Integrated amplifiers — Luxman L-509Z Black Edition CENTENNIAL

The L-509Z Black Edition CENTENNIAL is Luxman's flagship-tier commemorative integrated amplifier, sitting at the top of the L-series lineup with substantial output power and an extraordinary damping factor. The L-509Z Black Edition CENTENNIAL represents Luxman's most 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 a substantial 79,000 ohms balanced or 47,000 ohms single-ended - notably higher than the L-507uXII's 55,000 ohms. The phono stage uses the same sophisticated current-sensing design. Output power is 120W into 8 ohms, rising to 220W into 4 ohms - the highest in this L-series comparison. Signal-to-noise ratio is 106dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.03%. Damping factor is an extraordinary 330. At 440 x 193 x 463mm and 29.4kg, the L-509Z Black Edition CENTENNIAL represents Luxman's absolute current flagship integrated engineering ambition.

Sound and use context

Expect the accurate, refined character Luxman's broader considered engineering philosophy is celebrated for, with the extraordinary 330 damping factor combined with the substantial 220W-into-4-ohms output representing Luxman's most accomplished current integrated engineering.

Pairing

The current-sensing phono stage handles both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges directly without needing separate step-up transformer.

Alternatives

Luxman's own L-590AXII and L-595ASE offer related flagship-tier alternatives with a different power/Class A balance within the same broader L-series catalogue.