Luxman Integrated Amplifiers Compared: L-505Z vs L-507Z vs L-509Z vs L-100

The current Luxman lineup brings together decades of Japanese engineering heritage in a family of amplifiers that share a common philosophy while serving distinctly different listeners. Every model here reflects Luxman's founding in 1925 and its ongoing commitment to heavy, high-rigidity chassis, large low-noise power transformers, big filter capacitors, and precision machined aluminum panels, all built in Yokohama.

Specifications compared

Three of these models (the L-505Z, L-507Z, and L-509Z) are solid-state integrated amplifiers built around Luxman's current LIFES 1.0 amplification circuit and a LECUA-family volume control. They form a clear step-up ladder within Luxman's own range. The fourth, the L-100, is a different kind of component altogether: a vacuum tube control amplifier (a preamplifier) that represents Luxman's Centennial heritage in tube form. This guide walks through what each one is, the specifications that matter, and who each is for, so you can choose with confidence.

What Do These Luxman Models Share?

What technology do the Luxman Z-series integrateds have in common?

The L-505Z, L-507Z, and L-509Z all share Luxman's LIFES 1.0 amplification circuit and a LECUA-based volume control, the two defining technologies of the current Z series. LIFES 1.0 (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) is Luxman's current feedback circuit, introduced with the Z series and the 10X separates. It applies negative feedback in a refined way that keeps distortion and noise extremely low across the whole audio band while preserving a natural, musical character. It replaced the older ODNF circuit.

The LECUA volume control (Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator) is another shared trait. Instead of a conventional variable resistor, it switches a computer-controlled array of fixed resistors, giving precise left and right channel balance, no wear, and consistent sound quality at every volume level. All three also operate in Class AB, which delivers higher power with excellent efficiency, and all three share the same Line frequency response of 20 Hz to 100 kHz (within -3.0 dB) and the same Phono response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-0.5 dB). Each includes an MM/MC phono stage, main-in for using the power section directly, and Speaker A/B, pre out, and headphone outputs.

Model-by-Model Breakdown

What is the Luxman L-505Z and who is it for?

The Luxman L-505Z is the entry point into the current Z-series integrated range and is for the listener who wants genuine Luxman engineering and sound in the most compact and approachable form. It delivers 100 W + 100 W into 8 ohms and 150 W + 150 W into 4 ohms, with THD of 0.009% or less (8 ohms, 1 kHz) and a Line signal-to-noise ratio of 104 dB or more (IHF-A).

It uses LIFES 1.0 and the LECUA volume control, with a damping factor of 200 for firm control over the woofer. Connectivity covers Line x3 plus a phono input (MM/MC) and main-in, with a Line input sensitivity of 180 mV. The phono stage offers 87 dB S/N for MM and 70 dB for MC. At 22.5 kg and measuring 440 x 178 x 454 mm, it is the lightest and slimmest of the three integrateds. This model suits a listener with efficient to moderately demanding speakers who wants the Luxman house sound, a real phono stage, and the LIFES and LECUA technologies in a right-sized package.

What is the Luxman L-507Z and who is it for?

The Luxman L-507Z is the middle of the Z-series integrated range and is for the listener who wants more power, more grip, and balanced connectivity while staying with the same chassis footprint as the L-505Z. It delivers 110 W + 110 W into 8 ohms and 210 W + 210 W into 4 ohms, a notable increase in current delivery, with THD of 0.007 percent or less (8 ohms, 1 kHz) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 105 dB or more (LINE, IHF-A).

It steps up to the New LECUA 1000 electronically controlled attenuator and raises the damping factor to 300 for a firmer hold on the bass. Crucially, it adds balanced XLR inputs, offering LINE x3, LINE (balanced XLR) x2, PHONO (MM/MC) x1, and MAIN IN x1, with Line input sensitivity of 180 mV, PHONO MM 2.5 mV, and PHONO MC 0.3 mV. Outputs include PRE OUT x1, Speaker A/B, and headphone. It shares the 440 x 178 x 454 mm dimensions of the L-505Z but weighs more at 25.4 kg, reflecting the larger power section. This model suits a listener with more demanding speakers, or one who wants balanced connections and greater dynamic headroom, without moving up to the flagship integrated.

What is the Luxman L-509Z and who is it for?

The Luxman L-509Z is the flagship of the Z-series integrated range and is for the listener who wants Luxman's fullest integrated expression, including the signature analog VU meters. It delivers 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 220 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with THD of 0.007 percent or less (8 ohms, 1 kHz) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 106 dB or more (line, IHF-A), the highest of the three integrateds.

It uses the refined LECUA-EX electronically controlled attenuator, the same volume approach found in the flagship C-10X, and reaches a damping factor of 330, the firmest woofer control in this group. Connectivity includes Balanced XLR x2, Line RCA x4, Phono (MM/MC) x1, and Main In x1, with Line and Balanced input sensitivity both at 180 mV. Outputs are Speaker A/B, Pre Out, and headphone. It is the largest and heaviest integrated here at 440 x 193 x 463 mm and 29.4 kg, and the illuminated needle meters that show output power are a longstanding Luxman signature. This model suits a listener building a reference-level single-box system who wants maximum grip, the highest S/N, generous inputs, and the flagship presentation.

What is the Luxman L-100 and who is it for?

The Luxman L-100 is not an integrated amplifier at all but a vacuum tube stereo control amplifier, meaning a preamplifier, and it is for the listener who wants the character of tubes at the heart of a system built around separate power amplification. It uses a fully balanced, dual mono circuit topology and six E88CC twin triode tubes (JJ Electronic), with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+0.3, -0 dB) at LINE/BAL, 1 V output.

Its volume control is the LECUTA transformer-based 34-step attenuator, a distinct approach that differs from the solid-state LECUA family. THD is 0.016% (LINE/BAL, 1 V, 1 kHz) and the signal-to-noise ratio is a very high 120 dB (LINE/BAL, IHF-A). It offers balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) line-level inputs and outputs, plus a built-in MM/MC phono equalizer. It measures 460 x 166 x 454 mm and weighs 24.4 kg. Because it is a preamplifier, it requires a separate power amplifier to drive speakers. This model suits the listener who wants tube-based control and tone, a fully balanced dual mono design, and the flexibility of building a separates system rather than a single integrated box.

Head-to-Head Guidance

What is the difference between the L-505Z and the L-507Z?

The core difference is power, grip, and balanced connectivity, with the L-507Z stepping up in all three. The L-505Z delivers 100 W + 100 W into 8 ohms (150 W + 150 W into 4 ohms), while the L-507Z delivers 110 W + 110 W into 8 ohms and a much greater 210 W + 210 W into 4 ohms, showing stronger current delivery into lower impedance loads.

The L-507Z also lowers THD to 0.007 percent (versus 0.009% on the L-505Z), raises S/N to 105 dB (versus 104 dB), and increases the damping factor to 300 (versus 200). It moves to the New LECUA 1000 attenuator and adds two balanced XLR inputs that the L-505Z does not have. Both share the same 440 x 178 x 454 mm footprint, but the L-507Z weighs 25.4 kg versus 22.5 kg. Choose the L-505Z for a compact, right-sized Luxman with efficient speakers, and the L-507Z when your speakers are more demanding or you want balanced sources and more headroom.

What is the difference between the L-507Z and the L-509Z?

The L-509Z is the flagship integrated, adding more power, the finest volume control in the range, and the analog VU meters. It delivers 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 220 watts per channel into 4 ohms, compared with the L-507Z's 110 W + 110 W and 210 W + 210 W. Its signal-to-noise ratio reaches 106 dB (versus 105 dB) and its damping factor is 330 (versus 300).

The L-509Z uses the LECUA-EX attenuator, a further refinement shared with the flagship C-10X, while the L-507Z uses New LECUA 1000. The L-509Z also offers more line inputs (Line RCA x4 plus Balanced XLR x2) against the L-507Z's LINE x3 plus two XLR. The flagship is larger and heavier at 440 x 193 x 463 mm and 29.4 kg, versus 440 x 178 x 454 mm and 25.4 kg. Choose the L-507Z for most of the flagship's capability in a slightly more compact chassis, and the L-509Z when you want maximum grip, the highest S/N of the group, more inputs, and the signature illuminated meters.

Should I choose an integrated amplifier or the L-100 preamplifier?

Choose one of the Z-series integrateds if you want a single box that both controls sources and drives your speakers, and choose the L-100 if you want a tube preamplifier at the center of a separates system. The L-505Z, L-507Z, and L-509Z contain both preamplifier and power amplifier stages, so you can connect speakers directly. The L-100 is a vacuum tube control amplifier only, so it needs a separate power amplifier to make sound.

The L-100 also offers a different sonic character through its six E88CC tubes and its LECUTA transformer-based attenuator, along with a very high 120 dB S/N and a built-in MM/MC phono equalizer. If you value tube tone, fully balanced dual mono topology, and the flexibility to pair with a power amplifier of your choosing, the L-100 is the path. If you want simplicity and everything in one chassis, an integrated is the answer.

Which Luxman is best for driving demanding speakers?

Among these models, the L-509Z offers the firmest speaker control, with a damping factor of 330 and 220 watts per channel into 4 ohms. The L-507Z follows closely with a damping factor of 300 and 210 W + 210 W into 4 ohms, while the L-505Z provides a damping factor of 200 and 150 W + 150 W into 4 ohms.

Higher damping factor means a tighter grip on the woofer and firmer bass, and Luxman achieves this by using multiple parallel output devices in the power stage. For loudspeakers that dip to lower impedances or benefit from strong current delivery, the L-507Z and L-509Z are the stronger choices. The L-505Z remains an excellent match for efficient to moderately demanding speakers. The L-100, as a preamplifier, does not drive speakers itself, so its pairing power amplifier determines this behavior.

Which Luxman is best for a vinyl-focused system?

All four models include a phono stage, so any of them can anchor a vinyl system, with the choice coming down to format and power needs. Each Z-series integrated offers an MM/MC phono input, with the L-505Z quoting 87 dB (MM) and 70 dB (MC) S/N and the L-507Z quoting PHONO MM 2.5 mV and PHONO MC 0.3 mV sensitivity. The L-100 includes a built-in MM/MC phono equalizer within its tube control amplifier.

If you want a one-box vinyl system, choose the integrated whose power and grip suit your speakers. If you want tube character for records paired with a separate power amplifier, the L-100 is the natural centerpiece. Any of these pairs well with Luxman's own analog sources.

How Do I Decide?

How do I choose between the Luxman L-505Z, L-507Z, L-509Z, and L-100?

Decide first whether you want a complete integrated amplifier or a tube preamplifier for a separates system, then match the model to your speakers and connectivity. If you want everything in one box, the three Z-series integrateds form a clear ladder. The L-505Z is the compact entry with 100 W + 100 W and a damping factor of 200, ideal for efficient speakers and a tidy footprint. The L-507Z steps up to 110 W + 110 W (210 W + 210 W into 4 ohms), a damping factor of 300, balanced XLR inputs, and the New LECUA 1000, making it the versatile middle choice for more demanding speakers. The L-509Z is the flagship integrated with 120 watts per channel, a damping factor of 330, LECUA-EX, more inputs, and the signature VU meters, for a reference single-box system.

If instead you want tube tone and the flexibility of separates, the L-100 vacuum tube control amplifier with its six E88CC tubes, LECUTA attenuator, 120 dB S