Review! The Luxman 'Neo Classico' SQ-N150 tube integrated.

Hands on with the little tube integrated amplifer from Luxman!
Intro music by: Franz Gordon - "Jeremy and Maureen"
Link to the Luxman SQN-150 product page:
www.luxman.com/product/detail....
Link to the Luxman FB group. This is for anybody who wants to riff with Luxman enthusiasts or to learn more about their gear:
/ luxmanamerica
#Luxman #Tubeamp #ZeroFidelity
----------------------------------------
Speakers that were used during the evaluation
Buchardt Audio S400
www.buchardtaudio.com/shop/s4...
Harbeth P3ESR 40th Anniversary
www.harbeth.co.uk/special-edi...
Triangle Audio Australe
www.trianglehifi.com/la-haute...
Tekton Design Double Impact
www.tektondesign.com/double-i...
Klipsch Forte III
www.klipsch.com/products/fort...

[@JMNTN]

Luxman is the Rolls Royce of hifi to me. No gimmicky outrageously expensive brand that no one ever heard of, just well known quality. They have had their low point in the 90s but now they are back at the level of what they are famous for.

[@pbaker7160]

Even their lower priced gear was good. I had a Luxman R-113 receiver that sounded better than most $1500 integrates amps. I paid $550 back in 1990. It still works in 2022.

[@B2video]

My parents Luxman integrated amp and turntable combo purchased in 1981 from Hong Kong when on holidays is still working very well.

[@ridirefain6606]

Been a fan of the Luxman since the 1980's. Even though the servo face plate gear at that time was more mid-fi and did not have the chops of the current lines. They were the brand that introduced me to what Hi-Fi sound can be. Great review.

[@chelicon21]

This is a pleasant surprise! My system is mostly Luxman so it's nice to see one of their products reviewed on KZbin... It's a rare thing, so kudos to you man...Their equiptment really is rather special even in the domain of high end hifi.

[@PanAmStyle]

I remember hearing some Luxman gear (I can't exactly remember which units) in the early 90s at the Toronto high end show. Good, good stuff.

[@UNSCPILOT]

My Dad tells tale of having a pretty Legendary setup when he was younger that featured a Luxman amp and Kef 104 speakers, I'm sad he sold it before I was born but apparently he got back twice what he paid for it. We still have Yamaha components today that are 13-25 years old though and even these thing sound beautiful

[@markphilpot4981]

Like most of the Luxman gear I’ve ever known or tried, their build quality is very good! As far as driving these less than efficient speakers I have, I can’t say. As far as affordability, that’s out in my case, but I can still appreciate it from a build standpoint. As always, your review opens up many music lovers to tube gear that otherwise would not consider them. Your review made me miss my former tube amp, a Roger Modjeski RM-9! That amp was absolute heaven to listen with! Keep it up Sean and keep it real as always!✌🏻😊

[@midorihibiki]

Luxman has high quality build. In my country sales buy old Luxman products, repaired it and still work nicely.

[@thisisnev]

Glad to see Luxman getting some love! I've owned my humble L-113A since the early 80s and it's still sounding beautiful. Good to know they still have the same uncoloured sound signature as their goal.

[@NiSHAN256]

I just want to take a moment to thank you for being an objective reviewer with subjective opinion at the end. A lot of other reviewers just can't recommend something that does not meet their taste or preference, or even worse… bash on it! . THANK YOU! again❤

[@ZeroFidelity]

Appreciate it!

[@earlismarks7108]

Well said Albshr...those guy's drive me crazy..

[@mattbonaccio3522]

I recently got to hear one of the newer Luxman integrated amps with a SS preamp section and a 20wpc tube power amp section. Not only was it a beautiful piece of machinery, it sounded incredible too. To those wondering, it drove a pair of Audio Physic tower speakers with a 89dB sensitivity pretty easily. These Luxman electronics are something else, man.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Good stuff! Hopefully you'll be able to add their gear to your system!

[@mattbonaccio3522]

@@ZeroFidelity Waaaaay out of my price range, haha. Plus, I think that's not necessarily the direction I want to take my system. But nonetheless, I can certainly appreciate the outstanding quality of Luxman's products.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

Sounds like a great match with my Klipsch Cornwalls 102db sensitivity

[@victorchiappetta3230]

I have the same but man, I want it loud. Maybe a Decware with higher amps

[@craigspencer2927]

Just purchased this tube integrated amp to power Vintage Altec Lansing speakers. Thanks for this video review.

[@rndm4642]

So, how do you like it? I’ve got La Scala II’s that should pair well with the Luxman.

[@BirdArvid]

I had a Luxman L-510 amp for many years; fantastic sound and quality! When I win the lottery, I'm buying a Luxman D-06u SACD/CD Player...

[@ujean56]

YES! Love this review! Have wanted to see more diversity in the manufacturers being reviewed. You came through again. Thanks!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Cheers!

[@1968krug]

Wow great wrap for this amp Sean. I’ll have to scroll through your previous reviews, I’m very keen to find some more affordable amps you might feels as passionate about. Thanks for the review.

[@markscott7583]

Great review. Thomas (Thomas and stereo) just lent me his Luxman SQ N 150 and I’ve been using it with my Klipsch Forte III for last several days and I told him last night that I rank it in my top three amps (regardless of price) I’ve had in my house. It is a very very very close 2nd to my Decware Zen UFO2 for smoothness and sweetness of sound. Additionally the MM/MC phono stage competes very close to my $1k external phono stage (and I’m running a MC Cartridge) - that is major bonus with this amplifier.

[@epi2045]

The Luxman of the 80’s with the lighted glass/acrylic buttons were so dreamy.

[@rharcha8878]

those were the Alpine/Luxman days, i think

[@markflitz3833]

That thing is beautiful! I was able to audition it locally and was floored. I’d never had 10 watts sound so big. Ive had several Luxman pieces and they have all been amazing. I’m still using a solid state Luxman integrated amp. I just love it. Great review!

[@Waitaminutesilly]

What speakers did you audition the luxman with?

[@abelfonseca]

Great review man, as always.

[@unklecorky2181]

Great review. Thinking of pairing this with the Klipsch Heresy 3 to listen to my records.

[@agentm83]

I'm definitely going to remember the Luxman brand for the future, even if I don't get this particular amp. I appreciate good build quality and the retro looks.

[@Xx-xd3zo]

agent - Yeah, and actual support if you need it. Kinda' important with tube gear.

[@markw5497]

Nice! It's a Luxman soooo.... yeah, it's good. I still like my old L5 Integrated I run every now and then. Thank you for your insightful reviews. I'm very fond of the "how it sounds" and candid approach you (and Thomas for that matter) take with your reviews. I find them to be be more helpful than ten of the run of the mill reviews out there with the super cryptic, secret audiophile, nonsensical language. Which when you examine many of them, they could mean anything, nothing or something. Keep up the good work sir!

[@MehranJ]

Thanks for the review. Out of left field kinda since everybody is doing the same old few speakers and amps.

[@cigarobsession]

Mehran J totally agree. KZbin hifi channels are getting as bad as computer channels. Seen 1 seen them all when 5 people get the same thing passed around lol

[@borlach321]

Looks beautiful. Unison research makes a nice hybrid as well.

[@allenmajors4806]

I recently took the dive for both the Luxman SQ-N150 integrated amplifier and D-N150 CD/DAC, and I have been very pleased so far. The build quality of both units is exceptional, and I anticipate enjoying the sound of the integrated amplifier for many years. The remote that comes with the D-150 is more flexible/capable than the remote that comes with the SQ-N150 and will operate both units. I appreciate the appearance/styling (understated and classic) of this Luxman line and the size of the units. I run the unit without the cage over the tubes, and I appreciate your mentioning that the tubes are rated for ten years. Thanks Sean!

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

if you want to easily improve sound quality swap the 2 small 12ax7 signal tubes for proper nos tubes then you can fine tune the tone to your liking (it does not require bias and you can switch back in seconds). ge 12ax7wa are nice and not too pricey(well balanced clear and open) ,mullard (my favourite best bass )or amperex from the 50's are amazing for 3d sound .jj preamp tubes are a bit dull and don't have high gain which is good for taming amps but not for small amps .

[@allenmajors4806]

@@yaniv-nos-tubes Thank you for your suggestions. Down the road I may experiment with some of the options you mentioned. For now, I am still settling in with the unit as stock. So far, so (VERY) good.

[@JG-gg9wk]

Didn't mention your speakers. May I ask what your using.

[@Peterelias1854]

Still own Luxman avance kit Z501 power amp and pre amp from 1981. Great audio

[@Mrch33ky]

I bought this and I love it. Perfect power range for a condo/apartment/smaller listening room. I uses it with Omegas, Mark Audio's and Fostex's. Omegas have the most clarity and Mark Audio's have the best tone. Fostex's are right in the middle. I will own this amp until I die.

[@zoinkz8188]

Awesome to see a Luxman review from you, Sean! I’m very lucky to own a Luxman amp at the age of 16. And it is all very true, the build quality is luxurious and the sound is beautiful. My Luxman M-7 amp drives my dad’s Bowers and Wilkins 804 diamonds wonderfully, a match made in heaven!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Wait, you're 16 and you own that gear?

[@zoinkz8188]

Zero Fidelity haha I know it’s hard to believe, but yes I do!

[@zoinkz8188]

Zero Fidelity haha yes! I’ve been into music and gear ever since I was 11. Listening to my dads at the time system consisting of Nakamichi PA7/CA7 driving his B&W cm10’s is what opened me up to this hobby! Then I started my own system with a pair of DIY speakers me and my father built and a Yamaha pc1002 which sounded great! Now at 16 I’m running a Luxman m-7 (the amp in my profile picture!) And B&W 804s which I’m enjoying the hell out of! :)

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@zoinkz8188 Awesome! A lot of kids listen to their dads system and think "eh" "Whatever" and continue listening on their ear buds or whatever. Great to see that you went the other direction! Funnily enough, I know plenty of people MY dads age who would envy your system. Now for the big question (without judgement): How in the heck did you end up with a Lux M7 and 804 speakers?

[@zoinkz8188]

Zero Fidelity that is the truth sadly, many kids my age could care less about quality audio :( but ah yes to answer your question! Well with the 804 diamonds it actually belongs to my dad, he bought it as an upgrade from his CM10’s. Currently I’m borrowing them as he’s doing some system changes but technically he did say they were mine ha! ;) but now to the story of how I got the Luxman M-7. One day my dad asked me to check out an audiogon listing for a “Luxman” amp, I have never heard of Luxman but I went due to the interesting name! We were greeted by an older gentleman who showed me the amp and WOW it was love at first sight, a beautiful ebony wood casing wrapped all around with a curved champagne front and to top it off, big beautiful VU meters! I was in awe. Then we hooked up some speakers to the amp using a basic CD player and that sealed it, I needed this amp! It played music as beautiful as it looked. At the time purchasing the amp for $1500 seemed like a lot but when researching the original cost when this amp came out in 1996 it was a steal. $6,000 new! Call me crazy but it seems it was meant to be haha, so that’s the story!

[@paulwilliams7715]

Awesome review. Would love to see more Luxman reviews!

[@TomTom-uv6xq]

I just got this amp to drive my Zu Soul Supremes and it’s a blissful match. Sean’s review is spot on. He doesn’t say anything I disagree with. I will add that via the Supremes there’s absolutely nothing lacking in the bass department. Weight and resolution is there and then some. I can’t turn the volume knob past the 12 oclock position without it being too loud. This is in a big medium sized room.

[@violin-schwerin]

neither can I with my Linton heritages (in my 300 sqft room)

[@nathanjones4039]

Oh man, oh man, oh man, what I wouldn’t do to hear that mated with the Forte III’s! I bet they go together like peanut butter and jelly! I bet it smoothes out the forward ness a bit, with a dash of warmth!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Spot the heck on.

[@ralex3697]

Just beautiful

[@BigFarm_ah365]

Looks like a nice piece of kit. I never even considered tubes till I got my Klipsch Forte. Built a little Elekit TU8200, auto bias, 3 modes (T, P, UL), sounds fantastic with 6L6 in triode, EL34 in Pentode and surprised the hell out of me with KT88 in UL with 8.5wx2!

[@PanAmStyle]

As someone who has all tubes in their main system and is moving toward all tubes in the second system in the workshop, I appreciate this review. When you take into account that this Luxman has a remote, three line inputs plus MM *and* MC capability, $2800 is more than reasonable, especially given the Luxman quality. In fact, it's a bargain IMO. My Visa card may be hurting at some point!

[@violin-schwerin]

mine did, and I don't regret it at all!

[@xray111xxx]

Luxman has escalated very much in price at 1st look, but in high end it is about right. I remember them all the way to today. When they were Marlux. Martel and Luxman. I had an integrated with the tube preamplifier built in. Good sound, nice build. You got your money's worth. I remember the R117 receiver too. Went head to head with the NAD 7600. Luxman has represented well over the years.

[@SamsonSlayer]

Great review! I would love to hear this paired with the Klipsch Forte you recommend. Maybe at Axpona.

[@nostro1001]

Awesome review Sean. 👌🏽 Here's a review that as far as I'm aware is most unique and great to hear 'this' is why you're still at this game. Sweet. I'm wondering what actually happened to Luxman (& no doubt must have been well represented in the US)....they were huge out here. Sure you can still get their gear, but I suspect now you'd have to search some. Whilst this isn't for me, too underpowered, as I do like to crank up the volume when I can, I certainly appreciate what low powered amps can achieve. It's the kind of amp that could be suitable for people who listens in small rooms & of course speaker dependant. High quality product that doesn't seem crazily overpriced. I'm sure it is a very smooth sounding amp (in the best possible way). Highly musical. Cheers!!!

[@violin-schwerin]

I've got it hooked up for evaluation whether it's better than my croft separates. First impression: very refined! (25m2 room, no problem playing my linton 85s quite loud). will listen to the phono input tomorrow. update: fell in love with it, had tou have it... thanks for the review, Sean!

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

That's a very pretty amp

[@ZeroFidelity]

Agreed.

[@garyhope2]

I would buy this (if I win the lottery, etc.) just for the way it looks.

[@hatu5798]

You can afford it only cost $3200 🇺🇸

[@michaelkaiser5994]

Still have a Luxman cassette deck from the late '70s. Has a wired remote.

[@ManiVaas]

Wow

[@shaunjenkin5945]

I've listened to this amp for a 30 minute session in a familiar setup of a friend. Having heard how tubes lack bass, and this being my first listen to tube HiFi, I was uber thrilled to listen to this amp. It had fantastic power, volume is ample and bass was excellent. I was using a node 2i and even streamed through some Daft Punk, not the last word in bass, but it sounds killer. Its on my list to get and looking at using it for a new second system, paired with a new pair of Tannoy Legacy Eaton's. The speakers I listened to the amp initially are Tannoy Prestige Kensington's. Wow. As for the solid state phono stage, Luxman are in top of the game, although I didn't audition the phono stage here, I have several times heard the Luxman EQ500 and the E250. Three 500 is killer and three 250 sings well. Knowing just a bit about Luxman, the phono stage should also hold its own. I'm expecting to get this amp in the next 8 week's, can't wait.

[@tonys4396]

Those Tannoy's only have a sensitivity of 89db. With this kind of wattage you better go for high sensitivity loudspeakers like any model of Zu Audio which all have a sensitivity of 97db. I LOVE low wattage tube gear, but you better look for high sensitivity speakers or you won't like the sound. Klipsch also makes many high sensitivity speakers, but I prefer Zu Audio over Klipsch when it comes to high sensitivity speakers. 89db is just not sensitive enough for low wattage tube gear.

[@Mrch33ky]

Great review Sean! This unit is really a shot across Macintosh's bow. :) For what it is, I think it's a bargain.

[@charleskatz2606]

Freaking great!!!!Man I wish you didn't put up such good stuff lately because I am turning into a Zero Fan Boy with a man crush!!!The issue here is something I have been all about lately and that is audio equipment does not have to look like crap.Too much utilitarian yeah it could be PC or a toster oven but even they don't have to look like crap.The Luxman SQ-150 is just beautiful.Now it is from a long line of Luxman that with some exceptions and dips has been consistent in that regard.One of the best looking pieces of industrial design in hifi has to be there 500 series of integrateds and the SQ-38 tube Int is a classic.The Luxman CL-88 pre-amp is one of the single best looking pieces of gear ever and I'd think about one if it were balanced.Ditto the amazing (and pricey) EQ500 phono preamp hands down what I would buy not only from a looks but a performance perspective as well. Others care about looks and build quality like Rowland (six days to mill an aluminum case out of a solid block?),Pathos of Italy etc.If I won the lottery right after I got of the phone with Porsche USA you bet your ass I would be calling to Bergmann turntables in Denmark.There gear belongs in the MoMA (check out the B&O stuff along with a Bell Helicopter and Olivetti typewriters there at the MoMA in the permanent design collection next time your in NY).Point is form follows function and vice versa and when you see and feel Luxman,Accuphase,or Esoteric the looks and build follow these Japanese products the way some products don't.I have been into some of the lesser prices products of a US manufacturer (they feature meters to blue ones) and not all the stuff is a brick shit house.Now this pieces is limited because of the 10 watts.But if you want basics done right $3K is resonable.Me I probably would go for a 20/30 watt A or 100 watt A/B and then run some valve amps when I wanted that sound.I am hoping you'll join the bandwagon and get some Line Magnetic Chifi which is (maybe along with Cayin) out of the normal chinese gear and into big leagues of sound and build quality but at a saner price point-(the LM 518ia with 845 driven 22 SET power is same money as the Luxman.But will your be able to give it to your grandaughter in 25 years?The Luxman you will.Cripes next thing you know you'll be borrowing Pass from Poppa Steve and wrangling Devore 0/93's for a spin.Looking forward to it - peace Chazz

[@irisfinchmusic]

Thanks to Sean, I bought this Luxman and also a pair of Triangle Genese Trio Speakers! I really like the sound I'm getting (for jazz, contemporary classical & some pop -- at low to moderate volumes)... I also bought a pair of Tekton Perfect Set speakers, but they need more time "airing out" (from the paint & lacquer smell). My source is an iFi Zen Stream >> Holo Audio DAC.

[@irisfinchmusic]

The Tekton Perfect Set speakers pair really well with the Luxman. (the speakers needed about 300 hours to break in though).

[@artsabound7627]

another very good review , nicely done . Having had various pieces of Luxman gear for 30years or so I am not surprised by the performance and adjectives in your description . My experience lies in vintage Lux , late 70s , pre Alpine 80s their signature sound is always velvet smooth , detailed and musical .Some don't like that last word , musical but that is what it is .just coherent and organic . I'm a s.s. guy with the exception of a tube front for my Pass design power amp but I also have a late 70s 40 watt lux s.s driving tektons which sounds sublime . To hear a Lux tube piece sounds as you describe means they still have that wonderful flavor.

[@snowpuppy77]

Really good review. As usuall you tell me just what I need to know about how it sounds. I feel like I understand the component as much as one can from a video. Did it perhaps do better on the Klipsch vs the Tektons because the Klipsch are 8 ohm and the Tektons are 4 ohms?

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Luxman makes amazing Audio ! My audiophile friend i have very few, he has the 509u luxman its a beast!!! Thanks Sean !! By the way 10 watts out of my hulk amp drives my speakers dang good i hardly ever go louder ! Voltage Gain trumps watts ! Lol

[@ufarkingicehole]

The current Cayin amp you are playing with or luxman ?

[@khalid969]

Tempting!

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

if you want to easily improve sound quality swap the 2 small 12ax7 signal tubes for proper nos tubes then you can fine tune the tone to your liking (it does not require bias and you can switch back in seconds). ge 12ax7wa are nice and not too pricey(well balanced clear and open) ,mullard (my favourite best bass )or amperex from the 50's are amazing for 3d sound .jj preamp tubes are a bit dull and don't have high gain which is good for taming amps but not for small amps .

[@chamillo]

Man what a nice review on that Luxman! How would you compare the Forte/luxman combo to the Denafrips/buchardt s400 combo? What are the differences, strengths, etc. Between those two combos that you seem to enjoy a lot? How will they compare when it comes do tone, soundstage, presentation, etc.? Love watching your content and they way you go about explaining what to expect from the products!

[@ZeroFidelity]

So I'm not gunna lay down a multi-page dissertation, but I'll say this: Both combos are fantastic. The Forte III / Luxman combo rides this fine balance between delicacy and detail, power and balance. It's full without being bombastisc. Detailed and lively without being in your face about it. Just..a superbly balanced, musical, combo. The Denafrips and Buchardt combo is, in some respects, is very similar. Only on a smaller scale. The top end isn't quite as smooth as you'll get from the Forte III /Luxman combo, but it still does a good job of riding that balance between detail and low listening fatigue. The Denafrips / Buchardt combo is a bit more colored sounding in the midrange and bass, being boosted up just a tad. This does a good job of giving the combo a sense of fullness and scale that defies the small dimensions of the gear. All in all, I think the sound would appeal to the same person - it would simply be more a matter of budget and space.

[@chamillo]

@@ZeroFidelity thanks for the response, no need for a 3 page answer, I think that tells me exactly what I needed to know. Cheers!

[@cardiotheater]

Great review! Can you advise how this amp might pair with Dynaudio Special 40s? Thanks!

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

I still have the Luxman from 1970 still working...

[@fishingbear69]

I wonder how this unit compares with a raven nighthawk mk3 since there about in the same price bracket..what would you say and or any one else please..excellent video...one Japanese and the raven usa made.

[@andymenendez7824]

Hey Sean, great video. What tektons did you use with this? It looks so beautiful, but a little out of my price range, plus I love to rock out. Thanks.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Thanks. Used the DI's. :)

[@shivmirchandani9723]

Great review I own the same amp. I am running it with Quad S-5 floor standers. You mentioned the speakers, like the Triangle and Tektons. Would you be so kind and provide me with the model numbers of them. Once again love your reviews and keep them coming. 👍

[@Drivehead103]

Luxman and Klipsch Cornwall 3 now back on my radar because of this video. So costly for my wallet but you are the second person with much experience that said this could easily be the end of the journey. I think it was luxman 590AXll with Klipsch Cornwall 3 that led Steve Huff to getting rid of his longtime favorite line magnetic 219ia. I need to go to a Listening Room to see if I want to spend this kind of money on stereo equipment. I love dirt bikes and I'm thinking about splitting the cost between stereo and a dirt bike. Stereo equipment is so very costly. I can find a good used dirt bike for as much as a ortofon 2m black cartridge! And I would love to try a soundsmith moving iron cartridge but it's $2,000.

[@daviddunwoody1979]

Nice review. Will you ever present commentary on the Octive 70v class A amplifier?

[@WACONimages]

Wonderful amplifier + review, thanks! How does it hold on versus the iFi Retro 50? I use the iFi tube amp recently.

[@milesdufourny3783]

Sean, My first piece of Hi - Fi equipment was a Heathkit SA-2 integrated amp that was given to me back in 1972. It made my listening experiences very enjoyable - when I went to visit my friends who had Pioneer receivers and the like I found the sound irritating. (By the way, the loudspeakers That I had were GE coaxials in corner cabinets.....very efficient.)

[@billybastar4022]

Video request/idea...tube power and solid state pre-amp, or solid state power and tube pre-amp? I’m going back and forth debating replacing my integrated amp hooked up to my Harbeth p3 40ths. FYI I love these little gems.

[@TheProgrn]

I’ve been interested in the Fortes and I’ve been looking for an amp. Sounds like I found my amp.

[@fishingbear69]

Hi please can you let us no if you did get the unit..please give us a feedback please..?

[@klaymoon1]

Thanks for another great review! How did it pair with Harbeth P3ESR?

[@ZeroFidelity]

In terms of balance and tone? The combo is wonderful. In terms of power and dynamics? It was just adequate. It' a great system for somebody who can appreciate compact, luxurious hi-fi and listens at fairly modest volumes. If you value big dynamic swings or have a big space to fill however, the combo will sound a bit flat and disappointing.

[@hushpuppykl]

Zero Fidelity ... 10w and the P3ESR ... better be sitting close or in the shower. 😂

[@klaymoon1]

@@ZeroFidelity Thanks for the feedback!

[@KT88gs]

Hook them up with the Opera Mezza speakers,these speakers are made for tube amps,very very easy to drive from 10 watts!

[@XjunkieNL]

Hi Sean. Would you see this as an upgrade from a iFi Retro? Since owning a Retro I've fallen in love with the EL84 sound. Many of qualities you describe sound familiar. How would you compare the two. Thanks. /Paul

[@xyxyqw]

looks good old vintage

[@WorldView22]

It would have been very interesting to test the headphone output as well; many people would want to know whether it sounds great with headphones too.

[@cpg8000]

I’m intrigued. I wonder how the heat output is on this? That is one thing that has given me pause with regard to tubes..

[@wiebl5266]

Your head bopping n jerking got me laughing big time! And it aptly describes how I feel abt 2600 for 10 watts. Thank you for another excellent review.

[@ridecycling]

In your travels, how might this compare to the Japanese Leben 300.

[@alexanderscott3790]

Klipsch klipsch klllliiiiippsch! It all gets back to KLIPSCH!! ..In the end, klipsch never dies. Rules the audiophile world, secretly

[@Mrch33ky]

Triangle Triangle Triangle, mon frere!

[@philj212]

what exactly happens when a tube "breaks"? do you get any uncomfortable sounds through your speakers that can damage the speaker or your hearing or does it simply shut off?

[@vo2098]

Ive got the Cambridge CXA81 matched w/ the new Klipsch Heresy IV. Is this amp going to blow that system away? I like being able to connect via Bluetooth though. I would have to purchase a DAC and BT box for this I would presume.

[@sri7727]

Wish this had a pre out.

[@nickscapellato8248]

I need to pair one of these with my Heresy IVs, I have a love hate relationship with my current Yamaha A-S1200 but I should've just gotten this in the first place.

[@christinearmington]

Good to know. I’m planning to buy Fortes and the Yamaha is on my list despite really wanting tubes, I.e. McIntosh.

[@christinearmington]

But I’d still like a comparison of Luxman and Primaluna integrated tube amps.

[@trekjudas]

A $3000 integrated will crush separates of equivalent combined price. I bet my super efficient Focals would sound great with this amp.

[@antonchigurh4125]

I read the recent review of this (and matching CD player) by Ken Kessler. Needless to say he loved it. Would this combo be the ultimate desktop headphone set-up for those with (serious) disposable cash? Not that I expect an answer: well out of my price bracket by several thousand !

[@ZeroFidelity]

I have no idea - as I never tested it with headphones!

[@gregorymcgee100]

10 CLEAN solid watts per channel with efficient speakers is louder than what people may think. Wasn't Luxman carried by Sears back in the day? I remember Fischer was.

[@veroman007]

no on sears. owned a l 450 back in the day. only sold in shops

[@ManiVaas]

Luxman is true hiend audiophile Amplifier company

[@baronofgreymatter14]

What is the noise floor on this thing..is it quiet? Would you hear transformer hum if connected to like a Klispch heresy iv?

[@elwinma1]

I am considering to order an Luxman Sq-N150 from Japan for my Harbeth P3esr, but how do you think about if the power is enough to drive the speaker? for another, Do you use any 120v-100v power convertor for it? Does it affect the sound quality?

[@jinxiaoxing526]

What tubes do you use? Is telefunken and mullard or Sylvania tubes better than the original tube? I may want to buy the Luxman but wonder if it needs tube changes. The original are JJ tubes?

[@jinxiaoxing526]

I now use Line Magnetic 218 tube amp. Do you think Luxman is better? I am considering. Please give me your suggestions.

[@smaudio6828]

Nice products... Which better with LX380?

[@tonylesnau2612]

Sean what is the list of music you use to test out systems?

[@hushpuppykl]

Set the tubes free! No cages. 😬 It looks great. All these low output amps are built for the best sound. Just too bad we need to get speakers with at least 92dB to 96dB at the least. Good speakers of that sort are costly, esp if they are bookshelf speakers 😢 Anyways, if it sounds that good, 10w for $2,800 is not expensive. There are 80w tube amps out there that costs about the same or more but they sound like a slightly tubey SS amp. That’s not worth it. 😬 Nice review! This would be great for the bedroom.

[@PanAmStyle]

With low power tube amps it's all (well, mostly) about the output transformers. I'm powering stacked Large Advents with a 2 watt DECware amp. I can run it without a preamp as it has two inputs and a volume control, but right now I'm using an upgraded Dynaco PAS3x and a Tavish Design phono preamp in front of it. Even without the Dyna I can run the Advents at more volume than needed for a small room. No, the Advents are NOT the last word and they come in at about 90dB sensitivity, if memory serves; they will be upgraded down the road, but I only have about $130USD into them in total. The point is that the DECware Zen amp has REALLY good transformers that can deliver what the speakers require. I've auditioned the amp with various other speakers, and the Triangle Gaia EZ worked really well.

[@williamberger2178]

I had no idea Luxman was still in business? Infortunatly I couldn't afford their equipment in the 1970's and I still cannot afford their equipment. I was surprised they are still a Japanese company, so many brand names have been bought up by Chinese businesses to buy a quality name for themselves.

[@ZeroFidelity]

Yep, they're still doing their thing!

[@groovesick]

To anyone interested in this type of amp, I recommend checking out the Audio Note UK OTO EL84 Integrated amp. I have a hunch that for a little more money, they‘d be happier much longer...

[@ZeroFidelity]

Isn't that $5,500 USD without the phono? That's nearly twice the price of the Lux and is now playing against some other great competitors! I freaking hope whoever drops that kinda cash on an EL84 amp will be happier over the long haul!

[@groovesick]

Zero Fidelity : I think that‘s the signature version you‘re thinking of. It is way more expensive. The regular version isn‘t that expensive, but I might be wrong. Great job with the Review BTW!

[@barneywee514]

Your head jerking and oral babbling aptly describes how I feel about the price. Regardless, the review is clear, tangible and very useful. Thank you Sean.

[@lucquoctoantv]

Good

[@intoitreviews]

I was considering this to power 88 DB 6 ohm... but concerned it wouldnt be powerful enough... seems like I was correct in this concern. I don't think I listen overly loud... but idk... I wish it was most like 25-30 watts/ch...

[@ZeroFidelity]

Which speakers? General voicing along with how the speaker projects sound will be the determining factor on whether or not they'd make for a successful pairing.

[@elwinma1]

Hi may I ask question, is this Luxman Sq-n 150 amplifier support banana speaker plug?

[@xoundmindful]

It seems curious to have a solid state phono stage. I’m perhaps missing something. 😀

[@Mrch33ky]

Que?

[@TheOrthodoxMachine]

Any thoughts on pairing with Tannoy DC10ti speakers 🔊? Think they sensitivity is 92db

[@reserva120]

are The Harbeth 's to much speaker for this tube amp?? power wise.. otherwise seems like a brilliant combo??

[@dimachesebastian6407]

I don't understandwhy on audio affair website they recomed this amplifier to be paired with falcon acoustics classic ls3/5a... IS that an eficient speaker?

[@ManosPairis]

Oh wow! You review a Luxman. Now you talking XD. Can this beauty, drive the Harbeth P3ESR? Harbet easy to drive from 15watts and above, but I see this thing has really big power supply.

[@ManosPairis]

@Fat Rat I see. Thanks for the answer XD

[@MrCraptakular]

Would this amp pair well with the Totem Sky bookshelf’s?

[@GRAAmusic]

I love it. If you dont have room for it send it to me :)

[@GRAAmusic]

My end game could also be this and the forte. I Would love to hear that combo

[@lextr3110]

please compare to musical paradise mp501 kt120 and kt150 no negative feedback amp

[@robertmarasigan5124]

How does it perform with harbeth p3esr? Appreciate your response