Luxman L-1(A) amplifier

 

General:

Around 1979 Luxman company came with its L-1 (A) amplifier.
This is a slim line amplifier with the typical Luxman look.
Its the entry level integrated amp in the L and later LV line, introduced around 1985.
The L1 was the international issued amp, later the L1A, a downgraded and simpler
version was issued in some parts of the world.

L1A version Front  ^

L1 version Front ^

 

Owners manual:

not yet available.

L1 version ^

 

Specifications:

L1A

Power output: 30 watts RMS per channel at 8Ω

L1

Power output: 35 watts RMS per channel at 8Ω

Both:

Frequency response: 10Hz to 100kHz

Damping factor: 65

Total harmonic distortion: 0.02% at 30 Watts

Input sensitivity: better than 3 mV (MM), 200 mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: better than 80dB (MM), 100dB (line)

Dimensions: 438 x 306 x 84mm

Weight: 7.5kg

 

Special futures:

This slim line amplifier has a RIAA amp and main amp inside, it has no tone amp,
the tone control is in the feedback circuit of the main amp, called in many Luxman amps: Duo Beta.

The A- version is a downgraded version without the front lamps and a lower grade power supply.
Upgrading the A- version is very rewarding when done the right way.

 

Schematic:

click here to download the service manual of the L-1(A)

 

Original setup inside the L1A amplifier ^

 

inside a upgraded  L1A, (now being the L1H) ^

 

PCB of an upgraded L1A ^

 

Modifications:

You can upgrade this amp, the sound will improve, specially the A version.
If you are in Europe set the line voltage of the mains transformer to 240V.
You may replace some capacitors and resistors in the power supply section and power rail.
You can update or heatsink the drivers.
The heatsinking of some parts may be improved.
Some wiring inside may be updated.
You can replace the pilot lamp(s) with a led(s).
The loudness circuit is not very effective, I have changed it and now its great.
The sensivity of the power amp section can be improved.
The power bandwidth of the power amp section can be improved.
With the updates the amp can get up to a 2 x 40 Watts RMS output power.

 

 

Sound:

The sound is exceptional for such low budget and small amplifier,
if you need a small and low power amplifier this is one of the best you can get.

Quadral L-101 a custom version of the Luxman L1A, Quadral is a German speaker manufacturer.


 

© Hans Hilberink - PE1MMK ® 2003 - Last update: 14-07-2017.