The Luxman 509 Z Review. Luxman’s Best Ever?

The Luxman 509 Z Review. Luxman’s Best Ever? 

By Steve Huff

The Video Review 

This review was brought to you by Dedicated Audio who sent this to me for review, thanks Dan. They have an awesome shop in Scottsdale AZ that I have been to and bought from many times over the last 20 years. They are a full fledged Luxman dealer and one of the largest! OK, onto the review! 

It’s been a while since I had a Luxman integrated amp in my listening room. The last time was when the limited edition 595 ASE came out. I got bitten by the FOMO bug and bought one for myself even though I shouldn’t have at that time. You know, the $$$ aspect. I did sell it later on as I decided to go to something else but I found the 595 ASE to be a beautiful piece, and one that had the fit and finish with the best of them. Sound wise, it was a little sharper in the treble than say the older Luxman 590 AXII that I rate very highly, even though the 590AXII is discontinued today. When I changed speakers that 595ASE was a touch too bright for them (speakers were a bit bright up top, so needed a warmer amp, hence the sale).

My favorite Luxman integrated from back in the day was the all Class A 590 AXII which put out something like 30 watts per channel into class A but was actually measured at pumping out nearly 90 watts per channel (only 30 in class A). That integrated gave me a sound that was exciting, invigorating and at the same time brought an organic kind of human sound to the room. It had a very good extension up top, and a good amount of body to the mids without being loose or flabby and it delivered solid plentiful bass that was also controlled nicely. That was one integrated amp I regretted letting go of as it haunted me for a few years after because I never found that kind of sound again.

I love integrated amps and usually prefer them to separates. These days spectates do not always bring a better sound yet they will cost you much more. Two boxes. extra cables. etc. I have three sets of separates here now and the Luxman really gives up nothing to them other than bringing the “Luxman Sound”.

I have had the Yamaha AS3200 here for review as well as an Accuphase E 280, a HiFi Rose RA180 & 280 and many more but these stick out in my head above the others. All of those were wonderful, and really are a variation of the modern day integrated amp. Each brand has their own house sound. Luxman is alive, punchy, open and crisp with solid bass and a big sound that brings a hint of warmth in the midband. Yamaha is warmer, fuller and less detailed and less holographic but it’s a superb music maker. The Accuphase was silky, like velvet and with a warmth that brought body and big bass and a more closed in vs a wide open sound. All were great but all sounded different.

When Dan at Dedicated Audio asked if I wanted to test the newest Luxman flagship integrated amp, the 509Z I jumped at the offer. This was said to be the best Luxman has ever made, and possibly even bringing more body and warmth vs the previous X series, or so I read. I was ready to go and when it arrived I was actually excited to place it in the system.

First, a little about me and how (and why) I do reviews.

I do these reviews only because I truly love all things AUDIO and HiFi. When my Father brought home a big wooden console stereo to the house one day, as a kid in the 70’s, it was then that I was first hooked on this whole “stereo” thing. Music is in my life every day these days, and I mean every day. I do not do these written reviews with the goal of earning money as I am typing these words for free, at no cost. This review should go to the #1 spot in google and yes, I didn’t charge a dime for it. If you buy an amp because of this review, I will not earn a cent. Yea, for real.

That sounds insane to some as I have a website with a killer google rank and can almost guarantee anything I write here will go to #1 in a google search, even above the big names like Stereophile and Absolute Sound. This site receives on average between 40-50k views per month and it has been online since 2004, twenty one years. At its peak it received 300-500k per month during the height of the mirrorless camera craze. Recently I wrote a page on my favorite beard oils and it has brought loads of sales to the company I chose as my fave. That page is seen thousands of times per day, on BEARD OIL! I wasn’t asked to do it, I did it because the product is awesome. The owner contacted me months after and sent me some free oil as a gift. That was nice.

Why do this for free then, and give companies sales without a kickback? Well it is two fold. #1 I am and always have been a sucker and seem to do best in this life by helping others make money. Strangely it has always has been like this and #2 I love this stuff and it is one of three things in life I have a strong passion for so I have no complaints at all. I am able to do this for peanuts at this time in life, for now, so I do.

I love getting new things in when it comes to audio. I love hearing what different brands sound like. It increases my knowledge and it helps me to do these reviews as well. So it’s a passion and on some days as I sit listening in my room I am taken back to those days sitting on the couch with my father as we listened to music on “The Big Stereo” as I used to call it back in 1977 at 8 years old.

The reality is that I will make maybe $100 from these words over a period of a few months from Google. Good thing is that we need very little to live on as we live simply and well within our means though that may not appear to be the case when you see the gear I talk about buying (credit cards are a thing). Not sure how long this can go on though as more and more seem to want reviews and I am busier than ever unpacking, setting up, listening, writing, filming, editing, publishing, packing back up, shipping. etc. I’m having a blast though, and love what I do here. So no, I am not “paid off” to write reviews.

I do have a members area at my YouTube that costs $5 so if any of you like my reviews, you can join up here and support my work. Here is the link.

BACK TO THE LUXMAN

OK let’s get down to business.

I removed my Nagra pre and amp (retail cost of $94k) that I have had in place for a couple of months and in its place the just under $12,500 509Z went in. Speakers were my O Audio Icon 12’s ($23,500) which looked so good with the jewel like Luxman in place.

Before I get to what happened when I turned it all on, I must give credit to luxman for the all out beauty and build quality of the 509Z. It is truly in every way built like a Swiss watch and just as well as my Nagra components, if not better. Yes, this is true.  It’s the finest built Luxman I have ever encountered, even surpassing the 595ASE. For example, the volume dial on the 595ASE was a little wobbly, but that was how it was designed. Not wobbly really, bad choice of words, but it rocked from side to side if you pushed it. The 509X is solid, silky and amazing in feel.

Inside and out Luxman has refined this model and it has the weight at 63lbs, while not being too heavy. It has the luxurious silver finish, which seems brighter and more fancy than any other I have seen, even surpassing the Nagra silver look. The way the top is cut out is gorgeous, and yes this piece looks like a $25k integrated amp. I should know as I recently reviewed the $25k T+A PA 3100 HV right here on these pages and that one was and is AWESOME but man, it’s $25k!

The VU meters on the 509Z  glow with a white light vs yellow or blue and it just adds to the overall clean presentation. I could not want for better in build or looks, even if I was spending much more. I am not sure a better looking integrated exists for these old eyes, but you may not have the same tastes as me. While the 509Z looks vintage to some degree it also looks modern at the same time. This is not your 1970’s Luxman!

What is the BEST I have Experienced in an Integrated Amp so far?

As mentioned above, late last year I reviewed an integrated amp that was just perfect in just about every way, and declared it the best I have heard, ever. That was the T+A PA3100 HV (review). At $25k it should have been the best I have ever experienced and yes, it was. The sound of that piece was unique due to the high voltage on the rails, hence “HV”. It sounded it too, with an electric sound that was open, 3D and with mass power. That T+A had more of an industrial look about it and it was not as jewel like as the Luxman. IT was more tank like, brute force kind of thing. I wondered if this new Luxman could compete with that integrated in sound and now that I have been listening to the 509Z for the last month I am ready to spill the beans as to what this Luxman did for me.

Luxman cuts no corners.

I will say that Luxman has really upped their game in the last decade when it comes to building amps and integrated amps. From the way their circuit boards are done, without any right corners to be found to the unique and patented volume control as well as the capacitors and all parts used inside. This is a top shelf piece and one that screams “You have arrived” to those who will see it in the system. Kind of like buying a Cadillac used to be in the USA back in the day. Owning a piece like this means you have one of the best. My father loved Cadillacs (though he could never afford one) and if he were here today I am sure he would sit with me and listen to the Luxman like we used to when I was a kid. He would have appreciated this piece.

Yea, the 509z looks fancy but the inside is fancy as well, everything here is. Every connector is rock solid, every knob turns with a silky feel and even the tone controls now come with Bass, Treble and Mid controls vs the standard treble and bass. There is a loudness control that can be turned on via the metal remote control as well. This comes in handy for late night listening when you want to still hear the flesh and blood from an artist pouring their heart out at 3AM while listening at low levels. Some solid state amps sound lifeless at low volumes so this is here, only if you want it.

The tone controls here are not like the ones you may find on your AVR receiver. These are the finest I have heard, but that is usually the case with most Luxman integrated amps.  They will not alter the sound signature or reduce the imaging performance. They are there for those times when you have imperfect recordings or say those 1980’s CD’s that sound shrill. The reality is that no amp can make magic from a bad source so this comes in handy for those moments when you want a little or even less “oomph” when listening at low levels. Maybe you want more sparkle, or a little less. Maybe a little more body, or less. This one allows you to dial it in to your preference.

Of course Luxman also has a “LINE DIRECT” mode that takes all of that out of the chain, and for 90% of my listening that is what I chose. The button is on the front and you can activate it or not. It’s also available on the remote. I am not a full on purist but this thing sounds so damn good at normal levels in Line Direct mode that it doesn’t need alteration. I did notice a slight difference from when it was on or off. When on the sound snapped into clarity a little more, just a hair. Most may not even notice.

The 509Z now also shows the volume level between the two VU meters but if you do not like this, you can turn it off via the remote. I love it as it shows me where I am at. Accuphase does this as well.

One other thing I noticed is that the 509z is 100% absolutely dead silent. Zero hum or buzzing here as Luxman has went to great lengths with this model to eliminate any and all noise. I put my ear up against it and heard nothing, it was as if it was off yet it was on. Even my old 590 AXII had a slight hum at times. This one, nothing. The music emerges from blackness and this really helps present all of the good stuff to your ears. The wide soundstage, organic but precise imaging and the depth and layers which this is really good at. If your speakers and source are up to it, this can do the 3D thing as well when sitting in the right spot. You will get an open window to whatever is on the recording.

One more thing, this amp puts out 120 WPC into 8 ohms and 220 WPC into 4 ohms. This amp has an effortless way that it delivers power, much like that T+A 3100 HV but with that unique Japanese sound from Luxman which I will describe later on down below. I want to be clear that this integrated is truly a work of art in build and design and stands toe to toe in this area with the best there is.

More Specifications

The 509X has a variety of inputs both RCA (four)  and XLR (two) as well as a headphone amp built in, which is very good. It can also be used as a pre into a power amp, or as an amp using an external preamp. I do not feel integrated amps are the best to use as separates so I did not test this, as the 509z, as Luxman states, is already like having separates, but in one box. I believe them as I preferred it to two of the amps and pre I have here now for sound. Having no noise at all really helps with the sound as well, details emerge from darkness. It’s stunning.

Dan told me he loves the Cardas Clear Reflection cables with this amp, and it is what he uses. I only have my Nordost Valhalla these days, which I love and thee sounded great as well but I bet those Clear Reflections are indeed better as they bring a glow, a bit of body and this would work so well with the Luxman sound and vibe. This amp brings the beef but also has a treble that is electric so we hear everything within the recording.

The speaker connectors accept spade or banana and are solid as it gets.

The price of this beast is $12, 495.00. Yea, it’s expensive but the quality of it in every way shows you why it costs this much. There are lower cost models in the lineup, the 507z is one of them or go down to the 505. But if you want the best Luxman integrated there is at this time, this is the one for those of you who seek that out. I’m sure you can get 80-85% of this with the 507z and that one costs a bit less.

FULL TECH SPECS 

Rated output: 120W + 120W (8Ω) / 220W + 220W (4Ω)
Input sensitivity/input impedance: PHONO (MM): 2.5mV/47kΩ; PHONO (MC-H): 0.3mV/100Ω; PHONO (MC-L): 0.1mV/40Ω; LINE: 180mV/47kΩ; BAL.LINE: 180mV/79kΩ; MAIN IN: 1.1V/47kΩ
Output voltage: 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); 0.03% or less (8Ω, 20Hz to 20kHz)
S/N ratio (IHF-A) – PHONO (MM): 87dB or more; PHONO (MC-H): 70dB or more; PHONO (MC-L): 62dB or more; LINE: 106dB or more
Volume adjustment: LECUA-EX
Amplification feedback circuit: LIFES 1.0
Output configuration: Bipolar 4-parallel push-pull
Damping factor: 330
Max. amount of tone control: BASS: ±8dB at 100Hz; TREBLE: ±8dB at 760Hz; TREBLE: ±8dB at 10kHz
Power supply: 230V~(50Hz) / 115V~(60Hz)
Power consumption: 390W; 150W (under no signal), 0.5W (at standby)
External dimensions: 440(W) x 193(H) x 463(D) mm front side knob of 20mm and rear side terminal of 37mm included in depth
Net weight: 29.4kg (main unit)
Accessories: Remote control (RA-17A), Power cable

WHATS NEW vs the X?

Many of you reading this may own the previous version of this amplifier, the 509X. That amp came out with great reception and reviews so what has changed here, what makes the 509Z even better? Well, let’s start with the new feedback engine from Luxman called LIFES V1. This stands for “Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System”, what a mouthful.

From the Luxman website: 

“By feeding back only the distorted components generated in the audio signal’s journey to the final amp stage, LUXMAN’s proprietary “ODNF” amplification circuitry achieves excellent static characteristics and natural sound quality as if it were a “non-feedback” system. During the development of the M-10X flagship stereo power amplifier launched in 2021, technical concepts explored there were retained and the circuit configuration, which had become very complex over years of improvements has been completely redesigned to realize “LIFES” exquisite, high-fidelity sound and defines an amplification feedback engine blueprint for our next generation of components. The L-509Z is equipped with independent LIFES modules operating simultaneously in each of its fully discrete pre and power sections. The L-509Z is a pre-main amplifier that is worthy of the “single-chassis separates” concept that incorporates quality seperate units into a single, elegant chassis and has achieved an elevated level of musicality and unprecedented detail in comparison to other amplification circuits. The output section utilizes three stage Darlington bipolar transistors in quadruple-paralleled push-pull configuration to achieve outstanding output power and near perfect power linearity performance comparable to a standalone power amplifier, developing 120W+120W at 8 ohms and 220W+220W at 4 ohms.The result is spectacular sound quality with an abundance of energy.”

Check out the volume control, which is part of what Liz from Dedicated Audio here is holding, courtesy of Dedicated Audio which is one of the top Luxman dealers in the USA. 

“A tactile, satisfying volume control function is essential for audio amplifiers. To feed a fixed gain power amplifier with a musical signal at a level suitable for listening, precise control is required to smoothly attenuate the voltage while maintaining the quality of the input source. LECUA, developed by LUXMAN, is an electronically controlled attenuator system that switches through a series of high-quality, fixed value resistors for each channel independently. These are neatly arranged on the sub-assembly according to the position of the volume control knob. Since the release of the C-1000f control amplifier in 2006 to commemorate LUXMAN’s 80th anniversary, “LECUA1000”, which similarly integrates into the amplification circuitry, has been used in many LUXMAN products as a volume control system that minimizes the effects of external vibrations and changes in sound quality across the operating range of the volume control and is also resistant to deterioration over time. The L-509Z combines a highly precise rotary encoder with a newly developed weighted rotation mechanism to create the “LECUA-EX”, which offers even greater reliability and a natural, high-quality operational feel. 88 fine steps from 0 to 87dB and an acceleration setting for the speed at which the volume knob is rotated and a long-press setting for the remote control allow for comfortable and thorough volume control action with minimal degradation in sound quality.”

Mat at Dedicated Audio showing off the custom amp caps from the big Luxman power amp (not the 509Z) and this shows how serious Luxman is about quality. 

I just posted the text above from the Luxman website as it’s more direct and easier than having me reword it all to say the same thing. The volume control here is excellent and truly engineered for performance. There is really nothing here to pick apart, nothing that is “bad” or shoddy. I feel anyone who has this piece would struggle to find a weakness.

The power supply is also superb here, cutting no corners. “The L-509Z is equipped with LUXMAN’s traditional, highly stable power supply circuitry, featuring a bespoke, highly regulated 600VA El transformer and newly developed large-capacity filter capacitors (10,000μFx 8)” This is good ; )

BUILT IN PHONO, MM and MC

The Luxman also has a built in phono stage and they have a reputation for putting some mighty fine ones inside of their flagship amps. I am not heavily into vinyl anymore but do have a table here which is the U Turn Orbit 3 SE fitted with an Ortofon Blue cartridge. This setup sounded as good as I could have hoped for, as good as this table has sounded before. I did not have any fancy MC carts to test so can not speak on that but I am sure it is excellent and while maybe not to the level of a high dollar seperate box, the one inside this amp is very good and will satisfy most regular vinyl listeners. For MC users I believe this is hard set at 100 ohm so choose your cartridge with care.

Luxman takes everything seriously and the boards are done with extreme care and they are built to last for decades. That’s another thing with Luxman, the reliability is off the charts. 

PEEL COAT Circuit Boards.

“Peel-coat circuit boards are used for the main audio signal path, eliminating the negative effects of the coating film that can adversely affect sound quality. Unique attention has been paid to every detail, such as the beeline construction, which configures circuits to take the shortest route possible, and a non-angled wiring pattern for smooth signal transmission.”

OK, yea yea, the look and build is amazing. What does this amp sound like? 

OK, now that we have covered the specs, features and details of the Luxman 509Z what does it sound like? When I placed it in the system with the Icon 12 speakers from O Audio, I instantly heard a difference from the Nagra HD Pre and Classic Amp I had in place. I was told this amp needed 100 hours or so to burn in. I did notice some sharpness fresh out of the box, with a weaker than expected bass but it took about 3 hours to flesh out and over the next few weeks gradually improved, slightly. I’d say after 10 hours it will sound 98% of what it will ultimately be like after 100 hours but it does need some time to work itself out as most fresh out of the box amps do. I have about 180 hours on this one now and it sounds detailed, fleshed out, holographic and very very sweet. There is nothing dry about the sound here, it’s electric, it’s alive and it does a great job of bringing the artists to the room.

When it did flesh out the bass became powerful, thunderous at times and the top end smoothed out quite a bit. Yes indeed I was hearing quite a bit more refinement even vs the 595ASE I had here a while back. As the nights went on I started to hear a sound that was familiar, but even better. To me, this was sounding a lot like my old fave, the 590 AXII all class A but with more of an effortless power and drive. It was sounding just as sweet, juicy and exciting as that 590 AXII. Maybe it is because the first few watts here, say between 8-10 watts, is in Pure class A. In my listening sessions I rarely ever use more than 1-2 watts, sometimes 5 watts before I get blown out of my room so I was indeed listening in Class A most of the time.

It’s funny as even with speakers that are harder to drive, in the 85DB range, I was using around 5-8 WPC and the music was as loud as I needed. Big wattage amps are not what is important with the Buchardt but current is and the Luxman is a high current design. This means it can push most speakers with ease, even harder to drive speakers. Then again, if you are in a cavernous huge room, I can not speak on that as my space is 13X18. This amp can drive anything in this room.

My Icon 12 speakers are rated into the 90’s for sensitivity and they are a horn design but with a smoothness and velvet like quality. The 509Z was bringing pure Class A sound to the speakers in this room and the sound was very, and I mean very three dimensional with holographic imaging and a sweetness I do not often hear. It’s that Luxman sound. It’s not fat, it’s not lean. It’s not bright, but it’s never dull. It has just enough mid bass to keep the groove but “muddy” will never be found in a Luxman. It’s tight, fast and powerful.

It was much different from the warmer more electric vibe of the T+A.  Keep in mind that the Luxman  is less than half the cost of the T+A yet gives up nothing to it in build, engineering and design…or sound. It’s just different, The sound of the 509Z with the Icon 12’s were close to a perfect match indeed for those that like the traits of the Luxman sound. There is synergy here. Musical, check! Detailed and open? Check! Warmth? A little is here but this is not a “warm” amp… though it is not a “bright or lean” amp either. Dan from Dedicated told me it is warmer and fuller than the X but I never heard the X myself. The 509Z surely is juicier and plumper than the 595ASE but that’s going from memory.

All I can say is that no matter what music I cued up it brought excitement, slam, dynamics for days and that all out effortless drive. There is plenty of top end here, so your treble will sound extended and alive, vs slower and dull. It’s not ragged or etched out, there is some smoothness here and this is good. This is an amp that delivers the music to you with everything exposed without ever being lean or in any way strident, but again, if you have bright lean speakers this may not be the amp you need.

I hate leans amps, so does Dan at Dedicated. He sells some fine brands but what does he have at home? A Luxman 509Z. Mat, an employee at his shop also owns the 509Z, upgraded from his big MICHI. When store owners who can have anything they desire for their personal enjoyment choose a Luxman 509Z that says a lot.

As the days and nights sped by I tested the amp with other speakers.

The Buchardt E50’s are the flagship from Buchardt and I still have a set here. They are rated at 85DB efficiency so these are harder to drive but in all honesty, they just need high current rather than high watts and the Luxman delivers this current so it drove the E50s with ease. The attack was incredible, the punch was punchy and overall the amp sounded similar to when it was powering the Icon 12. They sounded so clean, clear and dynamic yet retained some of that Buchardt smoothness in the mids. Lovely.

I then put in the Pure Audio Project Duet 15 Horn speakers and while they are a little more lit up in the top end than the Icon 12 they sounded wide open providing a huge soundstage with beautiful and at times haunting imaging. Voices came out in 3D into the room with a realism and it was so palpable. So emotional. While I would choose an amp that had a little more warmth for these overall it really depends on the source. With my LAIV Harmony Micro DAC, which is a crazy good buy, the sound warmed up and became fuller and richer vs say the DAC in an Eversolo DMP A6II Master Edition, which brought a little bit of a leaner vibe. So source is important and if going the streaming route be sure not to skimp on the streamer and DAC. I did most of my listening with my Nagra Streamer ($5k) and LAIV Micro DAC ($994) and it was a great match for the sound of the Luxman. There are many other options of course, so take your pick. I’m sure Dan could recommend something as well.

RELIABLE

While speaking with Dan at Dedicated he stated that in all of his years selling Luxman he has never had any come back for repairs. Luxman is a very reliable brand and it’s easy to see how that is the case when you look, feel and see this amp. I wouldn’t worry here about reliability, Luxman has been around a long time and they do not plan on going anywhere.

They even just released a beautiful centennial system which includes a BLACK 509Z, along with a turntable, streamer and CD player, also in black. The price is a cool $37,480 for the set. Dan at Dedicated said he bought set #1. Wow. Again, he can have anything he wants yet he chose Luxman. I guess if I were in his shoes I probably would as well. That is a gorgeous set and only 20 are being made available for the USA. I’m not sure how many are left but you can email him here if you have a question about it.

The 100 Year Edition all in Black. Only 20 are available for the US Market. 

CONCLUSION

What else can I say? This is a WORLD CLASS integrated amp. It doesn’t get much better than this, if at all, when it comes to an integrated amplifier. It can get different. Different looks, different vibe, different remotes, etc. That nearly $25k T+A 3100 HV is a killer integrated but after having both of them in my room for a long while I can not say one is “better” than the other, just different. The Luxman has a more alive sound, a bit more all out clarity. The T+A a little more warmth and glow. The price difference? The Luxman is half the price. Build is equivalent though the Luxman looks more jewel like and the T+A more tank like.

With the all out build, parts quality, upgrades from the older X along with more body and warmth from the X, this is IMO the finest integrated Luxman has made, at least in my experience. For me, it is the only one that surpasses my old fave, the 590 AXII because it reminds me so much of that one in sound (looks, build even better with the Z). It’s rich, it’s holographic with the right setup, it has effortless power and does no wrong. It played well with everything I threw at it and never let me down. To be honest, there were things I liked with the Luxman more than the Nagra gear I have here that costs much more.

This is a masterpiece my friends, honestly. It’s expensive but you will never need another integrated amp again, unless you get like me and just want to try what’s next. This is another one of those lifetime deals, if you let it be. It’s worthy of that. I will miss it dearly when it leaves here in a day or two but I always have new stuff arriving so the fun never stops for me. I’m blessed to be able to experience it all.

Finally I should mention that this is a 100% analog amp. There are no digital bits inside so no DAC, no Streamer, etc. This is good as those do compromise on sound quality and the Luxman 509Z is about being a NO COMPROMISE design. That’s what we pay for here.

You can order a 509Z from Dan at Dedicated Audio, and he is a dealer I 100% can recommend. He’s an awesome and kind guy, professional and he knows his stuff. He will never do you wrong. Ive known him since shortly after he opened up over 20 years ago. Give him a ring at 855-991-8181 or visit the website linked below. Again, this is not an affiliate link and I do not make a cent if you buy one of these. My excitement for this comes from my passion for this hobby that has been with me for 40 years now!

SEE THE DEDICATED AUDIO 509Z WEBSITE PAGE HERE

Enjoy and love to all!