Luxman L-509X
The Luxman L-509X marries rich tonal warmth with iron-fisted speaker control, delivering expansive space, lifelike vocals and explosive dynamics without sacrificing long-session ease. HiFi News praised its sweet authority and controlled bass, while Jeff Fritz found its detail retrieval beautifully cohesive. Premium analogue connectivity, MM/MC phono and exceptional fit-and-finish complete a true reference integrated.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
96/100
Features Connectivity
93/100
Value for Money
96/100
Pros
Combines full-bodied, refined tonality with deep resolution, spacious imaging and fatigue-free treble.
Stays composed at high levels, with tight bass, strong woofer control and convincing dynamic impact.
Luxurious, meticulously finished construction and tactile front-panel controls feel genuinely high-end.
Versatile analogue hub with MM/MC phono, balanced inputs, tone controls, pre/power separation and dual speaker outputs.
Cons
No built-in DAC or streaming capability, so digital systems require an external source component.
The MM/MC phono stage offers limited moving-coil loading flexibility, fixed at 100 ohms.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently describe a powerful yet refined amplifier that combines high resolution, richly natural tone, strong speaker control, and an expansive presentation. Its character is more inviting and musically cohesive than aggressively analytical, while still revealing substantial detail and preserving the personality of connected speakers.
Transparency Resolution
94/100
Audiodrom found the L-509X as transparent as Luxman's C-900u/M-900u separates, able to reveal orchestral ambience before the playing begins. SoundStage and Hi-Fi News likewise praised its ability to retrieve abundant detail, hear deeply into recordings, and separate information without turning bright or clinical.
Tonal Balance Musicality
96/100
The prevailing description is big, rich, sweet, and naturally balanced, with a gorgeous, full-bodied midrange and a touch of warmth that does not obscure resolution. Reviewers repeatedly praise its fatigue-free listenability, lifelike vocals, controlled bass weight, and sweet but extended treble.
Dynamics
94/100
The 120Wpc Luxman was repeatedly reported to stay composed at high levels, with firm woofer control and no apparent strain on suitably matched loudspeakers. Stereophile praised its handling of subtle-to-explosive shifts, while TONEAudio and SoundStage highlighted hard-hitting transients, bass grip, and sustained dynamic authority.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
Audiodrom heard notably improved imaging and precise placement of opera performers, while SoundStage described fully developed space around voices on an immense stage. Hi-Fi News found the presentation broad, deep, detailed, and unusually convincing in ambience, even when recordings became dense.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
96/100
Construction receives unusually emphatic praise: SoundStage found perfect joins, luxurious metalwork, and a precision feel that reflected careful assembly and component quality. TONEAudio praised the exquisitely finished casework and damped, substantial controls, while Stereophile noted the sturdy speaker posts and thoughtful protective details.
Features Connectivity
93/100
The L-509X is an unusually versatile analog integrated amplifier, with four RCA inputs, two balanced XLR inputs, MM/MC phono capability, tape facilities, pre/main connections, home-theater bypass, tone and loudness controls, dual speaker outputs, and a highly regarded headphone amplifier. Its deliberate omission is digital connectivity: there is no onboard DAC or streaming provision, and TONEAudio wished for more phono loading flexibility for moving-coil cartridges.
Value for Money
96/100
At roughly $9,450-$9,495, it is a serious high-end purchase, but reviewers strongly argue that the performance and finish justify it. SoundStage's Jeff Fritz called it a "stunning bargain" and said he could not think of a similarly priced pre/power combination he would prefer; TONEAudio also found that it gave remarkably little away to Luxman's separates outside demanding power requirements.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
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Specifications
- Rated output
- 120W + 120W (8Ω),220W + 220W (4Ω)
- Input sensitivity/input impedance
- PHONO (MM): 2.5mV/47kΩPHONO (MC): 0.3mV/100ΩLINE: 180mV/47kΩBAL.LINE: 180mV/55kΩMAIN-IN: 1.1V/47kΩ
- Output voltage
- REC OUT: 180mV, PRE-OUT: 1V
- Frequency response
- PHONO: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.5dB)LINE: 20Hz to 100kHz (within -3dB)
- Total harmonic distortion
- 0.007% or less (8Ω, 1kHz)0.06% or less (8Ω, 20Hz to 20kHz)
- S/N ratio (IHF-A)
- PHONO (MM): 91dB or morePHONO (MC): 75dB or moreLINE: 105dB or more
- Volume adjustment
- New LECUA1000
- Amplification circuit
- ODNF 4.0
- Output configuration
- Bipolar 4-parallel push-pull
- Damping factor
- 370
- Max. amount of tone control
- BASS: ±8dB at 100HzTREBLE: ±8dB at 10kHz
- Power supply
- 230V~(50Hz) /115V~(60Hz)
- Power consumption
- 380W150W (under no signal),0.5W (at standby)
- External dimensions
- 440(W) x 193(H) x 463(D) mmfront side knob of 20mm and rear side terminal of 37mm included in depth
- Net weight
- 29.3kg (main unit)
- Accessories
- Remote control (RA-17A)Power cable
- Speaker terminal Supported Y-lug terminal dimension
- Width of part a: 16mm or lessWidth of part b: 7mm or more* Connection may not be performed depending on the shape of the Y-lug terminal.
Manufacturer's Description — Luxman
ODNF* Version 4.0 - innovative amplification feedback circuit
An integral part of the design of the L-509X is LUXMAN's original ODNF* amplification feedback circuit, featuring a high-speed primary slew rate, an ultra-wide bandwidth and a low level of distortion that is achieved by feeding back only the distorted components of the audio signal from the output of the amplification circuit. The L-509X is equipped with the latest Version 4.0 ODNF providing a dramatic enhancement of accuracy in distortion detection due to the triple-paralleled first stage error detection circuit. Lower impedance and a higher signal to noise ratio have been achieved due to the paralleled first stage and Darlington equipped second stage amplification circuit. A 3-stage Darlington circuit and a 4-parallel push-pull structure is used for the output stage, similar to the M-700u power amplifier. This achieves output at 120W+120W(8Ω) and 220W+220W(4Ω), enabling the L-509X to drive speakers powerfully with rich dynamics and full expression. *ODNF stands for “Only Distortion Negative Feedback”.
Chassis structure exemplifies excellence in function and design
The L-509X features a top panel with a beautiful hair-line finish and widened venting to improve heat dissipation. The loop-less chassis structure restricts any increase in ground impedance. Analog level meters, illuminated with white LEDs, add to the elegant and stylish appearance.
An abundance of user-friendly functions
The L-509X is equipped with a high-quality phono amplifier, compatible with MM and MC cartridges. This model offers all the functions that a high quality integrated amplifier should, including bass and treble tone controls, L/R balance adjustment controlled by LECUA, pre/power separation function, volume control and headphone output, all integrated into a single unit without compromising sound quality.
Copper alloy terminals
High quality RCA terminals, made of copper alloy, are used for the LINE-1 inputs of the L-509X, combining the beneficial conductivity of copper and durability of brass. The L-509X features many custom-made components befitting a flagship model, such as the robust power supply and high-grade speaker terminals that are compatible with Y-connectors.
Gradation cast-iron feet
Thorough vibration countermeasures have been taken, using cast iron feet with a density gradient to eliminate resonance. The high grade, aluminium body remote control is also supplied as standard.
High stability power supply
The highly stable power supply circuit developed for the L-509X features a 600 VA EI-core-type power transformer and independent left and right channel large capacity blocking capacitors (10,000μFx4 per channel). This generous custom specification ensures that the power supply unit will not be affected by any load fluctuation.
Discrete buffer circuit
The L-509X is equipped with a discrete buffer circuit that is equivalent to the type used in the high-end LUXMAN C-900u separate amplifier. The clarity of the audio signal is preserved by this circuit whilst at the same time the following power amplification stage's driving force is significantly increased.
Prioritizing audio quality in design
The use of crack-resistant peel coat PCBs for the amplifier boards prevent the quality of audio signals being adversely affected. This product prioritizes audio quality in features such as the non-angled, direct wiring pattern, known as the original LUXMAN’s Beeline construction, ensuring smooth signal transmission via the optimum shortest route.
Increased damping factor
Large-capacity, low resistance speaker relays are connected in parallel, enabling loss-less transmission of the powerful driving force that is generated by the generous power supply circuit and the amplifier output section of the L-509X. The use of 3.5mm2 cabling for the amplifier board output and the unit's damping factor of 370 enables the L-509X to drive all kinds of speakers accurately.
New LECUA*1000 computerized attenuator
LUXMAN's New LECUA1000 is at the heart of the preamp section and the volume adjustment control of the L-509X. This computerized attenuator is integrated with the amplification circuit, a feature integral to the high-end LUXMAN C-900u control amplifier. LECUA provides an ideal level control system which allows smooth and fine adjustment of the volume over 88 steps, thereby minimising the deterioration of audio quality at any point of the volume adjustment range. An advancement of the New LECUA1000 is the 3D design layout. The attenuator circuit board is directly connected to the amplification circuit board. Signal routing has been minimized andefficiency has been successfully enhanced. In addition, this design is extremely resistant to external vibration and eliminates changes in audio quality over the volume control range. The robust nature of this system ensures longevity and durability. *LECUA stands for “Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator”.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Luxman L-509X
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- 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)
and 129 more verified dealers