Luxman L-505Z - Stereo Amplifier

Sincere Sound New criteria that redefine the standard

Designed in honor of our L-505 amplifier, which continues to fascinate many audio enthusiasts as perhaps our most familiar hi-fi model, and featuring our newly developed “LIFES” amplifier feedback engine that is at the heart of contemporary LUXMAN designs, we would like to complete the Z series circle with the L-505Z. While inheriting all the high-quality sound and design know-how from our high-end models, it has achieved even more as a multi-functional integrated amplifier. Redefining the standard and now entering a new era, the L-505Z invites you into the world of exciting high-end audio.

Our latest amplification feedback engine brings the music
to life with LIFES version 1.0

The L-505Z, like the L-509Z and L-507Z, features our high-quality amplifier feedback engine “LIFES,” an integral feature of our next-generation amplifier designs. LIFES is based on the technical concept of our revolutionary ODNF feedback circuit, which has achieved excellent static characteristics without returning any input music signals to the main amplifier, producing natural sound quality that is closer to a system without feedback. 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 that is truly worthy of being adopted for LUXMAN’s next-generation components. In the LIFES version 1.0, the entire circuit has been rebuilt and simplified, improving performance while 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 a wide Class AB power of 100 W+100 W (8 Ω) and 150 W+150 W (4 Ω).
*LIFES stands for “Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System”.
*ODNF stands for "Distortion Only Negative Feedback".

LECUA Electronically Controlled Attenuator

The volume control section is critical to both the functionality and performance of an integrated amplifier, and requires dedicated signal processing. The L-505Z features LUXMAN's original, high-clarity LECUA* electronically controlled attenuator, which has been significantly downsized by adopting a solid-state circuit (IC) configuration. LECUA is an ideal level control system that minimizes variations in sound quality and enables smooth, detailed volume adjustment over 88 steps. The LR balance adjustment control is also based on LECUA's volume shift function. Despite multitasking, LECUA manages to minimize deterioration in sound quality throughout the volume control range. Intuitive operability is maintained while being linked to remote control operations. A conventional rotary volume knob provides the tactile response and operating feel that enthusiasts will appreciate, combining convenience with enjoyable operability.
*LECUA stands for “Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator”.

Discrete buffer circuits for the preamplifier

The concept of "power amplifier driver" is fundamental to the design of a preamplifier section, outputting a signal rich in energy is its ideal operating state. The L-505Z features discrete buffer circuits and high-current power supply capability at the output of the preamplifier stage, maintaining the fidelity of delicate musical signals while significantly improving the drive energy and performance of the power amplifier stage. The input selector 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. Furthermore, in response to the reestablishment of vinyl record playback as an important contemporary source, a high-quality MM/MC compatible EQ phono amplifier circuit with a parallelized first stage is provided to realize supreme analog reproduction similar to our other high-end components.

Highly regulated power circuit

The power supply is the heart of an amplifier and must provide instantaneous current and stable output voltages. The L-505Z features LUXMAN's traditional, highly stable, large-capacity EI-type 540VA power transformer, combined with four custom-designed 10,000μF filter capacitors. This combination provides the instantaneous power required to faithfully reproduce the most radical or delicate musical dynamics and maintain a stable voltage supply under any load fluctuation.

Large needle VU level meter and 7-segment LED

Like our high-end models, the L-505Z features large, highly visible needle VU meters with white LED backlighting that smoothly tracks changes in the music signal. A new 7-segment LED level display has been installed between the left and right meters, allowing you to check the current volume level from your listening position. Using the remote control, you can turn the meter illumination and the 7-segment LED on and off as you like.

Independently grounded headphone terminals

The L-505Z's high-quality headphone playback capabilities support the most intimate listening environments. In addition to the standard φ6.3 mm terminal, the L-505Z has a newly developed φ4.4 mm terminal with independent left and right ground wiring and separate unbalanced amplifiers, greatly improving left-right separation. By connecting compatible headphones and cables, the listener can enjoy even more enhanced three-dimensional, high-quality reproduction.

Various functions and input/output terminals

The L-505Z features our proprietary tone controls, volume, LR balance adjustment, and a separate function that facilitates bi-amp configuration with an additional power amplifier or coexistence with an AV amplifier, all in one unit. On the rear panel, 18mm pitch RCA input/output terminals offer compatibility with high-quality cables with large-diameter connectors, while the rugged in-line speaker terminals (same as LR) are compatible with Y-terminals and banana plugs.

LUXMAN's original technology

The L-505Z is designed with sound quality in mind in every detail, including straight-angle wiring on the circuit boards that ensures smooth current transmission. The “Bee-Line” construction indicates the location of components, providing the most logical and shortest path for audio signals to travel. Internal wiring uses OFC copper wire that ensures natural signal transmission with spiral shielding for each wire with non-plated core and a loop-free chassis structure that suppresses increases in ground impedance.

Multifunctional remote control

The robust and ergonomic aluminum remote control can also operate compatible LUXMAN CD players released after 1996.