Luxman PD441 Vintage Turntable - Direct Drive with New Ortofon X40 MC Cartridge

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General:
The Luxman PD441 was the top of the range 'table available from Luxman, and its brother the PD444 was the dual tonearm variant. I

It's simply a beautifully-made vintage turntable with fantastic fit and finish throughout. Thanks to the design it would look great in a mid-century styled space.

The tonearm is also super cool - it's an Audiocraft AC-300 MK2 which features viscous damping and fits the look of the turntable well. It also looks to be well-machined and has a unique location for anti-skate adjustment at the very top of the arm.

Also worth mentioning is that Luxman used a high-quality suspension system on this 'table that dampens unwanted vibrations quite well. 

Turning the platter is a quartz-locked direct-drive motor to ensure you're always getting the most accurate speed. There's never any need to worry about belts. 

We're pairing this turntable with a brand new Ortofon X40 (MC) Moving-Coil Phono cartridge ($1,149), fully calibrated using our proven 12-step Premium SkyFi Calibration Process ($390).

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
One chip in the veneer on the left rear corner. Some hairline scratches on the plastic cover. The turntable is in overall fantastic condition, and looks new from a couple feet away.

Brand Background:
The history of the LUXMAN audio brand began in 1925, at the birth of radio broadcasting. LUXMAN has paid particular attention to the world of audio and has gained high reputation as a quality brand of high-end audio products both domestically and internationally.

Ownership:
Second Owner

Connections:
RCA Phono outputs, Power

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
9/10 = Excellent. Perfect physical condition, gently used. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Just the unit and power cord.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
Driving system: Direct drive
Motor: Crystal control, load-free spindle system, flat brushless DC servo motor
Platter: 30cm aluminium die-cast 2.5kg
Rotation: 33.33 RPM and 45 RPM
S/N ratio: no less than 75 dB
Wow and flutter: no more than 0.025% WRMS

Dimensions:
74mm (W) x 160mm (H) x 392mm (D)
2.91” (W) x 6.30” (H) x 15.43” (D)

Weight:
38 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1978

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.