Integrated amplifiers — Luxman L-509Z

The L-509Z is an accomplished integrated amplifier with built-in phono stage from Luxman, built with comprehensive two-plus-four-plus-phono connectivity and an exceptional damping factor. The L-509Z represents Luxman's more ambitious current statement in integrated amplifier engineering.

Key specs that matter

Two balanced XLR inputs and four single-ended inputs plus a dedicated phono input are provided. Input sensitivity is 180mV, with input impedance at 79,000 ohms balanced or 47,000 ohms single-ended. The phono stage uses a sophisticated current-sensing design at 47,000 ohms for MM or 100 ohms for MC. Output power is 120W into 8 ohms, rising to 220W into 4 ohms. Frequency response spans an exceptionally wide 20Hz to 100,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 106dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.03%. Damping factor exceeds an exceptional 330. At 440 x 193 x 463mm and 29.4kg, the L-509Z represents a substantial integrated amplifier commitment reflecting Luxman's meticulous Japanese engineering standards.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, tightly controlled amplification reflecting the exceptional over-330 damping factor combined with the exceptionally wide 20Hz-100kHz bandwidth, with the built-in phono stage covering both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges directly.

Pairing

The built-in phono stage covers both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges directly without needing a separate outboard phono stage.

Alternatives

Other manufacturers' comparable flagship-tier integrated amplifiers offer alternatives for buyers wanting to compare features at a similar price point.