The new Luxman L-595A SPECIAL EDITION is a premium Class A integrated amplifier built to commemorate Luxman’s 95th anniversary. The unique industrial design reimagines the highly regarded L-570 series inaugurated in 1989. “Not many consumer electronics companies can point to a 95-year heritage,” said Jeff Sigmund, president of Luxman America. “The Luxman L-595ASE validates our ongoing commitment to sonic excellence, superb build quality and timeless design.”
In place of a conventional serial number, a back-panel plate identifies the amplifier as a 95th Anniversary limited offering and cites the three-digit serial number as “### of 300.” With just 100 units allocated to North America, first deliveries will commence in June 2021 at a suggested retail price of $11,995.
Design
The Luxman L-595A SPECIAL EDITION combines advanced technology and a massive physical presence. Luxman enthusiasts will note that unlike recent Luxman amplifiers, the new model deletes front panel VU meters. Instead of a rotary input selector, the amplifier features an array of aluminum clad direct selection switchgear, each with an annunciator LED. The Luxman aluminum front panel is accented by a black Alumite lower section, creating an elegant, two-tone scheme reminiscent of the original L-570 series. The calibrated volume control features a bold counterbore and indicator light. Both the front and top panels also feature Luxman’s signature hairline finish.
Class A amplifier with ODNF-u
When Class B transistor amplifiers rose to prominence in the 1960s and 70s, Luxman engineers were quick to recognize the pitfalls of related switching distortion. Audiophiles know this distortion occurs when output transistors responsible for one half of a musical waveform switch off and others are switched on to handle the other waveform half. Because this distortion occurs at the “crossover” transition between the top and bottom of all waveforms, it’s particularly troublesome, becoming more prominent during quiet musical passages. True to its heritage, the Luxman L-595A SPECIAL EDITION eliminates the problem with Pure Class A amplification, available up to its rated power into 8 Ohm loads. During Class A operation, the output transistors operate all the time – no duty cycle switching on and off. The result is music reproduction of stunning textural clarity.
Only Distortion Negative Feedback (ultimate)
Negative feedback is an extremely powerful tool in analog circuit design. But even minuscule inaccuracies in the application of feedback can compromise the expressive power of music reproduction. For this reason, Luxman incorporates the most advanced version of our Only Distortion Negative Feedback (ultimate) – ODNF-u – circuit, with improved error detection.
LECUA1000 88-step attenuator
During operation and with low-level signals, traditional rotary resistive type volume controls often introduce noise. In addition, resistance tracking errors can unintentionally shift the left/right stereo balance with volume adjustments. For these reasons, Luxman has long avoided these types in favor of carefully crafted attenuator circuits. The Luxman L-595ASE incorporates the Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator, LECUA1000, first used in the range topping C-900u control amplifier. This computerized precision attenuator delivers meticulous volume adjustment across 88 steps, while minimizing distortion.
A Luxman through and through
Designed to give its fortunate owners pleasure for years to come, the Luxman L-595A SPECIAL EDITION reflects unstinting attention to every detail.
- 30 Watts + 30 Watts RMS, pure Class A into 8 ohm loads
- 60 Watts + 60 Watts RMS at 4 Ohms, and stable into 2 Ohms
- 3-stage Darlington equipped triple-parallel push-pull configuration for superior signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion
- Instant, effortless power thanks to an oversized, highly-regulated power transformer and large, independent left/right filter capacitors of special construction
- Large speaker relays minimize resistance for low output impedance and high damping factor
- Thorough anti-resonant design with a massively overbuilt chassis of 64 pounds (29 kg)
- Density gradient cast iron feet resist shelf-borne vibration
- Discrete buffer preamplifier output
- Copper-clad, steel-shielded internal cabling
- Copper alloy RCA terminals combine conductivity and durability
- Luxman’s peel coat input/output circuit boards eliminates the green film coating that can introduce high-frequency noise
- Smooth, round-cornered printed circuit board traces optimize signal flow
- Built-in phono preamplifier with Moving Magnet/Moving Coil cartridge type selection
- Preamp output/main amp input terminals for bi-amping and SEPARATE function to support home theater installations
- Electronically controlled Bass and Treble adjustment
- Loudness compensation linked to volume-control setting
- Speakers A + B output terminals with multi-way binding posts
- Two separate balanced XLR line input pairs
- Supplied RA-17A remote control also operates current Luxman digital players
ABOUT LUXMAN
Luxman America, Inc. based in Ballston Spa, NY, is the exclusive North American distributor of Luxman brand products designed and produced by Luxman Corp., of Yokohama, Japan. Luxman was among the world’s first consumer electronics companies, founded at the dawn of the radio age in 1925. Over the years, Luxman audio components have become synonymous with timeless styling, exquisite fit and finish, and above all, uncompromising sound quality. When the audio industry moved en masse into transistor amplifiers, Luxman continued to create vacuum tube amplifiers without interruption. Landmark products include the SQ-5A vacuum tube integrated amplifier (1961), the PD-300 turntable with vacuum disc stabilizer (1980) and the DU-10 universal disc player for CD, SACD and DVD Audio (2001). For additional information, we invite you to visit luxmanamerica.com.
Killson
May 12, 2021 at 12:18 am
No power meters, no dice – especially for this price.
Ian White
May 12, 2021 at 2:25 am
Definitely not inexpensive. I like the far more affordable tube stereo amplifier. $12,000 for an integrated is hard to understand.