Luxman C-120A
Luxman M-120A

(1981 - 1984)

Smaller brothers of the C-300 and M-300.

Much smaller - in fact these can be seen as a preview of what the next one will be. M-02 e C-02 it would be, with the M-05 e C-05 continue where the C-300 e M-300 lEFT off, Class-A, pricetag 'n all.
As a result, the C-120 e M-120 sold very well, although rarely with the optional wooden attachments which gave a slightly less cold look...

Both were initially available with polished knobs (à la L-48/58/68), but later mkII "Crazy knobs" versions, here, are by far the most common.
The cutout for the LEDs of the M-120A mkII it was painted black across its entire length for the second version.
However, spec-wise, I found no difference between the two versions… And in true Luxman fashion, there must be three or four other versions depending on the market and/or vintage.

The preamplifier:

DUO-Beta STEREO PRE-AMPLIFIER

1) Basic circuit
To enhance the effect of our Duo Beta circuit, all necessary measures are taken. For example, both the equalizer and the amplifier use a combination of differential FET input with cascode bootstrap circuitry to provide good treble response. Also the fase The equalizer's output is coupled with a class A SEPP circuit to have extremely low output impedance to improve bare distortion characteristics.

2) Small High Performance Built-In MC Transformer
The latest technique is for an MC transformer handling lower level signals, and now the reduction of DC resistance has made it possible to achieve excellent damping from low to high. Sonic deterioration associated with conventional systems is entirely eliminated, thanks to the linear and direct wiring between phono input, MC transformer and EQ circuit (Gain: 20dB).

3) Simple wiring and component selection
In addition to simplified pattern on the PCB, complex wiring is circumvented as much as possible by connecting switches and input terminals directly to the PCB, and flat cable is used for ribbon operation. Carefully selected components are used throughout, such as FETs, resistors and capacitors. Additionally, all input and output terminals are gold-plated for minimal contact resistance.

4) Affluent and Efficient Power Supply
A generous constant-voltage circuit and large electrolytic capacitors lower impedance. This primarily improves the response of the high-speed transistors used in the constant-voltage circuit.

5) Tone Control
Bass and treble tone controls with 3 points of turnover (roll-off), frequency selectors allow you to tailor reproduced sound according to your tastes, and LUX's exclusive linear equalizer provides compensation for slight program source changes.

The end:

1) High speed, High response speed
The entire fase Power amplifier circuits are designed to provide very high speed and high slew rate. The rise time is 0,7 µs and the slew rate is 130V/µs. All voltage amplifier circuits for the fase 1 alla fase Pre-drivers employ cascode bootstrap circuits, which improve high-frequency response by reducing distortion caused by voltage spikes.
Monolithic FET dual used during the fase 1 of the treble response, in combination with cascode bootstrap circuit and symmetric constant from inverted input from the output to stage 1. [...] 3-connection fase of Darlington is occupied by the fase pilot to the fase final, which ensures high current gain, reducing the influence of the fase previous. High fT power transistors are used in a parallel push-pull configuration for the best possible linearity.

2) DUO-Alpha Connection
This amplifier features the Duo-Alpha switch, which allows for an incredible 300W of mono output into 8 ohms. Duo-Alpha means double amplification by connecting the left and right channels in parallel, a technique commonly referred to as a BTL connection. [...]

3) New Heat Pipe
The advantage of the heat pipe is good efficiency in heat disspation due to the very small temperature differences between the heat-generating power transistor and the heat-dissipating fins. In this way the surface temperature of the power transistors is kept low and safer operation is guaranteed compared to traditional heat sinks. the total weight is also reduced to 14kg for a 120W/channel amplifier.

Luxman has represented the excellence of Japanese hi-fi since 1925, the year it was founded in Japan by T. Hayakawa and K. Yoshikawa. Originally headquartered in Osaka, Luxman Corporation is one of the world's oldest audio manufacturers, positioning itself in the premium high-fidelity segment with the motto "Ultimate Fidelity since 1925." The Japanese brand is internationally recognized for its rigorously Made in Japan construction quality and for its proprietary technologies that have revolutionized the global hi-fi landscape.
The history of Luxman begins in June 1925, when the company was born as the radio department of the Kinsuido Picture Frame Store in Osaka, the very year that radio transmissions began.missionin Japan. Initially focused on importing American and European radio equipment, Luxman soon developed the philosophy of producing components in-house to ensure greater quality and cost control. This forward-thinking vision led to the creation of the Luxman brand and the specialization in the production of high-quality output transformers, which became the company's flagship. The company's philosophy is based on a fundamental principle: to offer a natural tonal balance that does not alter the original musical message, allowing audiophiles to get as close as possible to the artistic vision of musicians and recording engineers. Luxman pursues the pursuit of "naturally reproduced music" through a sound free of coloration, capable of creating intimacy between the music and the listener.
Luxman's distinctive technologies represent the innovative heart of the Japanese brand. The ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) circuit in its latest version 4.0 represents a revolution in amplification, applying negative feedback exclusively to the distorting components of the audio signal. This technical solution guarantees faster initial response, ultra-wide bandwidth, and extremely low distortion levels, especially in the high frequencies. The LECUA (Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator) system represents another proprietary innovation: it is a high-precision computerized attenuator with graduated fixed resistors, available in the LECUA1000 version with 88 adjustment steps that minimizes deterioration in sound quality even at the lowest volumes. The new LIFES (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) version 1.0 technology, introduced in the Z series, has simplified and optimized the entire circuit by reducing the number of elements in parallel and halving distortion during amplification. The LxDTM (Luxman Digital Transport Mechanism) system for digital players ensures rigidity and precision in signal processing.
The Luxman product range covers the entire hi-fi chain with solutions for every audiophile need. The integrated amplifier category includes legendary models such as the L-509Z, the top of the range Z series with LIFES technology and LECUA-EX attenuator, and the L-505uXII with ODNF 4.0 circuitry, representing ideal solutions for those seeking reference-level transistor integrated amplifiers. For tube lovers, Luxman offers integrated amplifiers such as the LX-380 with 6L6GC tubes, perfect for those seeking a warm and musical tube integrated amplifier. The power amplifier section boasts models such as the M-10X, described as "the ultimate amplifier" to celebrate the company's centenary, ideal for those seeking power amplifiers of absolute excellence. Pre- and power amplifier combinations such as the C-900u and M-900u offer the ultimate in pre-amps for reference-level stereo systems.
Luxman's product series are distinguished by specific technical features and audiophile-grade appeal. The L Series represents the heart of the lineup, featuring Class A/B integrated amplifiers such as the 110W-per-channel L-509Z and the L-507Z with LIFES 1.0 technology. The pure Class A Series includes iconic models such as the 30W-per-channel L-595A Special Edition, which faithfully replicates the aesthetics and sound quality of the legendary L-570 series after 30 years. The Z Series represents the next generation with LIFES technology, representing the most advanced evolution of Luxman design. The digital player range includes the D-07X for top-of-the-line CD, SACD, and DVD players with MQA decoding and dual Burr Brown converters, the D-03X with support for Hi-Res PCM files up to 384kHz/32bit and DSD 11.28MHz, and the D-N150 from the NeoClassico II range, which blends audiophile design and digital flexibility. Turntables such as the PD-191A with a brushless DC motor and belt-drive system complete the premium turntable offering. For those looking for complete sources, Luxman offers integrated solutions for every type of music source.
International awards confirm Luxman's excellence in the global hi-fi scene. The prestigious magazine What Hi-Fi? awarded the Luxman L-509Z the "beautifully made and impressively capable" accolade, calling it "a superb all-round proposition" that demonstrates how a comprehensive list of features and great sound are not mutually exclusive. The international specialist press has celebrated models like the D-10X with rave reviews, while magazines like Diapason have awarded the CL-38uC and MQ-88uC models the Golden Award. Reviews from Stereophile, AudioReview, and other specialist publications consistently confirm the build and sound quality of Luxman products, recognizing the company as a leader in the high-fidelity sector.
Luxman's audiophile target audience includes music lovers who accept no compromises on sound quality and seek artisanal construction excellence. The products are aimed at those who appreciate the value of Made in Japan and the philosophy of natural sound, ranging from expert audiophiles to vinyl collectors who require high-quality MM/MC phono stages. The price range places Luxman in the premium hi-fi segment, with integrated amplifiers starting at around €3.000 for entry-level models up to over €15.000 for top-of-the-line models like the L-509Z, while digital players range from €2.500 to €8.000 depending on the technical specifications and features.
Italian distribution is managed by Tecnofuturo Srl, Luxman's official distributor since 2016, which provides specialized technical assistance and a nationwide network of authorized dealers. Tecnofuturo ensures product availability, qualified after-sales support, and authorized technical assistance at specialized centers, offering Italian audiophiles the certainty of professional service worthy of Luxman excellence. The authorized dealer network allows you to experience the unique sonic characteristics of Luxman products firsthand, ensuring an informed choice for every type of hi-fi system and budget.