Luxman L-510: Japanese Class-A Integrated Amplifier Tested

The Luxman L-510 is a Japanese upper-class integrated amplifier from the 1980s. With true Class-A operation up to 2 x 8 watts, switchable phono inputs for MM and MC plus 125 watts continuous power in Class-B, it offers audiophile quality. Tested at Audio Everywhere (a hi-fi specialist shop in Goslar-Hahnenklee, Germany) and found to be in perfect working order.

Manufacturer	Luxman
Model	L-510
Production years	1981–1988
Made in	Japan
Type	Integrated amplifier with Class-A/Class-B switching
Output power Class-A	2 x 8 W into 8 ohms (at 0.02 % THD)
Output power Class-B	2 x 125 W into 8 ohms (DIN, at 0.07 % THD)
Total harmonic distortion	≤ 0.007 %
Damping factor	100 into 8 ohms
Frequency response	10–100,000 Hz (−1 dB)
Phono MM	2.0 mV sensitivity, switchable impedance: 100 Ω / 50 kΩ / 100 kΩ
Phono MC	0.125 mV sensitivity, switchable impedance: 40 Ω / 100 Ω / 300 Ω
Additional inputs	Tuner, Aux, Tape 1 & 2 (each 340 mV / 40 kΩ)
Outputs	4 x speaker (screw terminals), 1 x headphone (jack)
Tone controls	Bass ± 8 dB, treble ± 8 dB
Dimensions	453 x 161 x 444 mm (W x H x D)
Weight	17.3 kg
Power consumption	365 W
Design	Champagne-coloured front, rosewood case
Tested condition	Works perfectly, shows signs of use

Source: HiFi-Wiki

What makes the Luxman L-510 special?

The L-510 belongs to Luxman's legendary Duo-Beta series and combines two operating modes in one unit. In Class-A mode the amplifier works with pure 2 x 8 watts at an extremely low distortion of 0.02 % – ideal for quiet listening sessions with high-quality loudspeakers. If you need more reserves, it switches to Class-B with a hefty 125 watts per channel.

The phono section deserves particular attention: the L-510 offers switchable impedances for both MM and MC cartridges. With MM you can choose between 100 ohms, 50 kohms and 100 kohms, with MC between 40, 100 and 300 ohms. This flexibility was by no means a given in 1981 and allows optimal matching to a wide variety of cartridges. The frequency response of 10 Hz to 100 kHz with only −1 dB deviation underlines the audiophile aspiration. In the review in Stereoplay 10/1982 the L-510 was placed in the top class – the price-performance ratio was considered very good.

Typical weak spots in amplifiers of this era

Integrated amplifiers from the 1980s show certain signs of ageing after four decades. Electrolytic capacitors can dry out and lose their capacitance, which can manifest itself as hum or declining dynamics. Potentiometers and switches oxidise over the years and then cause scratching or dropouts during operation. Cold solder joints occasionally occur in heavily used units, especially on thermally stressed components of the power amplifier. The L-510 with its Class-A option produces more heat by design than pure Class-B amplifiers, which increases the thermal load. These points are inherent to the design and affect this generation of units in general – not necessarily every individual example.

Who is the Luxman L-510 right for?

The L-510 is the right choice for vinyl lovers looking for an amplifier with a first-class, adaptable phono preamp. The MC option with switchable impedance makes expensive external step-up transformers unnecessary. Anyone who appreciates the special sonic character of Class-A amplification without wanting to forgo power reserves will also find a well-thought-out compromise here.

At just under 17.5 kg and with its characteristic rosewood case, the L-510 is also a visual highlight for any hi-fi rack. Discover this example in the shop: Luxman L-510 Amplifier Vintage Retro Woodcase – or browse through more used hi-fi equipment at Audio Everywhere.

Sources

• HiFi-Wiki: Luxman L-510