Overview
The Luxman WL 717 is an FM/AM tuner released in January 1971. It was Luxman's formal entry into the broadcast reception market after years of building amplifiers and other core audio components, and one of the brand's first two tuners. Owners report it was designed from the start to pair with the SQ707 integrated amplifier. It was part of a system, not a standalone piece.
The WL 717 doesn't cut corners. The 4.4kg weight comes from serious internal construction: 20 transistors, a single FET, two ICs, and 21 diodes, laid out for stability and noise rejection. The FM band covers 76 to 90 MHz, which suits Japanese VHF broadcasting of the time. AM spans the standard 525 to 1605 kHz range. FM sensitivity is rated at 2.2 μV (IHF), a solid figure for early '70s tuners, and the AM section uses the built-in antenna with a sensitivity of 400 μV/m. Output is 600 mV for FM at 100% modulation, into a standard 600 Ω output impedance, which is consistent with professional and high-end domestic gear of the era.
The front panel is aluminum, finished with white gold alumite dyeing and hairline brushing. The dial face is smoked acrylic. The hood is heat-resistant high-impact styrol with a leather-like surface treatment, which makes a tactile contrast to the metal front.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Luxman |
| Product type | FM/AM Tuner |
| Production years | Released in January 1971 |
| Original price | ¥ 35,000 |
| Receiving frequency (FM) | 76 MHz to 90 MHz |
| Sensitivity (IHF, FM) | 2.2 μV |
| Image ratio (FM) | 70 dB or more |
| IF interference rejection ratio | 80 dB (83 MHz) |
| Capture ratio | 2.2 dB (1 mV) |
| Two signal selectivity | 50 dB (± 400 kHz) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (FM) | 60 dB or more |
| Frequency characteristic (FM) | 30 Hz to 15 kHz |
| Stereo separation | 36 dB or more (400 Hz) |
| Carrier leak | -40 dB or less |
| Total harmonic distortion factor | Mono: 0.3% or less, Stereo: not more than 0.6% |
| Antenna impedance | 300 Ω (balanced), 75 Ω (unbalanced) |
| Receiving frequency (AM) | 525 kHz to 1605 kHz |
| Sensitivity (IHF, AM) | 400 μV/m (built-in antenna) |
| Image ratio (AM) | 40 dB or more |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (AM) | 50 dB or more |
| Frequency characteristic (AM) | 40 Hz to 4 kHz |
| Output voltage | FM: 600 mV (100% modulation), AM: 400 mV (30% modulation) |
| Output impedance | 600 Ω |
| Semiconductors used | Transistor: 20, FET: 1, IC: 2, Diode: 21 |
| External dimensions | Width 373 x Height 125 x Depth 227 mm |
| Weight | 4.4 kg |
| Attachments | Muting Switch (for FM/AM reception), Noise filter (for FM Stereo reception) |
Key Features
FET Front-End Amplifier Circuit
A single FET anchors the high-frequency amplifier circuit at the input stage, a deliberate choice for 1971. According to available documentation, this design improves sensitivity while reducing susceptibility to spurious signals like cross modulation and overload distortion. In practice that means cleaner reception in areas with strong or mixed signals, a common problem in cities. The FET's low noise characteristics help hold the 2.2 μV sensitivity rating without sacrificing stability.
4-Row Varicon Tuning System
The front end is paired with a 4-row varicon (variable capacitor), a mechanical solution aimed at consistent tracking and selectivity across the FM band. This avoids the drift issues of early electronic tuning systems. The four rows allow tighter alignment between RF, oscillator, and mixer stages, contributing to the 70 dB or better image rejection.
Ceramic Filter with Square-Wave Selectivity
In the intermediate-frequency (IF) amplifier stage, a ceramic filter with square-wave selectivity characteristics is paired with a high-gain IC. This gives sharp filtering with minimal drift over time, a known weakness of earlier LC-based IF stages. The result is a stable 80 dB interference rejection at 83 MHz, which helps against adjacent channel interference in crowded FM bands.
Switching Method Multiplex Circuit with Crossover Cancellation
The stereo decoding (multiplex) circuit uses a switching method, a common approach in the early 1970s for its reliability and low distortion. The WL 717 also has a cross-talk cancellation circuit designed to actively reduce leakage between left and right channels. This contributes to the 36 dB stereo separation figure at 400 Hz, which was not class-leading but was competitive for its time, especially when paired with Luxman's own amplifiers.
Strong AGC in AM Tuner Stages
The AM section employs a two-stage design: frequency conversion followed by wide-band intermediate frequency amplification. A strong AGC (automatic gain control) is applied across both stages, suppressing distortion during high-signal conditions. This is particularly useful in strong electric field environments where overload can cause muffled or distorted reception. The built-in antenna supports a sensitivity of 400 μV/m, with a frequency response limited to 40 Hz–4 kHz, typical for AM broadcasts of the era.
Pure Electronic Muting Circuit
The WL 717 has a pure electronic muting circuit for both FM and AM reception. Unlike mechanical muting systems that can wear or click audibly, this solid-state approach switches silently. It helps during band switching or when tuning through weak stations, keeping loud pops or bursts of noise from reaching the amplifier.
High-Blend Noise Filter for FM Stereo
A dedicated noise filter targets high-frequency noise generated during FM stereo reception. Described as a “high-blend” type, it attenuates only the problematic ultrasonic noise—often caused by weak signals or interference—while preserving the audible frequency response. This allows listeners to maintain clarity without sacrificing the full 30 Hz–15 kHz bandwidth.
Forced Monaural Reception Switch
For weak signal conditions, the tuner can forcibly switch FM stereo broadcasts to monaural reception. This improves signal-to-noise ratio and stability when stereo decoding would otherwise introduce hiss or flutter. It is most useful in fringe reception areas.
White Gold Alumite-Finished Aluminum Front Panel
The front panel's aluminum is treated with hairline brushing and white gold alumite dyeing. The finish resists tarnishing and gives the unit a subdued, almost platinum-like luster. It also gives a rigid, non-resonant surface.
Smoked Acrylic Dial Face
The tuning dial uses a smoked acrylic face, which adds depth and contrast to the frequency markings. The dial is mechanical, implied by the varicon system. The opacity of the acrylic reduces glare while allowing backlighting to highlight the tuned frequency.
Leather-Processed Heat-Resistant Styrol Hood
The top and side hood is molded from heat-resistant high-impact styrol, a durable plastic chosen for its thermal stability and rigidity. The surface gets a leather-like texture treatment, which contrasts with the metal front. The material also helps dampen vibrations and reduce microphonics in sensitive circuitry.
Historical Context
The Luxman WL 717 was introduced in January 1971 as part of the company's first move into tuner design. Before this, Luxman had built its reputation on amplifiers and preamplifiers, and the WL 717 signaled an expansion into complete system components. It was designed specifically to integrate with the SQ707 amplifier, favoring matched components over standalone performance. It was one of only two tuners Luxman released that year.
Collectibility & Value
Original pricing was ¥35,000, with an optional wooden case available separately for ¥3,500. No current market prices are documented, so valuation is difficult without direct auction comparisons. Service documentation notes a delay of 12 to 15 seconds after power-on before full functionality, possibly related to circuit stabilization or muting circuit behavior. One owner report from a French audio forum suggests the tuner outperformed its companion amplifier in clarity, calling the amp "a bit soft" by comparison.
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