Luxman D-100c and L-100c – SACD/CD Player and Integrated Amplifier Marking the 100th Anniversary

The Japanese company Luxman has turned one hundred years old. To mark the occasion, the firm has introduced two new flagship models created as a modern reference pair, combining a century of analog and digital engineering experience. The new Luxman D-100c (SA)CD player and Luxman L-100c integrated amplifier form the foundation of the Luxman 100 Centennial Series, which celebrates the brand’s origins in 1925 while also reaffirming its long-standing pursuit of perfection rather than a chase for novelty.

Instead of releasing limited editions or purely decorative anniversary versions, the Centennial approach develops the idea introduced last year with the Black Centennial Edition components. Its meaning is simple: heritage should be expressed through technical priorities, not nostalgia alone. That is why the Luxman D-100c and L-100c are positioned as full-production components for high-end stereo systems. Earlier, in the same tradition, Luxman also released the P-100c headphone amplifier.

A power output of 20 watts per channel into a nominal 8-ohm load (40 watts into 4 ohms) may look modest on paper, but this is a deliberate decision. Luxman has prioritized purity of sound over maximum power: every watt is delivered in pure Class A. The output stage is built around a triple-parallel Darlington push-pull configuration and is fed by a massive power supply with a large transformer and high-capacity filter capacitors. Thanks to the character of Class A operation, the amplifier can easily fill a room with captivating music when paired with sensitive loudspeakers.

The Luxman L-100c integrated amplifier is equipped with version 1.1 of the LIFES system (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System), an evolution of the company’s ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) architecture. According to Luxman, the parallel connection of multiple FET transistors at the input of the error detection circuit reduces distortion and improves linearity while preserving the brand’s signature rich tonal character.

Volume control is handled by the latest version of Luxman’s proprietary LECUA attenuator with 88 steps. Connectivity includes balanced and unbalanced analog inputs, an MM/MC phono stage input, preamp outputs, two pairs of speaker terminals, as well as balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs. The appearance is pure Luxman: illuminated VU meters, a brushed aluminum front panel, and a solid chassis weighing 25.4 kg.

If the Luxman L-100c integrated amplifier is the analog foundation of the system, then the Luxman D-100c (SA)CD player serves as its digital counterpart. The model replaces the Luxman D-10X in the company’s lineup and has been fully modernized. At its core is the new LxDTM-i transport mechanism, integrated into the chassis and reinforced with aluminum side frames, a steel top panel, and an aluminum base to increase rigidity and suppress vibrations.

Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by flagship ROHM BD34302EKV chips in a dual-mono configuration. The player supports decoding of PCM digital streams up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to 22.5 MHz (DSD512) via USB, as well as playback of SACD and CD optical discs. The company paid special attention to clocking and noise suppression: a precision crystal oscillator and ultra-low phase-noise circuitry are used to ensure stable timing for both disc and file playback.

As in the amplifier, a fully balanced analog output stage based on LIFES 1.1 is used here, with RCA and XLR connectors. A large monochrome OLED display replaces the previous fluorescent panel, while vibration-isolating feet underline the company’s consistent emphasis on mechanical stability as a factor in sound quality.

In the end, the Luxman D-100c and L-100c represent a thoughtfully designed anniversary pair in which the manufacturer emphasizes control, stability, and long-term relevance rather than excessive functionality. The new models are expected to go on sale between March and May 2026. The Luxman D-100c (SA)CD player is priced at USD 18,500, while the Luxman L-100c integrated amplifier will cost approximately USD 14,000.