Luxman

The Japanese company Luxman was founded back in 1925. Until this moment, the founder of the company, Mr. Kinsuido, was importing works of art to Japan, selling paintings and frames for them. At the same time, he was interested in music, studied radio engineering, and the design of radio receivers. In 1925, radio broadcasting officially began in Japan and then, in addition to paintings – the main profile product in his store, Mr. Kinsuido also began to bring radios. For this purpose, a radio equipment department was organized at the Kinsuido Picture Frame Store in Osaka, headed by T. Hayakawa and his brother K. Yoshikawa.

At that time, Japanese radio listeners were entirely dependent on technology created in the United States and Europe. However, the founder of LUXMAN immediately decided that in order to compete effectively, he must not only sell finished equipment, but also establish the production of spare parts on his own – to reduce import costs. The creation of the Luxman brand began with this small step. Luxman initially became famous in Japan for its high quality output transformers and various switches, but as a result, today it is one of the oldest manufacturers of electronic components in Japan. The respectable age is reflected in the company’s motto: “Ultimate Fidelity since 1925” – “The highest fidelity of reproduction since 1925.”

Mr. Kinsuido not only studied receivers and amplifiers, but also refined them, and as a result, a year later his book “Kinsuido Audio Book” was published, a manual for beginning radio amateurs. At first its circulation was small, but then the book became a bestseller and went through 14 reprints! Since then, the Japanese company Luxman has become widely known as a world-class manufacturer of high-quality audio and video components. Luxman engineers consider each of their products as an original work of art, which at the same time has the highest technical characteristics and capabilities.

Integrated amplifier Luxman SQ-5B (1962)

In 1928, production of the first serial product began – the LUX-735 horn receiver. Later, the next iconic model Luxman LUX-1730 appeared. In 1952, the first post-war tube amplifier, the MA-7, was produced, entirely designed and assembled in Japan, equipped with Luxman’s patented proprietary technologies. The 1961 SQ-5A was extremely popular not only because of its signature Luxman sound, but also because of its fashionable, modern design. For the first time, this amplifier has a power indicator located in the center of the front panel.

Tube amplifier Luxman MQ-36 (1966) 

In 1962, the SQ-65 amplifier was released, the first amplifier with Luxman’s patented feedback. In the same year, the first Japanese phono stage PZ-11, assembled on germanium transistors, appeared. In 1964, production of the legendary tube integrated amplifier SQ-38 began. The popularity of this model is unique! At that time, it was difficult to find a jazz cafe in Japan that did not use the SQ-38. It is still in production today!!! 1966 The MQ-36 amplifier with a transformerless output was developed and implemented. Another legend from Luxman.

CD player Luxman DP-07 (1988) 

In 1977, Luxman introduced a completely new series of SEPARATE audio components, the Laboratory Reference Series! It includes an integrated transistor amplifier, radio tuner and equalizer. In fact, the Hi-Fi era began with this series! Despite its worldwide fame, Luxman prefers to remain a small company that produces only elite equipment and does not strive to increase mass production. This can only mean one thing: unique quality and respect for its customers, who specifically created a club of Luxman lovers. In addition, the company does not follow other people’s standards, but creates them itself.

Power amplifier Luxman M-10 (1997) 

All Luxman products are based on innovation and original technology, honed over many decades of research and production. Luxman products are designed for those customers who value uncompromising sound, stunning images, proven quality and superior appearance. Today, Luxman integrated stereo amplifiers, pre-amplifiers and final amplifiers, tube audio equipment, universal disc players, vinyl record players, digital-to-analog converters, as well as separate phono preamplifiers, DACs and headphone amplifiers – more than 30 different models.

CD player Luxman D500-X (1990) 

All this high-end equipment is manufactured in Japan or at the new plant of the IAG Group holding (China), which now includes the Luxman brand. The president of the company is Mr. Kazuyuki Doi.

Tube amplifier Luxman MQ-88 (2004) 

To celebrate its 90th anniversary, the venerable Japanese company has released a new CD/SACD player, preamp and power amplifier. All three components – the D-06u CD/SACD player, the C-700u stereo preamplifier and the M-700u stereo power amplifier – remain true to Luxman’s proud heritage while meeting the demands of today’s audiophiles.

Key milestones in the history of Luxman 1926-1927 – release of the first radio receiver;  1929 – production of radio tubes and high-quality transformers for Hi-Fi components;  1930 – production of radio receivers (LUX-667) and Hi-Fi amplifiers (LUX-753)  1943 – development of radio communication systems for the aviation and navy of Imperial Japan.  1945 – in the post-war period – production of various switches and transformers;  1955 – development of a crossover with negative feedback, release of do-it-yourself kits for the manufacture of Hi-Fi amplifiers;  1957 – opening of a branch in Tokyo “LUX PRODUCTION STANDARD”; beginning of product exports 1961 – release of Japan’s first stereo amplifier SQ5A, then SQ5B, SQ5b. The company was renamed LUX CORPORATION  1962 – Grand-Prix award for toroidal power transformers. Start of production of transistor preamplifiers PZ11 and SQ11;  1963 – release of the SQ-38 – a historically important amplifier for the audio industry  1964 – Grand-Prix award for the SQ38D amplifier  1967 – the first high-end amplifier from LUXMAN – PL45  1972 – distributor activity for the sale of Bose (USA), B&W (UK) in Japan;  1973 – start of own distribution activities in Europe;  1975 – successful debut in the USA of the M-6000 amplifier and the S-1000 preamplifier in honor of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the company.  1977 – the “Labo Reference” laboratory was founded to produce reference samples of equipment. In the same year, business contacts were established with Alpine;  1981 – release of the first preamplifier in class A – L-550;  1986 – concentration of the company’s efforts on the production of HI-END class equipment;  1987 – formalization of partnership with Alpine; establishment of ALPINE-LUXMAN CO.  1988 – release of the first DAC;  1993 – release of tube monoblocks MA-88 and pre-tube amplifier CL-38;  1994 – release of the M-08 amplifier, which received the highest rating from the Japanese magazine “Stereo Sound” and the “Technology of the Year” prize;  1995 – 70th anniversary of the company’s creation. Release of the 500-watt monoblock B-10, which received the “Technology of the Year” and “Component of the Year” awards  1996 – opening of a branch in Germany. Release of the M-7 preamplifier and S-7 stereo power amplifier;  1997 – start of official deliveries. Production of HI-END class tube amplifiers.