Luxman PD-151 MKIIB Black CENTENNIAL EDITION

Overview

The Luxman PD-151 MKIIB Black Centennial Edition is a belt-drive turntable created to mark Luxman's 100th anniversary since 1925. It carries forward the refined engineering of the PD-151 Mark II platform while adding a special Centennial finish and commemorative detailing, offering a mature, musically focused deck for listeners who value analog playback done with restraint and precision.

At its core is a high-torque brushless DC motor governed by a PID speed control system that keeps rotation stable and quiet, driving a heavy machined aluminum platter for consistent inertia. The chassis combines a rigid, high-mass construction with careful vibration management, and the deck ships with the LTA-710 static-balance tonearm, a knife-edge bearing design well suited to a wide range of moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. Speed selection covers 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM for flexibility across record formats.

This turntable is aimed at the serious analog enthusiast who wants a genuinely high-end front end with a clean, honest character rather than an exaggerated presentation. It is a natural centerpiece for a Luxman system and pairs readily with an external phono stage and a quality cartridge to deliver its full potential.

Key Features

• Belt-drive design with high-torque brushless DC motor for stable, quiet rotation
• PID speed control system for precise, self-correcting platter speed
• Heavy machined aluminum platter providing strong rotational inertia
• Three speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM for broad record compatibility
• LTA-710 static-balance tonearm with knife-edge bearing
• High-mass, low-resonance chassis for effective vibration control
• Special Centennial Edition finish and commemorative detailing
• Compatible with a wide range of MM and MC cartridges
• Adjustable feet for accurate leveling on any surface

How the PD-151 MkII Centennial Compares

Luxman PD-151 MkII Centennial vs Luxman PD-191A

The PD-191A sits above the PD-151 MKIIB Centennial in the Luxman range and offers a more elaborate platform, including the more advanced LTA-309 tonearm and a heavier, more resource-intensive build. Choose the PD-191A if you want Luxman's most fully realized belt-drive statement and are building around a reference system. The PD-151 MKIIB Centennial delivers much of the same honest, refined character in a more compact and accessible package with commemorative styling. See the Luxman PD-191A.

Luxman PD-151 MkII Centennial vs Luxman PD-151 Mark II

The standard PD-151 Mark II shares the same core drive system, platter, and LTA-710 tonearm as the Centennial Edition, so the sonic foundation is essentially identical. The Centennial Edition distinguishes itself with its special Black finish and commemorative 100th anniversary detailing. Choose the Centennial version for the celebratory presentation, or the standard Mark II if you prefer the regular catalog finish. See the Luxman PD-151 Mark II.

Luxman PD-151 MkII Centennial vs Yamaha GT-5000

The Yamaha GT-5000 is a high-mass belt-drive deck with a short straight tonearm and a design goal centered on rigidity and momentum. It presents a bold, grounded character well suited to listeners who favor a solid, driving foundation. The Luxman PD-151 MKIIB Centennial leans toward a refined, even-handed voicing with its knife-edge LTA-710 arm, making it a strong choice for those who want nuance and cartridge flexibility. See the Yamaha GT-5000.

Luxman PD-151 MkII Centennial vs Thorens TD 1601

The Thorens TD 1601 uses a sub-chassis belt-drive architecture with a suspended design and features like electronic lift and auto-stop, giving it a classic, isolation-focused character. The Luxman PD-151 MKIIB Centennial takes a high-mass, non-suspended approach with PID motor control for a stable, direct presentation. Both are excellent belt-drive decks with different design philosophies rather than one being superior. See the Thorens TD 1601.

Recommended Phono Stage and Cartridge

A turntable makes no sound on its own, so pair the PD-151 MKIIB Centennial with a phono stage and a cartridge. These Luxman and catalog options keep the character coherent and let the deck perform at its best.

• Luxman E-250 Phono Preamplifier A natural in-brand match that handles both MM and MC cartridges with flexible loading, delivering a clean, refined signal that complements the deck's honest character.
• Luxman E-07 Phono Preamplifier A step up in Luxman's phono range for listeners who want the lowest noise floor and the most resolution to fully exploit a high-quality MC cartridge.
• Luxman LMC-5 MC Cartridge The natural cartridge companion for a Luxman system, tuned to bring out the deck's balanced, detailed presentation through a Luxman phono stage.
• Audio Technica AT-ART9XI A refined moving coil option that offers excellent detail and a smooth top end, a great match for the LTA-710 arm and either Luxman phono stage.
• Ortofon 2M Black A high-performance moving magnet cartridge for those who prefer MM operation, offering strong output and detail while pairing easily with the E-250.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Luxman PD-151 MKIIB Centennial Edition?
It is a belt-drive turntable based on the PD-151 Mark II platform, produced with a special Black finish and commemorative detailing to celebrate Luxman's 100 years since 1925.

Does the turntable include a tonearm?
Yes. It ships with the Luxman LTA-710 static-balance tonearm, which uses a knife-edge bearing and supports a wide range of MM and MC cartridges.

Does it come with a cartridge?
The turntable does not include a cartridge as standard, so you will need to add one. We recommend the Luxman LMC-5 or a catalog cartridge such as the Audio Technica AT-ART9XI or Ortofon 2M Black.

Do I need a phono stage?
Yes. A turntable outputs a low-level phono signal that must be amplified and equalized by a phono stage before it reaches your amplifier. The Luxman E-250 or E-07 are ideal in-brand matches.

What drive system does it use?
It uses a belt drive powered by a high-torque brushless DC motor with PID speed control for stable, quiet, self-correcting rotation.

What speeds does it support?
It plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records, giving you compatibility with standard LPs, singles, and older 78 discs.

Can it handle both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges?
Yes. The LTA-710 tonearm accommodates a broad range of both MM and MC cartridges, giving you flexibility in cartridge choice.

Is a dust cover included?
Yes, a dust cover is supplied to protect the platter, tonearm, and cartridge when the turntable is not in use.

How is the PD-151 MKIIB different from the standard PD-151 Mark II?
The core engineering, drive system, platter, and tonearm are the same. The Centennial Edition adds a special Black finish and commemorative anniversary detailing.

How does it compare to the PD-191A?
The PD-191A is higher in the Luxman range and offers a more elaborate build with a more advanced tonearm. The PD-151 MKIIB Centennial delivers a similar honest character in a more compact form with commemorative styling.

What phono cartridge do you recommend for the best synergy?
For a fully coherent Luxman system, the LMC-5 moving coil cartridge is a natural fit. For alternatives, the Audio Technica AT-ART9XI or Ortofon 2M Black are excellent catalog options.

Which phono stage should I choose, the E-250 or the E-07?
The E-250 is a flexible, refined choice for most systems. The E-07 steps up for those who want a lower noise floor and more resolution from a high-quality MC cartridge.

Can I use an integrated amplifier with a built-in phono stage instead?
Yes. If your integrated amplifier has a quality phono input, you can connect the turntable directly, though a dedicated Luxman phono stage often offers more performance and flexibility.

How much does the turntable weigh?
It weighs approximately 15.8 kg, reflecting its high-mass chassis and machined aluminum platter designed for stability and low resonance.

What are its dimensions?
It measures approximately 462 x 148 x 393 mm (W x H x D). Allow additional clearance above for opening the dust cover.

Does it need to be leveled?
Yes. Adjustable feet let you level the turntable precisely, which is important for accurate tracking and consistent performance.

What kind of surface should I place it on?
A rigid, level shelf or dedicated turntable stand isolated from footfall and speaker vibration will help the deck perform its best.

Is this turntable a good match for a full Luxman system?
Yes. It is a natural centerpiece for a Luxman analog front end, pairing seamlessly with Luxman phono stages and integrated amplifiers for a coherent, refined sound.

What warranty does it carry?
It is covered by Luxman America's 3 year parts and labor warranty for the original owner when purchased from an authorized dealer.

Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized Luxman dealer, so your turntable arrives new with full factory warranty and expert support. We can help you match the right phono stage and cartridge and set up your analog front end correctly.