A few new high end items are set to hit the market from two legendary brands, two from the Japan-based Luxman and one from PS Audio. Luxman is officially launching their L-507z 110 watt (into 8 ohms) class AB integrated amplifier and PD-151MKII Turntable to the world for $8,995 and $6,490, respectively. The new the integrated features a few boppin’ meters on the front panel and is the 1st product to launch in the new Z series. PD-151MKII turntable now offers a tonearm upgrade and Luxman’s proprietary power supply.
More info in the press release:
New integrated amplifier, upgraded turntable debut from Luxman America
L-507Z integrated amplifier and PD-151 MkII turntable
BALLSTON SPA, New York, September 2022 – Featuring Luxman’s original LIFES1.0 distortion canceling feedback engine, the new L-507Z is a Class AB integrated amplifier of exceptional sound quality. The first model in Luxman’s Z Series, the new integrated amplifier joins the PD-151 MkII turntable, which incorporates a new, proprietary tonearm featuring classic knife-edge bearings. The turntable retains such key advantages as a low-speed, high torque motor and Luxman’s unique sine-wave/Pulse Width Modulation power supply. “The new components carry forward the Luxman hallmarks of uncompromising sound quality, sophisticated technology and timeless design,” said Jeff Sigmund, president of Luxman America. “They’re fitting additions as we approach 2025, our centennial year.”
The L-507Z integrated amplifier is available immediately at a suggested retail price of $8,995. The PD-151 MkII is available immediately at a suggested retail price of $6,490, including the optional dust cover.
L-507Z integrated amplifier inaugurates Luxman’s Z Series
Built for discriminating music lovers, the L-507Z is the first integrated amplifier in Luxman’s Z Series, which will feature LIFES1.0, the Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System. First offered on the M-10X power amplifier earlier this year, LIFES1.0 is uniquely capable of reducing distortion while controlling the feedback inaccuracies that can compromise the expressive power of music reproduction. LIFES1.0 represents a substantial advance from Luxman’s signature ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) amplifier design. It results from meticulous computer simulation using dedicated software, careful evaluation of new circuit components, extensive auditioning, and prototype listening tests.
The L-507Z is also notable for prominent front panel VU meters; a large, 7-segment LED display that makes it easy to see volume level from any listening position; the “Pentaconn” five-conductor, balanced headphone jack for improved stereo separation; and rear panel 12-volt trigger for compatible home automation systems.
L-507Z key features
110 Watts + 110 Watts RMS, Class AB into 8-ohm loads
210 Watts + 210 Watts RMS, Class AB into 4-ohm loads
First integrated amplifier with LIFES1.0 (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) to simultaneously reduce distortion and preserve musical nuance and microdynamics
Large dual VU meters with bright LED backlight, supplemented by large, 7-segment LED volume level display
Highly regulated power supply with new EI-type transformer and an array of eight 10,000 µF filter capacitors
LECUA1000 electronically controlled attenuator with 88 discrete steps, which was first featured in the C-900u control amplifier
“Pentaconn” 4.4 mm headphone jack incorporates five conductors for balanced output, improves channel separation for private listening, supplements the standard 6.3 mm jack
Home automation compatible with 12-volt trigger in/out connections
Robust, anti-resonant construction, including thick aluminum chassis panels and density gradient cast iron feet; weighs 56 pounds (25.4 kg)
Meticulous circuit design including smooth, round-cornered printed circuit board traces; beeline topology; low-impedance transmission; and carefully auditioned parts
Supplied wireless remote control also operates Luxman digital players released after 1996
PD-151 MkII turntable boasts tonearm upgrade
To serve the needs of the most demanding vinyl enthusiasts, Luxman is replacing the well-received PD-151A turntable with the substantially upgraded PD-151 MkII. The new deck is set apart by an original, new tonearm, the beautifully crafted LTA-309. It incorporates the knife-edge bearing technology originally developed by SAEC, a classic Japanese brand. Other tonearm features include static balance, machined aluminum arm base, and arm height that adjusts to accommodate different cartridges. The PD-151 MkII carries forward the key advantages of its predecessor, including Luxman’s proprietary power supply and speed control technologies.
PD-151 MkII key features
Supports classic vinyl with 33-1/3, 45 and 78 rpm speeds
Original, new LTA-309 tonearm is built around the highly-regarded knife-edge bearing technology developed by SAEC, a classic Japanese brand; achieves ultra-low friction, ultra-accurate groove tracing; arm height adjusts to accommodate different cartridges
Luxman’s unique sine-wave/Pulse Width Modulation power supply for ultra-stable direct current
Low-speed, high-torque DC motor is built on a high-precision cast alloy chassis; minimizes acoustic noise with super-smooth bearings and careful internal construction
Rotational speed meticulously maintained by Luxman’s Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) feedback control loop
9-pound (4.0 kg) platter uses high mass to help maintain rotational precision, offers diamond-cut finish
Highly rigid, 16-mm stainless steel shaft with a lower thrust bearing carefully lubricated with polyether ether ketone (PEEK)
Brass radial bearing filled with organic molybdenum oil supports the upper shaft
Anti-resonant rubber hybrid record coupling mat
10mm thick aluminum top panel supports internal electrical components attachment using Luxman’s original “damped underslung hanging method”
Special rubber polymer damping isolates heavy electrical components from the chassis
Isolator feet with special damping material protect the turntable chassis from shelf-borne vibration; each foot offers 5 mm independent height adjustment
Available and highly recommended, the OPPD-DSC151 dust cover is 4-mm clear acrylic and includes cam/spring supporting hinges for easy opening and smooth closure
High-grade AC input supports the weight of heavy accessory power cables
PS Audio announced a new flagship mono block amplifier called the BHK Mono 600 ($32,498/pair). The amplifier was a collaboration with the legendary designer Bascom H. King and boasts 600 watts into 8 ohms. While the outside case may imply a fully solid state operation, the BHK Mono 600 actually employs a tube integration with the input stage and an “exclusive N-channel MOSFET output stage”.
PS Audio Introduces Its New Flagship PerfectWave BHK 600 Mono Power Amplifier
– 600-watt ultimate-performance hybrid tube/solid-state power amplifier is the last to be designed in partnership with legendary audio engineer Bascom H. King –
Boulder, Colorado, September 1, 2022 – PS Audio today announced the introduction of its new top-of-the-line PerfectWave BHK 600 Mono Power Amplifier, the finest amplifier ever created by the company. The BHK 600 is the last audio component to be created with the collaboration of legendary engineer Bascom H. King, and is PS Audio’s new flagship amplifier.
Paul McGowan, PS Audio CEO noted: “We are honored to present the BHK 600 as a fitting tribute to the talents of Bascom H. King and his remarkable career. The BHK 600 is a statement product that conveys music with extraordinary clarity, resolution, and musical accuracy. But mostly, authority. In my nearly fifty years of high-end audio, I’ve never heard any amplifier take command as does the mighty BHK 600.”
The PerfectWave BHK 600 delivers 600 watts of power into 8 ohms (1,500 watts into 4 ohms). It is fully balanced in operation from input to output, and can also be used in single-ended mode, offering a choice of balanced XLR or single-ended RCA inputs. It features an input stage with two hand-selected vacuum tubes, operating in conjunction with a rectifier tube and an exclusive N-channel MOSFET output stage. The tube rectifier was chosen rather than a solid-state device because of its improved sonic characteristics that result from the reduction of switch-mode noise common to solid-state rectifiers.
The BHK 600 features a separate output-stage power transformer with a massive 1.6kVA capability – more than twice that of the PS Audio M300 mono amplifier – enabling the BHK 600 to drive even the most inefficient loudspeakers and difficult loads with ease. The power supply has more than 300,000µf capacitance, and multiple N-channel MOSFET output devices for a high damping factor of greater than 100. The BHK 600 has two pairs of heavy-duty gold-plated copper binding posts, to facilitate speaker bi-wiring.
The amplifier is engineered for safe, reliable operation, with continuous microprocessor monitoring of power supply performance, bias levels and other parameters, and it features extensive protection circuitry. The BHK 600 can be left in Idle mode if desired, to assure optimum sonic performance at all times.
Like every PS Audio product, thorough attention has been paid to parts quality and construction. Though substantial in size and weight, the BHK 600 has a refined, understated appearance with angled and curved design elements that create a contemporary, yet classic look. The BHK 600 is available in silver or black.
The PS Audio PerfectWave BHK 600 Mono Power Amplifier will be available in September 2022 at a US manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $32,498 per pair.
BHK 600 Features at a Glance:
Vacuum tube input stage with vacuum tube rectifier
Fully balanced circuitry
RCA single-ended and XLR balanced inputs
600 watts RMS into 8 ohms, 1,500 watts into 4 ohms, stable to 2 ohms for musical transients
100 damping factor for exceptional loudspeaker control
Dual, solid copper-plated output binding posts facilitate bi-wiring
1.6kVA output stage power transformer
Power supply with more than 300,000 µf capacitance
12-volt input trigger for automated operation
108 lb. (49 kg) each; 17.1″ wide by 11.2″ high by 14″ deep