Luxman L-100 CENTENNIAL Integrated Class A Amp

Description

Luxman L-100 Centennial Pure Class A Integrated Amplifier

Luxman's 100th anniversary model: a pure Class A integrated built around the LIFES feedback engine.

The L-100 Centennial is the first pure Class A integrated amplifier to use Luxman's LIFES circuitry. It is designed around a single priority, which is to pass the signal through with as little alteration as possible. The result is what Class A has always been valued for: texture, warmth, density and a smooth, grain-free presentation, with more control over the loudspeaker than the output rating implies.

Output and power supply

Rated output is 20W into 8Ω and 40W into 4Ω. The output stage is triple-paralleled and the power supply uses a custom EI-core transformer with eight 10,000µF filter capacitors. In practice this gives the amplifier a firm hold on the speaker and ample headroom for a typical UK living room with reasonably sensitive loudspeakers, with the whole of the usable power delivered in Class A.

LIFES 1.1

Luxman's amplification feedback engine detects and cancels only the distortion components, leaving the signal itself untouched. The Centennial adds paralleled differential detection at the input stage to reduce distortion further. Clarity and energy are maintained across the full frequency range without the hardness that conventional feedback can introduce.

LECUA1000 volume control

An 88-step electronically controlled attenuator, integrated directly into the amplifier circuit to keep the signal path short. Precise and transparent at every setting. The preamp output stage uses discrete buffer circuitry derived from Luxman's flagship preamplifiers, so it will drive a separate power amplifier should you wish to split the system later.

Design

Brushed white front panel with a chrome Centennial badge, and a pair of needle meters with soft yellow backlighting that respond to the music. A 7-segment display between the meters shows attenuation level, so the volume setting can be read from the listening position. Both the meter illumination and the display can be switched off independently from the remote.

Features

• Balanced 4.4mm headphone output with independent left and right ground wiring, alongside a standard 6.3mm jack
• Built-in MM/MC phono stage
• Tone controls, loudness compensation, balance and mute
• Pre/power separation for use with an external power amplifier
• Auto power-save mode

Construction

Peel-coat PCBs throughout, removing the resistive coatings that can degrade the signal. New low-noise relays on the input selector improve channel separation. Loop-less chassis construction keeps ground impedance and magnetic interference low. The unit sits on density-gradient cast iron insulator feet, with a metallic structure that becomes progressively finer from centre to edge to suppress resonance.

Connections

Four line inputs. Line 1 uses Luxman's own heavy-duty RCA terminals on a 20mm pitch to accept larger audiophile plugs; Lines 2 to 4 are on an 18mm pitch. Two sets of large speaker terminals for bi-wiring, compatible with spades and banana plugs, arranged in-line so each channel has an equal path length. Gold-plated IEC inlet designed to support the weight of a substantial mains cable. Aluminium remote control, also compatible with Luxman CD players.

Demonstration

The L-100 Centennial is available to hear in our Welwyn Garden City showroom. Bring your own records or files, or we can pair it with loudspeakers from our range. Call or book a demonstration.