Luxman EQ-500 Tube Phono Preamplifier MM-MC - WOW

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One of the nicest phono stages that has come through our shop and a good rival to the McIntosh MP1100.

Built in Japan with the sort of superb quality we have come to expect from Luxman.

Based on the the legendary E-06 design from the 1980's - but upping the game with the use of no less than *SIX* tubes in the signal pat, plus another for rectification and four transformers in the MC stage.

Best of all, the controls are all in the front panel so you don't have to reach around back or fiddle with tiny internal dip-switches to dial it in.

This example was a showroom demo unit and has never been sold. It will come to you absolutely complete like it just came from the factory.

Cosmetics are very good, but the top cover and faceplate edge are showing some slight scratching that's barely visible in the pics.

$7490 MSRP

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Select Series KS PHONO Tonearm Interconnects - Pure Copper

Select Series Balanced XLR Analog Interconnects (Pair)

Select Series KS1016 Copper RCA Analog Interconnects (Pair) - WBT Connectors

Ascent Series PK14 Power Cord

The SkyFi Testing Process for Preamplifiers:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier. We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.

More from Luxman:
A vacuum tube amplifier design that performs vinyl playback as you desire

The joy of analog reproduction is the indulgence of the harmonic density and tonal character of vinyl playback, faithfully reproducing sound vibration and resonance inscribed on analog records without interruption. The EQ-500 phono equalizer amplifier is a vacuum tube design for all stages to provide the ultimate experience in the expressive and colourful reproduction of music. Fine adjustment and switching functions that are easily accessible on the elegant front panel allow you to enjoy the real pleasure of analog reproduction. The debut of LUXMAN’s masterpiece phono equalizer amplifier, the EQ-500, brings a new dimension that offers an extensive menu of the finest details of analog reproduction allowing you to recreate that ideal sound from your memory.

RIAA-dedicated non-feedback CR type amplification circuit
All stages of the EQ-500 are vacuum tube. For the 1 and 2 stage a SRPP (Shunt Regulated Push-Pull) circuit is used which features low impedance, low distortion and prolongs the life of vacuum tubes. For the final stage a cathode follower parallel circuit is used with the ability to lower impedance further.The excellent sound quality of the CR circuit, supported by linear characteristics, is a direct result of the quality and accuracy of the parts used. LUXMAN has achieved the ultimate in high grade analog reproduction in the EQ-500 thanks to more than half a century of experience in manufacturing vacuum tube amplifiers and the selection of high performance parts. To protect minute analog signals from noise and magnetic field interference, the main sections of the EQ-500 are strongly shielded. The loopless chassis design of the EQ-500 isolates any ground impedance increase and magnetic field caused by the chassis current.

Stylish thin body with pointer type analog meters
The EQ-500 is housed in an elegantly thin chassis that can be mounted easily on a control amplifier. Stylish pointer type analog VU meters with a sensitivity selection switch monitor the output levels and sit on the blaster white front panel alongside a variety of additional control switches to create the sound close to your taste.

Optimizing the cartridge load adjustment
The EQ-500 features a load capacity selection function from which 6 levels (0/50/100/150/200/300pF) can be selected according to the characteristics of the cartridge to be used. Com bined with the load impedance selection function (30k to 100k ohms continuously variable) the original potential of the cartridge can be fully exploited.

Control functions
All main control functions can be operated from the front panel of the EQ-500; articulator function (cartridge demagnetizer), 3 position gain selection, unbalanced/balanced output selection, phase invert, monaural mode, low cut and high cut switches.

Vacuum tubes manufactured by JJ Electronic in Slovakia
The vacuum tubes specified for the EQ-500 are manufactured by JJ Electronic in Slovakia and have a reputation for high quality and superior performance. The characteristics of the gold plated ceramic tube sockets are ideal due to their solidity and low contact resistance. A stable voltage can be supplied to the amplification circuit using a rectifying tube and a choke coil.

Specification:
Circuiting system
SRPP, final stage cathode follower
Non-feedback CR type equalizer

Vacuum tube used
ECC83 x 4 pieces, ECC82 x 2 pieces, and EZ81 x 1 piece

Input sensitivity (1kHz, When the gain is set to 36dB)
MM: 4mV
MC: high 0.44mV
MC: low 0.18mV

Input impedance MM: 30kΩ to 100kΩ (variable)
MC: high 40Ω
MC: low 2.5Ω

Rated output/output impedance
250mV/850Ω

Gain(1kHz, When the gain is set to 36dB)
MM: 36dB
MC: high 55dB
MC: low 63dB

Maximum allowable input (1kHz)
MM: 300mV
MC: high 34mV
MC: low 13mV

RIAA deviation MM/MC high/MC low
20Hz to 20kHz (±0.3dB)

Channel separation (10kHz)
65dB

Input
Unbalanced line x 3

Output
Unbalanced line x 2, Balanced line x 1

Power supply
115V~(60Hz)

Power consumption
47W

External dimensions
440(W) x 92(H) x 397(D) mm
front side knob of 5mm and rear side
terminal of 12mm included in depth

Net weight
12.5kg (main unit)

Accessories
Power cable