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Luxman L-505Z
Our latest amplification feedback engine brings music to life with LIFES Version 1.0
The L-505Z, like the L-509Z and L-507Z, is equipped with our “LIFES” high quality amplification feedback engine, a feature integral to our next generation of amplifier designs. LIFES is based on the technical concept of our revolutionary ODNF feedback circuitry, which achieved excellent static characteristics without feeding back any of the musical input signal to the main amplifier, yielding a natural sound quality more akin to a non-feedback system. The circuit has been redesigned from scratch through multiple simulations. By combining carefully selected components and through repeated listening tests, we have achieved the ultimate performance and sound quality, truly worthy of being adopted for LUXMAN’s next-generation components. In LIFES Version 1.0, the entire circuit has been reconstructed and simplified, improving performance, whilst also successfully reducing the number of parallel elements, reducing distortion during amplification to less than half. The output stage uses a parallel push-pull configuration with bipolar transistor elements, achieving ample Class AB power of 100W+100W (8Ω) and 150W+150W (4Ω).
Electronically controlled attenuator LECUA
The volume control section is crucial to both the functionality and performance of an integrated amplifier and requires dedicated signal processing. The L-505Z is equipped with LUXMAN’s original, high-clarity LECUA* electronically controlled attenuator, which has been significantly downsized by adopting a solid-state (IC) circuit configuration. LECUA is an ideal level control system that minimizes variations in audio quality and enables smooth and detailed volume adjustment over 88 steps. The LR balance adjustment control also relies on LECUA's volume shift function. Despite multitasking, LECUA succeeds in minimizing deterioration of sound quality across the full range of the volume control. Intuitive operability is maintained while linked with operations from the remote control. A traditional rotary volume knob achieves that weighty, tactile response and operational feel enthusiasts will enjoy, combining convenience with pleasing operability.
Discrete buffer circuitry for preamp
The concept of a “power amp driver” is fundamental to the design of a preamp section, outputting an energy-rich signal is its ideal state of operation. The L-505Z is equipped with discrete buffer circuitry and high current supply capability at the output of the preamplifier stage, maintaining the fidelity of delicate musical signals whilst significantly enhancing the driving energy and performance of the power amplifier stage. The input selector switch controls a switching IC with excellent separation and low crosstalk. Proudly joining our latest Generation Z series, the L-505Z has achieved a dramatic development in musicality that far surpasses its class. In addition, responding to the reestablishment of vinyl record playback as an important contemporary source, a high-quality MM/MC compatible phono EQ amp circuit with a parallelized first stage is provided to realize supreme analog playback similar to our other high-end components.
Highly regulated power supply circuit
The power supply is the beating heart of an amplifier and must supply instantaneous current and stable output voltages. The L-505Z is equipped with LUXMAN’s traditional, highly stable, 540VA large-capacity, EI type power transformer, combined with four custom-made 10,000μF filter capacitors. This combination provides the instantaneous energy required to faithfully reproduce the most radical or gentlest of musical dynamics and maintain a stable voltage supply under any load fluctuations.
Large needle VU level meter and 7-segment LED
Like our higher-end models, the L-505Z is equipped with large needle-type VU meters, highly visible with white LED back-lighting, that smoothly follow changes in the music signal. Between the left and right meters, a new 7-segment LED level display has been installed, allowing you to check the current volume level from your listening position. Using the remote control, you can turn the meter lighting and 7-segment LED on and off as you like.
Headphone terminals with independent grounding
The L-505Z's high-quality headphone playback functions support the most intimate of listening environments. In addition to a standard φ6.3mm terminal, the L-505Z has a new φ4.4mm terminal with independent left and right ground wiring and separate unbalanced amplifiers, vastly improving left-to-right separation. By connecting compatible headphones and cables, the listener can enjoy further enhanced, three-dimensional, high-quality playback.
Various functions and in/output terminals
The L-505Z has our proprietary tone controls, loudness, LR balance adjustment and a separate function, facilitating bi-amp configuration with an additional power amplifier or coexistence with an AV amplifier set-up, all in one unit. On the rear panel, the 18mm pitch RCA input/output terminals offer compatibility with high quality cables with large plugs, and the robust speaker terminals with an in-line layout (same LR characteristics) are compatible with Y-lugs and banana plugs.
LUXMAN’s original technology
The L-505Z is designed with sound quality as the top priority in every detail, including the non-angled wiring on the circuit boards that ensures smooth current transmission. “Bee-Line” construction informs component location, offering the most logical and shortest route for audio signals to travel. Internal wiring using OFC copper cable that ensures natural signal transmission with spiral wrap shielding for each non-plated core wire, and a loop-less chassis structure which suppresses increases in ground impedance.
Multi-functional remote control
The substantial, ergonomic aluminum remote control can also operate compatible LUXMAN CD players released after 1996.
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Professional Reviews 88/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
88/100
Features Connectivity
90/100
Value for Money
86/100
The natural, low-distortion sound of the L-505Z gives it an easygoing polish, pairing Luxman’s LIFES 1.0 engine with stout 100W + 100W drive and a refined LECUA volume system. ecoustics and Audiophil-Online both highlight its thoughtful engineering, phono support, and premium build, making it a compelling fit for listeners who prize control, musicality, and classic Luxman elegance.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Combines low distortion with a natural, musical presentation that feels refined rather than clinical.
Delivers strong, composed power with 100W per channel into 8 ohms and 150W into 4 ohms.
Offers unusually strong feature depth for a purist integrated amp, including MM/MC phono, balanced inputs, and a 4.4 mm balanced headphone output.
Shows serious engineering attention to build and signal integrity, with a substantial power supply and carefully laid-out internal construction.
&
Cons
Its premium pricing puts it firmly in the high-end bracket rather than value territory.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
Reviewers describe a clean, low-distortion presentation with the natural, musical character Luxman aims for. The amp is praised for combining precision with ease, though the reviews are less specific about dramatic sonic fireworks than about refined, composed sound.
Transparency Resolution
87/100
The review points to low distortion, precise linearity, and a clean presentation that suggests good clarity and detail retrieval. It sounds revealing and polished, though the language stops short of calling it starkly analytical or exceptionally exposed to every last detail.
Tonal Balance Musicality
90/100
The reviewer ties the design to the natural sound quality often associated with non-feedback circuits and stresses that musicality is part of the point. The overall impression is of a balanced, composed amplifier that favors natural tone and long-term listenability over sharp edge or glare.
Dynamics
89/100
The L-505Z is described as combining high power with precise linearity, and the rated output plus robust power supply reinforce that sense of control. The review suggests solid authority and ease, but it does not dwell on explosive slam or overtly muscular dynamics.
Soundstage Imaging
84/100
There is some support for stereo separation, especially from the balanced headphone output’s independent grounding, but the reviews say less about depth, layering, or holographic staging. The imaging picture is positive, just not extensively documented.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
88/100
The review highlights serious internal engineering attention: a loop-less chassis structure, OFC wiring, shielding, carefully laid-out circuit boards, and a substantial transformer-based power supply. That adds up to a confidently built amplifier, even if the review does not use lavish language about craftsmanship or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
90/100
This is a well-equipped traditional integrated amp with balanced inputs, MM/MC phono, a standard headphone jack plus a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn output, pre-out and power-amp input, and trigger/control connections. It covers the essentials very well for a purist design and adds genuinely useful options without drifting into lifestyle-product excess.
Value for Money
86/100
At a suggested retail price around $5,995, it is clearly a premium purchase, and the review does not present it as a bargain. Still, the write-up frames it as a thoughtfully engineered member of Luxman’s Z series, which makes the price feel more defensible than extravagant in its class.
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- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Analog Emporium - GEM Dandy — in-store — Memphis, Tennessee, United States (website)
- Analog Matters — online and in-store — Ormond Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Arizona Hi-Fi — in-store — Phoenix, Arizona, United States (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
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