The PD-171AL is a belt-driven record deck from Luxman sold without a tonearm, available from 2017 and building on the PD-171 of 2011. Its original European price was about EUR 5,995. It is finished with wooden side panels around a metal structure.
Key specs that matter
A newly developed high-torque AC synchronous motor drives a 30 cm machined aluminium platter of 5.0 kg through a belt. Speeds are 33 1/3 and 45 rpm, each separately adjustable by plus or minus 5%, and wow and flutter is 0.04% or less WRMS. The deck measures 492 mm wide and 407 mm deep, with a height of 140 to 195 mm depending on configuration, and weighs 23.8 kg. Power consumption is 38 W on a 230 V, 50 Hz supply.
Engineering and use context
Speed is governed by a clock-controlled generator circuit with a 32-bit microprocessor, and a reflective LED stroboscope lets the user check and trim rotation. The heavy platter is chosen for high inertia, and a wide drive belt is used to transmit energy while limiting vibration. The main chassis is a 15 mm thick machined aluminium plate, and both motor and transformer are mounted floating to keep their vibration away from the platter. The bearing includes PEEK material for durability, and the plinth uses a hybrid damping structure that combines wood and metal. Power arrives through a rear AC inlet, so the mains cable can be replaced. A 4 mm acrylic dust cover on hinges and a detachable LED stylus light are included, together with a rubber mat, an EP adapter, a pulley cover, two platter handles and three types of cushion for securing the phono cable. The bearing uses a large-diameter spindle, and damper insulators made of rubber and spring reduce vibration arriving from outside. Front controls consist of a power switch with indicator, a combined start and stop button, a 33 and 45 rpm selector and a fine speed adjustment.
Pairing
As an armless deck, the PD-171AL requires a separately bought tonearm and cartridge. Optional arm bases are made for various tonearm models, and the buyer selects the base that fits the chosen arm. A wrench for removing the arm base cover is packed with the deck. A phono stage, either internal to the amplifier or standalone, completes the chain.
Alternatives
Luxman also offers the PD-151 MARK II, a three-speed deck that ships with the LTA-309 tonearm already fitted.