Luxman AS-44

Overview

The Luxman AS-44 is a purely passive line level switch designed for one purpose done exceptionally well: comparing two line level components by ear without altering the signal. It routes a single output to two connected sources, or lets you audition two preamplifiers or source components into one amplifier, using high quality switching and short internal wiring to keep the signal path as clean and neutral as possible.

Because the AS-44 is completely passive, it introduces no gain, no active stages, and no additional power supply coloration. Luxman builds it with quality RCA connectors, a rugged rotary switch, and a solid chassis so that the only variable in your comparison is the gear you are evaluating. This makes it a valuable tool for serious listeners, reviewers, and dealers who want fast, repeatable A/B switching during critical auditioning.

The AS-44 is ideal for anyone assembling or fine tuning a high end system who wants to hear the true differences between two sources, DACs, or preamplifiers instantly. It is equally at home in a listening room, a showroom, or on a workbench where objective comparison matters.

Key Features

• Fully passive design with no active circuitry in the signal path
• Line level A/B switching for two sources or two preamplifiers
• High quality rotary selector switch for repeatable comparisons
• Gold plated RCA input and output connectors for reliable contact
• Short internal wiring paths to preserve signal integrity
• Solid, non resonant chassis construction
• No power supply required, eliminating a source of added coloration
• Compact footprint that integrates easily into any rack or bench setup
• Built to Luxman standards for durability and precise operation

How the AS-44 Compares

Luxman AS-44 vs Luxman AS-55

The AS-44 is a line level switch intended for comparing sources and preamplifiers upstream of your amplifier. The AS-55 sits higher in the range and works at the speaker level, allowing you to A/B compare amplifiers or speakers driven by higher current signals. Choose the AS-44 for source and preamp auditioning and the AS-55 when the comparison needs to happen after amplification. See the Luxman AS-55.

Luxman AS-44 vs Audioquest ThunderBird BiWire Jumpers

These serve very different roles in a system. The AS-44 is a switching tool for by ear comparison of line level components, while the ThunderBird BiWire Jumpers are speaker terminal jumpers used to link the binding posts of biwire capable loudspeakers. Reach for the AS-44 when evaluating gear and the ThunderBird jumpers when optimizing the connection at your speakers. See the Audioquest ThunderBird BiWire Jumpers.

Luxman AS-44 vs IsoAcoustics GAIA I NEO Isolation Feet

The AS-44 addresses the electrical side of auditioning by letting you swap between two line level sources instantly. The GAIA I NEO feet address the mechanical side by isolating loudspeakers from the floor to reduce resonance. They are complementary accessories rather than alternatives, each targeting a different part of system performance. See the IsoAcoustics GAIA I NEO Isolation Feet.

Use It With

The AS-44 shines when you connect two comparable sources or preamplifiers and switch between them in real time. Here are ideal Luxman partners for critical A/B listening.

• Luxman D-07X CD Player Connect the D-07X as one source so you can A/B its disc and DAC playback against another component and hear the differences instantly.
• Luxman DA-07X DAC Ideal for comparing digital sources, the DA-07X can sit on one input of the AS-44 while you evaluate it against a second DAC or transport.
• Luxman NT-07 Network Transport Pair the NT-07 into one input to compare streamed material against physical media or another streamer during focused listening sessions.
• Luxman C-10X Control Amplifier Use the AS-44 upstream to feed two sources into the C-10X, or to compare preamplifiers feeding your power amp for objective evaluation.
• Luxman L-509Z Integrated Amplifier Route two sources through the AS-44 into a single input on the L-509Z so you can switch instantly and keep the amplifier variable constant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Luxman AS-44 do?
It is a passive switch that lets you compare two line level components by ear, such as two sources or two preamplifiers, by switching between them instantly.

Is the AS-44 an active or passive device?
It is fully passive. There is no active circuitry, no gain stage, and no power supply, which keeps the signal path clean and neutral during comparisons.

Does the AS-44 need power to operate?
No. Because it is a passive switch, it requires no power connection at all.

What kind of connectors does it use?
It uses RCA unbalanced line level connectors for its inputs and output.

Can I use it to compare two DACs?
Yes. Connect each DAC to an input and switch between them to hear their differences with everything else held constant.

Can I use it to compare two preamplifiers?
Yes. The AS-44 is well suited to auditioning two preamplifiers feeding a single power amplifier so you can evaluate their character by ear.

Does the AS-44 add any coloration to the sound?
Luxman designs it to be as transparent as possible using quality switching and short wiring, so the only intended variable is the gear you are comparing.

What is the difference between the AS-44 and the AS-55?
The AS-44 works at line level for sources and preamplifiers, while the AS-55 works at speaker level for comparing amplifiers or loudspeakers.

Who is the AS-44 designed for?
It is designed for serious listeners, reviewers, and dealers who want fast, repeatable A/B comparisons during critical auditioning.

Can it route one source to two destinations?
It functions as a switch for A/B comparison of line level connections, letting you select between two connected components in your setup.

Will it work with non Luxman components?
Yes. Any line level component with RCA outputs can be connected, though we recommend pairing it with Luxman sources and preamplifiers for a cohesive system.

Does it support balanced XLR connections?
The AS-44 is designed around RCA unbalanced line level connections.

Is the AS-44 useful for setting up a new system?
Very much so. It lets you hear the true differences between two sources or preamplifiers instantly, which speeds up voicing and selection decisions.

Does it degrade the signal in any way?
It is built to preserve signal integrity with quality contacts and minimal wiring, so the passive path stays as clean as practical.

Can I leave it permanently in my system?
Yes. Its compact, solid chassis integrates easily into a rack and it can remain in place for ongoing source or preamp switching.

What sources pair well with the AS-44?
Luxman players like the D-07X and D-10X, digital components like the DA-07X, and streamers like the NT-07 all make excellent comparison partners.

Does the AS-44 include cables?
It ships with the switch, owner's manual, and warranty documentation. Interconnects are selected to match your components.

What warranty does the AS-44 carry?
It is backed by a 3 year parts and labor warranty through Luxman America for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.

How do I make sure my AS-44 is covered under warranty?
Purchase from an authorized Luxman dealer such as All Elite Audio so your unit is genuine and eligible for full factory support.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Luxman dealer based in Maryland, offering genuine product, full factory warranty coverage, and expert guidance to help you build and audition your system with confidence.