Luxman EQ-500 phono stage: from solid state to valves

2nd November 2016

Luxman’s last top of the line phono stage, the solid state E-1 was released in 2001 and was only recently discontinued. Now they’re back with a valve-based model

Featured within are two step-up transformers per channel—one each for low- and high-output moving-coil cartridges. There are also three dual-triode valves per channel, for gain and buffering. Additional gain comes from the Perma-alloy-cored, step-up transformers.

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There is a valve rectifier to the power supply circuit for supplying a stable voltage to the amplifier circuit, employing a choke-coil.

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Valves include two ECC83/12AX7 dual-triode tubes (shunt-regulated push-pull) plus an ECC82/12AU7 dual-triode valve cathode-follower.

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Around the back are balanced and single-ended outputs including three separate, single ended inputs.

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Apart from Mundorf capacitors, the box also includes, JJ valves and Takamisawa capacitors.

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Also available are filter switches for ‘low cut’ (20Hz/3dB) and ‘high cut’ (8kHz/3dB) plus a mono/stereo switch, an articulator switch (cartridge demagnetizer) and a phase invert (for balanced output). Price is £4,495.

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To read more click www.luxman.com or call 01480 447700