Luxman D-03X CD Player Review

[@bachbaby6996]

I very much appreciate your walk through of all the CD functions.

[@evowhite777]

Excellent review Paul loads of in depth information for most(if not all)viewers,even though this cdp is out of my price bracket,the "zoom feature" is great to see & should be fairly standard. Your "closer look" segments will become legendary at this rate they really do make your components videos so watchable,you deserve far more subscribers! #hifi4ever

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks ev!

[@LuxAudio389]

I bought the D-30x and I love it!! I couldn't stop listening to CDs from start to finish. I'm also using its DAC with my streamer. Next an Aurender N200. 🍻

[@roberth.8807]

I have the D-03X paired with the Luxman P-750U and agree with your findings. It’s a great sounding CD player, even if you’re not too fussed about MQA. Amazing detail retrieval and soundstage. I listen with Abyss Diana Phi headphones.....wow!

[@garrypeak4277]

Out of interest, have you tried any MQA-CDs on your player?

[@roberth.8807]

@@garrypeak4277 I have a few MQA-CD's. I wouldn't say there is a huge difference playing them on this player compared to standard CD's, both sound great. Maybe a little more resolution on the MQA discs?

[@MatiasGonzalez-ie3dl]

Amazing!! I will buy one! 💪🏻

[@brettconsolacion3027]

Loving this wholesome content

[@jedidiahpolete]

Superb review

[@yippie6862]

Great Review! Thanks

[@RandalPlunkett261]

My new favourite channel ☺️

[@RandalPlunkett261]

Can you review some esoteric gear?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I'll do my best, sure.

[@steveallen4084]

Great review as always, be interested in your thoughts about the performance V your Audiolab 6000 CDT/ Benchmark DAC combo 😎🎶🎶🎶

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Integrated CD players are lovely, they fulfil a role and are very useful. Ultimately, in pure sonic terms, I will always go for a separate transport/DAC. With a similar budget, I'd probably upgrade the transport though. Something belt-driven, perhaps.

[@Phoenix_1991]

@@TheAudiophileMan can you do this combo with a SACD transport? does such a thing even exist?

[@MrMrpony]

Fair enough review, but I was troubled when there seemed to be issues distinguishing the attributes of the transport and those of the DAC, and the same issue in comparison with the McIntosh device. I got the definite sense that attributes of the two DACs were being compared and yet being attributed to the disc mechanism. This is a dual device and yet was barely reviewed as one, and there was certainly no isolation of these components to analyse quality separately. There are pre outs so such analysis is certainly possible, and worthwhile for a device at this price point. The dual TI chips for left / right seem promising. Also, if I’m not mistaken, this is a companion piece for the remarkably reviewed SQ-N150.. that may be worth mentioning for multiple reasons.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

When reviewing an integrated CD player I don't look too closely at the DAC and transport. Not as separate entities to be tested and evaluated and judged. That makes no sense at this stage. That's for a follow-up, for users to upgrade and tweak down the line. For the Luxman, I tested everything you need to hear about when making a buying choice for an *integrated* unit. If you go into this purchase and only want to utilise the transport or DAC...then don't buy the Luxman. Buy a transport or DAC.

[@MrMrpony]

Yeah this isn’t on my radar but that really doesn’t make for an accurate assessment. Suit yourself tho

[@buttonman1831]

I like the remote control, it is easy to not fat finger. I bought this for the DAC and for my CDs. I use a streamer with the Luxman as well.

[@Tnapvrvideo]

What are your thoughts on Luxman as a brand. Their components look superb, however they are slow in new releases and there aren't many online videos from owners offering their opinions on their purchase, etc. They brought out a gem of a turntable, the PD-171A, years ago. Since then, they brought out a lesser option and nothing else. I am intrigued by their components, but I am a little concerned about the limited production of new products and seemingly limited fan base. Thoughts? Thanks!

[@TheAudiophileMan]

They offer solid, well-built, long-lasting products. The sound is very solid state in direction and wonderful if you like that flavour of sound. They have a bit of a cult following and a good reputation.

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Thank you!

[@mostirreverent]

Good looking unit. Have you listened to the similarly priced Simaudio Moon Neo 260D. I’d love to hear your review on that if you haven’t

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I haven't, Greg. I do like Moon though, having reviewed the 390 and Neo Ace all in ones and the 110 phono amp and I'm pretty sure I'd like their transport too. I'll make a note.

[@mostirreverent]

@@TheAudiophileMan I enjoyed your review of both those moon products!

[@Spook2312]

Hello, can I connect the NT network streamer to use the build-in DAC?

[@deangale4496]

You need to put in a link where you can check out buying it.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

‘Buy’ links are something I need to address on a broader level across the channel, actually. They’ve been a bit haphazard.

[@Wordsalad69420]

Great video. As much as I love that balanced output, I couldn't justify buying one, because I would paying for MQA, which I have no interest in.

[@roberth.8807]

Standard cd’s sound great on it too. Very detailed.

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

I bought this for the MQA. I installed the app on my Mac. The output is very good. As clean as a whistle.

[@jackprick9797]

I would say, don’t let your emotions about MQA get in the way of a good thing. According to the review, the sonic performance justifies the price. Why not listen to it with your own ears, then make a decision?

[@Wordsalad69420]

@@jackprick9797 I am perfectly happy with vanilla CDs and CD players. A decent Marantz with some high end headphones is really all you need. I still can't believe that people don't realize that all these fancy new formats are unnecessary. CD quality is good for the vast majority of people. The source (master) and the destination (speakers or headphones) matter most. Everything in between including what fancy cables you're using or balanced design etc is 5% of the whole sound. You are not going to squeeze toouch put of it with MQA.

[@cmddelete2169]

Balanced doesn't sound any different to single ended RCA over short cable runs. Balanced is for long cable runs to reduce electrical interference. It's why balanced is used in recording studios and TV post-production. It's also why it's used for bi-amping.

[@garyjones4001]

If your amp is fully balenced it makes a big difference

[@jayrev1254]

Late to the party on this, but I am in the market and i appreciate the review! I’m curious how this compares to the Technics g700 and the new Rotel DT6000…or other players at closer price points than your Mac. Cheers!

[@turbo2288]

This is a MQA capable CD player!!

[@stillastillsfan]

How would you compare the sound vs. the earlier Luxman d-380 CD player that was the prior model?

[@amarcy5369]

Hi paul Just go’s to show CD is not dead yet far from it As much as l love vinyl . I’m never averse to acquiring the odd cd. Factor in the fact they can be found for peanuts secondhand . What’s not to like I’m soon going to be in the market for a new player , but alas not at this price point . But you have previously done reviews in my price range so will be keen to go down that informed route Best wishes and kind regards Mike in the U.K.

[@richardsinger01]

AMARCY53 In a similar situation. I don’t have a CD player at the moment - I’m having to use a crappy old DVD player for the time being, but mostly listen to vinyl or stream my ripped CDs. The Audolab is more my price bracket when the time comes.

[@LuxAudio389]

Thanks, if I could have my cake and eat it too, I'd get the D10x in a heartbeat, but after buying a 509x integrated this is on my Radar. My dealer mentioned the great onboard DAC that can be used with other products which makes this a good value in addition to the D03x being an excellent CD player. Still torn though😢

[@swcblad]

no SACD?

[@mbracerh]

Hi, would like to know what Xlr cables you have been used, i have try'd some xlr but think the sound is better with rca cables, i also have the Luxman l 509x

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I used examples from Tellurium Q.

[@mbracerh]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thx

[@edleifer6719]

@@TheAudiophileMan great cables, I use the Tellurium Q Balck Diamond XLR on everything and it is oh so nice.

[@anthonywright9357]

Hi Paul, how about playing MQA cd compare to a redbook cd playing same track?

[@charleskatz2606]

It's all relative but for those who have to occasionally check there cheque books for a balance the Luxman stack with a L550AXii receiver at 20 Class A wpc coming in at $5500 (or the 505 for a bit less if you absolutely need the power),the PD151 turntable and this $3500 I think would be a well spend 12.5K ,Fine review hit all the right notes,This is adjusted for inflation what a serious though not insane expenditure should look like.My only hesitation would be run it against a cheaper Marantz but hey that stack would be cartridge,cables then all Luxman

[@stereopolice]

This is a multibit DAC - but most non-engineers don't know it; and Lux does not advertise as such.

[@Abraxus34]

thank you for such pure and detailed review for this cd player. I will definitely buy this device. but in ukraine there is no any company or distributor of them, so neighter luxman nor accuphase is available

[@manFromPeterborough]

For those digital haters, how does this stack up against a $1000 TT?

[@JingoLoBa57]

Japanese units like the Luxman are matched by Esoteric Accuphase and similar brands. Nothing new there...😉 def old school 😎

[@deangale4496]

Does Esoteric and Accuphase have digital ( USB, optical and coax) in ? You would have to pay $7000 at least before Esoteric would have a dac in .

[@edleifer6719]

@@deangale4496 Try the Marantz Ruby for the digital in.

[@chrissimmonds4383]

I'm asking myself, who is going to buy this? With current trend of streaming file based audio my CD player (Roksan Caspian M2) has seen little use even though it's a fine sounding player with balanced outputs. I still buy cd's, new and from charity shops, but they are instantly ripped to flac on my server and played from there. My Roksan is used for some precious albums that are not available on CD quality streaming services so I won't be parting from it, but the greatest quantity of my listening is streamed. The display on the Luxman looked very basic and hardly worthy of a £3,500 player, the sound was obviously it's main raison d'etre, but I doubt it's attractiveness when it comes to parting with a large amount of money. It also looked very plain and sort of old fashioned, the Audiolab really outshone it for looks, so I ask again, who will buy it?

[@JingoLoBa57]

Dave G yes... except blind drunk 🥴

[@Tnapvrvideo]

Does it make sense to buy a CD player is the same question that my wife and I have debated for quite some time. We're leaning toward a Bluesound Vault 2i as our next CD player with an external DAC. It just seems like the best way to go forward. We get to enjoy all of our current CD's, add more CD's to the Vault 2i as we desire (they are so inexpensive to purchase both new and used), and the Vault 2i keeps our streaming options open for the future if that's a direction we choose to explore.

[@duggiefresh8170]

@@Tnapvrvideo I have a Bluesound Node 2i through which I stream, but run a bypass to my Luxman D-03X dac. The Vault will have the same DAC as the Node 2i. And that DAC is fairly decent! However, the Luxman DAC far surpasses it. There is a very discernable difference. You'll want to run a better set of cables than the crummy ones Bluesound gives you. Happy listening.

[@indrakumarc73]

I have Luxman P750u and just need a Basic Luxman CD player, not sure if D-N150 can be compared to D03X at all ?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Yes, the 150 is a fine piece of kit.

[@MartinLloyd-w1u]

Lyngdorf all day

[@FranzenPetra]

Anyone s daughter is great

[@MartinLloyd-w1u]

Lyngdorf all day