Luxman PD-151 Mark II

Overview

The Luxman PD-151 Mark II is a belt-drive turntable that reflects the company's long analog heritage, pairing a heavy, resonance-managed plinth with a high-precision brushless DC motor and a dedicated, low-profile power supply arrangement. The motor is governed by a PID-controlled system that continually monitors and corrects platter speed, keeping wow and flutter low and holding pitch stable across an entire side. The result is a deck engineered for quiet backgrounds and steady, composed presentation.

Fitted with the LTA-710 static-balance tonearm, the PD-151 Mark II accommodates a wide range of moving magnet and moving coil cartridges thanks to adjustable height, anti-skate, and a range of effective tracking geometry. The Mark II revision refines the arm and structural details of the original while retaining the goals of accuracy, mechanical stability, and easy setup. The machined aluminum platter and carefully damped chassis work together to isolate the stylus from environmental vibration.

This turntable is aimed at the listener who wants a serious, purpose-built analog source that will grow with future cartridge and phono stage upgrades. It suits both the experienced vinyl enthusiast and the person building a reference-grade system for the first time, offering a balance of tactile Luxman build quality, sensible ergonomics, and long-term reliability.

Key Features

• Belt-drive design with a high-precision brushless DC motor
• PID-controlled speed correction for stable pitch and low wow and flutter
• Supports 33 1/3 and 45 RPM playback
• LTA-710 static-balance tonearm with adjustable height and anti-skate
• Machined aluminum platter for stable rotational inertia
• Heavy, resonance-managed plinth for effective vibration control
• Compatible with a broad range of MM and MC cartridges
• Refined Mark II structural and arm detailing over the original
• Adjustable feet for precise leveling on any surface

How the PD-151 MkII Compares

Luxman PD-151 MkII vs Luxman PD-151 MKII Centennial

The Centennial Edition sits higher in the Luxman turntable range and commemorates the brand's anniversary with distinctive black finish detailing. It shares the core belt-drive engineering philosophy of the PD-151 Mark II while offering the elevated presentation and collectible character of a milestone release. Choose the standard PD-151 Mark II for the classic Luxman look, or the Centennial for the commemorative treatment. See the Luxman PD-151 MKII Centennial.

Luxman PD-151 MkII vs Yamaha GT-5000

The Yamaha GT-5000 pursues a mass-loaded, straight-tonearm philosophy with a very heavy platter and rigid gunmetal construction, aimed at listeners who favor an assertive, grounded low end. The Luxman PD-151 Mark II leans toward a composed, refined balance with its damped plinth and PID-controlled motor. Both are excellent belt-drive references; the choice comes down to preferred tonal character and arm geometry. See the Yamaha GT-5000.

Luxman PD-151 MkII vs MoFi MasterDeck

The MoFi MasterDeck emphasizes a tuned suspension and a design ethos rooted in mastering and record production. The Luxman PD-151 Mark II offers a more traditional plinth-based approach with the LTA-710 arm and Luxman's mechanical stability goals. Consider the MasterDeck for its suspended-design character and the Luxman for its heritage build and broad cartridge compatibility. See the MoFi MasterDeck.

Recommended Phono Stage and Cartridge

A turntable needs a phono stage and cartridge to make sound. These pairings keep the signal path within a coherent, high-performance chain.

• Luxman E-250 Phono Preamplifier A dedicated Luxman phono stage that handles both MM and MC cartridges, giving the PD-151 Mark II a matching, quiet, and tonally consistent gain stage.
• Luxman E-07 Phono Preamplifier The step-up phono stage for listeners who want even lower noise and finer adjustment, ideal when pairing with a premium low-output MC cartridge.
• Luxman LMC-5 MC Cartridge Luxman's own moving coil cartridge is voiced to complement its turntables and phono stages, making it a natural, coherent match for the PD-151 Mark II.
• Ortofon 2M Black A high-performance moving magnet cartridge with a Shibata stylus, an excellent choice if you prefer MM operation with detailed, extended presentation.
• Audio Technica AT-ART9XI A refined low-output MC cartridge that pairs well with the E-07 or E-250, delivering nuance and resolution for critical listening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PD-151 Mark II a belt-drive or direct-drive turntable?
It is a belt-drive turntable using a high-precision brushless DC motor with PID speed control.

Does it include a tonearm?
Yes. It comes fitted from the factory with the Luxman LTA-710 static-balance tonearm.

Does it include a cartridge?
No. A cartridge is selected separately so you can match it to your preferences and phono stage.

What speeds does it play?
It plays both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records.

Can it play 78 RPM records?
No, the PD-151 Mark II supports 33 1/3 and 45 RPM only.

Does it have a built-in phono stage?
No. It requires an external phono stage, such as the Luxman E-250 or E-07, or an integrated amplifier with a phono input.

What cartridges are compatible?
The LTA-710 tonearm accommodates a wide range of moving magnet and moving coil cartridges within its specified weight and geometry range.

Is it compatible with moving coil cartridges?
Yes. It works well with MC cartridges such as the Luxman LMC-5 or Audio Technica AT-ART9XI paired with a suitable MC phono stage.

How does it differ from the original PD-151?
The Mark II refines the arm and structural details of the original while retaining its accuracy, mechanical stability, and easy setup goals.

What is the difference between this and the Centennial Edition?
The Centennial Edition sits higher in the range with distinctive commemorative black finish detailing, while sharing the core belt-drive engineering.

Does it come with a dust cover?
Yes, a dust cover is included.

How much does it weigh?
It weighs approximately 15.6 kg, giving it substantial mass for stability and vibration control.

What are its dimensions?
Approximately 462 mm wide, 133 mm high, and 393 mm deep.

How low is the wow and flutter?
Wow and flutter is rated at 0.04 percent or less W.R.M.S., contributing to stable pitch.

Do I need any special setup tools?
Basic setup includes leveling, cartridge alignment, tracking force, and anti-skate adjustment, all supported by the adjustable feet and LTA-710 tonearm.

Can I upgrade the cartridge later?
Yes. The turntable is designed to grow with future cartridge and phono stage upgrades.

Which phono stage should I choose?
The Luxman E-250 is an excellent all-around match, while the E-07 offers even lower noise and finer adjustment for premium MC cartridges.

Is it suitable for a first serious vinyl system?
Yes. It balances tactile build quality, sensible ergonomics, and reliability, making it a strong long-term foundation.

What warranty does it carry?
It is covered by Luxman America for 3 years parts and labor for the original owner.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
We are an authorized Luxman dealer in MD, so your turntable arrives with full factory warranty support and expert setup guidance. We help you match the right phono stage and cartridge for your system.