Luxman Launches B-100 CENTENNIAL Anniversary Monoblock Amplifiers

Japanese company Luxman has introduced the flagship B-100 CENTENNIAL power amplifier, created to mark the brand’s 100th anniversary. The monoblock model sits at the top of the Centennial anniversary series and is designed to drive demanding loudspeakers, including models with low or unstable impedance. Sales through Luxman’s authorised dealer network are scheduled to begin in September 2026.

When connected to an 8-ohm load, the Luxman B-100 CENTENNIAL delivers 125 watts, while output increases to 250 watts into 4 ohms. The amplifier operates in pure Class A for the first 25 watts into 8 ohms, after which it switches to Class A/B operation. With a short-term 1-ohm load, the unit is capable of delivering up to 1 kW, demonstrating considerable current reserves.

The monoblock’s power stage is built around a 4 × 4 architecture. It consists of four separate modules, each combining four parallel three-stage Darlington circuits operating in a push-pull configuration. Distributing the load across a large number of output transistors is intended to improve amplifier stability and linearity while ensuring confident control of low-impedance loudspeakers.

The design incorporates Luxman’s proprietary LIFES 1.1 feedback system, which replaces the company’s previously used ODNF technology. The circuit analyses differences between the input and output signals and feeds back only the component containing distortion. In the new version, the input section of the differential error amplifier has been given a parallel configuration. Total harmonic distortion is rated at no more than 0.0014% at 1 kHz into 8 ohms, while the signal-to-noise ratio reaches 119 dB according to the IHF-A standard.

The power supply is built around a custom 1,250 VA EI transformer equipped with flat copper windings. The filtering section contains 16 specially developed 10,000 µF capacitors, providing a total capacitance of 160,000 µF. The transformer is shielded and mechanically isolated from the chassis, while the capacitor banks are connected using conductors of equal length.

To reduce internal resistance, Luxman has employed massive current-carrying busbars, enlarged coils, new wiring and six parallel-connected loudspeaker relays with 12 contact points. The damping factor is specified at 1,000 at 1 kHz and 2,300 at 50 Hz. The signal path uses Peel-Coat circuit boards with 100-micrometre gold-plated copper traces and no conventional protective coating, while the input circuits feature 7N-purity Class D.U.C.C. copper conductors for the first time.

The amplifier is built on Luxman’s proprietary Loopless Chassis, designed to reduce ground loops and electrical interference. The base consists of two joined steel panels measuring 2.3 and 3.2 mm thick, giving a total thickness of 5.5 mm. Cast-iron feet are used to protect the unit from external vibrations. Each monoblock measures 440 × 243 × 651 mm and weighs 61.5 kg.

The front panel features a large analogue meter with warm LED illumination and a special Centennial emblem. Connectivity includes balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, two pairs of loudspeaker terminals supporting bi-wiring, and trigger connectors for system control. A Luxman JPA-17000 power cable is included. The recommended retail price for a pair of B-100 CENTENNIAL monoblocks is €52,990.