FIRST REVIEW: Luxman D10X SACD, DSD, MQA player

[@paulm944]

Just a great review Steve. The passion in your voice for how this player made music come alive captures the spirit of the audiophile hobby. This is why we all do this, and why we chase experiences like this. Thanks!

[@Geoduck.]

Exactly right Paul could not have expressed it better…... pure joy in Steves eyes.

[@LuxAudio389]

Steve I got my D-10x today and I Love it! It's much more refined than my D-03X which got me back into CDs. The D-10X has Gravitas. Thank you for your review! Your enthusiasm and many blessings made it possible ❤️🎶

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

Is your unit put together straight? The faceplate on mine was not flush with the chassis and the distributor told my dealer that's the way they come (!). I doubt your average Luxman customer would be good with that.

[@LuxAudio389]

​@@user-ex9zm7bg3x yes mine is perfectly straight. As far as being flush with the case, no. The D-10x faceplate is slightly larger than the case and is sculpted, but it sits flush against the chassis with no gaps Ultimately it should look just like the display model you demoed. Anything less should not be normal.

[@walterstorm9221]

OMG!! Just listened to Leonard Cohen for the first time (Thanks for the Dance of course)! Thanks for all you do to bring music alive and introduce an experience to people. People don't know what they don't know.

[@elderinmoi1571]

Just auditioned this player earlier today. Best I have ever heard. Need one 😀 The dealer also has esoteric and accuphase to which I could compare it too. Even though these are even more expensive I liked the Luxman best. Thanks to you Steve for bringing it to my attention.

[@catified2081]

I like the fact that you enjoy and appreciate many different formats.

[@Jeton6]

very enjoyable review. almost the omega point of "too rich for my blood", but fascinating and rewarding to hear your account of the refinement of this technology. I feel that teenage sense of dreamy tech-lust, a rarity nowadays. thank you.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks! Glad to be of service!

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac yep a feel good video on an easy like sunday morning.

[@Nadtochy]

One of my favourite part of almost every video is when I can know something new in bands and artists, thank you for that.

[@laszlobencze8899]

This review of Steve's was highly influential in getting me to buy the Luxman 10 DX. I had to find a dealer who was willing to allow a return if I was not satisfied. Three dealers turned me down but finally I found one in Portland who was willing. I had been disappointed with a previous purchase of a DAC which turned out to sound no different from my Cambridge CD player. So I had to be able to listen to the Luxman without pressure to buy. I've had it now for a couple of months. Now that the Luxman is broken in, I have been listening a great deal to CDs including some that I haven't listened to in twenty years. So I'm rediscovering some excellent music, along with a few clunkers. If you asked if the difference between the Luxman and Cambridge was more bass, I'd have to say no. The bass with the Cambridge was just fine. If you asked if it was the treble, well that, too, was pretty good. As for the mid range, both units do well. So what then is the difference that makes it worth so much more money? The feeling I get from my listening is best described as aural richness. There's a sense of being enveloped in the music rather than having it thrust at you. There's a greater completeness to the music's harmonic structure. I suppose to skeptics this sounds pretty flakey. They would claim that bits is bits and if you're hearing any significant difference it has to be the placebo effect. Pay more and you're psychologically committed to hearing more. But I can confirm that this is not true. The difference, though difficult to describe, is real and it is truly significant. When I'm listening to music whether rock, country, or classical I am more engaged. Yes, I am marveling at the sheer aural improvement certainly. But I am also marveling at the music itself because so much more of it is being revealed. I'd have to agree with Steve. "There is more there there." To me it was worth the money.

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

And what about it as a DAC? If I am planing mainly to stream music (from Tidal and Qobuz via Roon) through its DAC, is it worth it? Tks!

[@AudiolandCH]

Wondering the Same as Ricardo. But honestly, is it worth 10x the costs? Depending on the system!? Whats your other components

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

I envy those who don't hear a difference. They save a fortune on stereo equipment.

[@williammay8413]

When I stepped up into high end audio it was like night and day , the music that I listen to back in the day came alive .

[@artsabound7627]

FUN review ! , I would expect spectacular at that price point , but , Luxman has delivered so many spectacular sounding audio components one can easily imagine what you are trying to explain . Short of this piece falling from the sky onto my audio rack I will just have to be content with what I have including a couple of very good sounding 70s vintage Luxman amps as mains . Thanks !

[@thisisnev]

I have a couple of pre-Alpine Luxman amps too, the L-113A and L-114A. If you're on a tight budget they're among the few Luxman items that are affordable on the used market, but they have that effortless Luxman sound.

[@kevinodriscoll3456]

Thank you for the wonderful review, Steve. There are many videos that I watch from other channels and they never seem to be able to hold my interest and attention until the end...but not the case with your channel! You are very “calming” and I feel like you’re talking to “me”. Also, when you stated that “we’re all a family” towards the end of this review I said to myself, “ That does it! I’m welcome here! I’m subscribing!” So I did! Anyways, I’m going to check out your video catalogue and looking forward to future videos and reviews. Thank you! Kevin

[@waltsmith9583]

I so appreciate your reviews offered from the context of decades of experience, honesty and personal passion into the many technological options available today and how they can be configured to expose the soul of the music that this audiophile is after, Thanks again.

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

My complete system is Luxman and just bought this player. It is very good and I play the flax files via my MacBook using the DAC it’s amazing.

[@stimpy1226]

Hey Steve, I just listened to Leonard Cohen "Thanks for the dance" and I wanted to thank you for unveiling this treasure for me. This is one special recording!

[@Rippersportal]

I got that idea as well and had to double check if the Luxman DA-250 DAC had tubes in it as well. It was a pleasant surprise to see that it did not and it was the phenomenal build quality that made me hear the "tube" warmth.

[@robertgustafson4507]

I appreciate your reviews and the fact that you share what you use to come to a conclusion. I have enjoyed many of the CD 's and Records that you note. The issue with music is getting high quality source material. Thanks for reviews on Luxman D 10X. I appreciate Luxman quality and durability. For example, I have learned about Chesky Recordings and have enjoyed several that you have highlighted. Keep up the good reviews that combine good sense and audiophile crediblity...

[@peterbriggs2771]

I am so excited from your review. I listened to the 07dx/ dac, it has the same qualities obviously not quite at the same but still bucket loads. A second test with MQA and SACD...I am bursting in anticipation 🎵🎵😎👍

[@laurelhardy4064]

Luxman they make exceptional products, if I win the lottery that would be my system, all top of the range Luxman electronics with the Focal Grande utopia speakers.

[@martinvegas1327]

Naim Statement bro!

[@laurelhardy4064]

@@martinvegas1327 Yes, that's on my list too.

[@martinvegas1327]

@@laurelhardy4064 Try the new Krell Xd gear aswell bro. cleaner creamer Krell sound with that rounded bass they are famous for.

[@laurelhardy4064]

@@martinvegas1327 Yes, but don't forget this can only happen if I win the lottery and the wife leaves me.

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Great review of a beautiful in every way product. Pure eye candy. This is why you’re the Audiophiliac.

[@fredyoung9922]

So happy to have stumbled on your review on D10x, which has been on my radar for some time. That's a top quality disc spinner and I'll find time to give it a serious listen for sure. May happily pull the trigger.

[@SamuelBarrPhotography]

Listened to this in a full Luxman setup and last year's AXPONA and it is the real deal. They were streaming from TIDAL and I really liked the Luxman presentation and sound. I'm a vintage sound guy but this was a very nice streaming player / DAC.

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

I have a CD player/DAC unit and I love it. A very practical componet.

[@hiresaudiocosta873]

One of my favorite reviews. I love the passion and enthusiasm. Makes me want to consider purchasing one on the used market in a several years time. Maybe you should as well? Sounds like you got your hands on a special piece.

[@luctardif8444]

Thanks Steve for your enthousiasme and your passion. It is very interesting to watch your videos!

[@LuxAudio389]

Your impression of this CD player/DAC really has left an impression on me. It seems like it's the end all be all of CD players. It's amazing that it captures the ambiance of the venues for live music, or lifts the veil of the artists. My dealer sells Luxman and I have heard some of their integrateds, but man, if I demo this one I may have to go to my bank. What did Mrs. Audiophiliac think of it? Was she blown away like you were? Her story or review of it would be a great part 2 to your review!

[@stimpy1226]

Your excitement is the same as I felt when I purchased my Wadia CD player around 22 years ago. It took me close to 17 years after the introduction of CD players for me to buy one. Up until then I had to hold my hands over my ears when I walked into a room with music playing from any CD player. I still own and love the Wadia but I would love to get a demo of the Luxman. Steve, I never hear you refer to Mapleshade CD recordings. IMHO they are every bit as good as any of the high-quality labels that you always tout.

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

Wadia was beautiful stuff. My dealer had that and Levinson, I went with the No. 39. Loved that player.

[@JingoLoBa57]

Thanks for the tip on Leonard Cohen’s CD. A copy is coming soon! I wonder how this compares with the ARC REF CD9 upgraded model I have. It’s a tube configuration yet absolutely solid presentation. The MQA is the only major difference apart from the tube architecture of course. Passionate review mate.

[@robertyoung1777]

This is my question too. What’s out there as a PLAYER (not a transport) that supports sacds and sounds great? Please chime in.

[@nevigo5519]

Luxman= approved for audiophiliacs. :) Thanks for the good review Steve.

[@robmills537]

Hi Steve the excitement & enthusiasm in your voice says everything so jealous, also the artist you have seen at the Fillmore must have been amazing time's. All the best from Rob in England.

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

Great , nice to listen and look at the stories and audio adventures of the great Steve, thanks a lot for sharing your passion to all aufiophyles

[@jesustapiador5125]

Steve, thanks, thanks, thanks a lot for this amazing and passionate review

[@andyho6211]

I bought one after watching your review. Took a while to arrive, but it finally did a couple weeks ago. Loving it. Thanks Steve. Edit: Pairing it with Luxman's 595-ASE

[@ykhm9778]

Nice presentation. One important thing: sacd transport inside, is Denon&Marantz’s transport, where there is only one laser lens for CD and SACD medium, brashless spindle motor. This transport is used now in Accuphase from DP-5xx, Luxmans, Top Soul Note, Denon 2500 and 110 series, top Marantz, Pioneer 70ae and 50ae etc. D&M are now the only ones who can deliver such a good transport. How it is implemented with internal dacs section in those players, is another thing.

[@dannytse8767]

What about TEAC/Esoteric?

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

The D-10X transport is made by Luxman.

[@freestylebagua]

Fwiw, to substantially benefit from hirez seems to need a very low noise floor from one's equipment, as you suggest to hear into the quiet spaces. One thing I learned recently is solar panel installations can increase harmonic distortion within the whole house electrical system, thus power conditioning might be recommended there.

[@sakabatou]

I love that the Susvara just lounge on a shelf, whereas it would have pride of place in almost anyone else's setup

[@kevinw.weiser9820]

Good eye!

[@olivrrrr]

Pretty good paper weight!

[@nebulusnebulus6503]

Luxman became part of the International Audio Group years ago. It is a manufacturer of professional and consumer audio and HiFi components. It is based in Huntingdon in the UK. It is owned and run by twin brothers Bernard and Michael Chang. Being two Chinese brothers, the best thing they have done is to leave Luxman in Japanese hands in terms of design and production of their products. I have had the opportunity to have a few weeks in my system its integrated amplifier L-509X and is a superlative machine of very high fineness and audiophile performance. Let's see with what wonders the brand surprises us on its centenary, which will be in 2025.

[@andyanderson3352]

I love your CD player reviews.

[@markkrause5094]

I agree about the Leonard Cohen CD. One of the best Male recorded voices I've heard.

[@bassandtrebleclef]

I'd love to hear a truly excellent digital system. They seem to have been given short shrift with analog being the preferred way for shops to sell their best sounding gear.

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

Another great review! And a very tempting SACD player if there is one.

[@markcarrington8565]

Great review Steve. It seems there is a down side to the dream job of listening to music on great gear every day after all. Still, don't expect us to feel too sorry for you! 😉

[@jlmain5777]

Now that you’ve heard the Luxman, it would be great to know your picks at 10K, 5K, 2.5K, and 1k. Just for fun. And your value pick.

[@cirrus1964]

Why don't you use your own ears?

[@miguelbarrio]

Lovely review, Steve. I will say that, for a transport + DAC, the price is actually great. Compare that with getting the same functionality out of dCS or MSB... It would be more than double that price. Also, I appreciate the comparison of how DACs sound playing CD-format rather than hires - most of my music is in CD-format so I care how well a DAC performs with this format

[@optimalforager]

i got a luxman D-03x, it's is the best CD player I have heard for that kind of money. Whilst not cheap, it is significantly cheaper than a D-10x

[@buttonman1831]

I am going to take one home soon to try. Hoping that is can compete with dacs in that price range.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

what's the point to pay $4,000 for the D-03x if don't play SACD?

[@stephensmith3111]

Sounds like just the thing to plug into your Luxman CL-1000 preamplifier ($19995, rave reviewed by the late, great Art Dudley in his penultimate "Listening" column, Stereophile, May 2020). Cue up The [Fabulous] Rutles: "All you need is cash . . ."

[@stephensmith3111]

p.s. I only have the 'Deluxe Edition' CD of The Allman Brothers Band At Fillmore East (still very good), but I do have the SACD of Eat A Peach with "Mountam Jam", "One Way Out", and "Trouble No More" recorded live on the final night at Fillmore East on 06/27/1971. Long live unicorn formats!

[@fredkinneary7829]

great one Steve, always a joy

[@roberthart9886]

Im a huge LC fan. I hear micro details after upgrading the OEM power supply in my Oppo 105 to a LPS. I also use it straight up, no preamp. Really good, and less than $1300 including the upgraded parts, which thanks to the ebay seller, he provides easy to follow photos. No soldering, simple P n P. I double dare you to compare

[@hawkmoon369]

Excellent review I going to buy one..

[@scottcarlon6318]

Thanks Steve, for another piece to add to the list of the equipment to get when I win the lottery.

[@gilgrunbaum3473]

Dear Sir, it's a pleasure hearing your enthasuesim in your voice - I have an SACD player and disks but I am always on the hunt for new disks - do you happen to know if there's a place that specializes in selling SACD and DSD disks? this amazing luxman SACD player would, unfortunately, be out of reach to buy here (Israel) for me 🙂 as on Top of the price you have said would be shipment and 30% tax. but you certainly gave us a new reason to envy. thank you.

[@gojdartamas34]

Albert King recording sounds brutal, thanx for the recomendations!❤️

[@anthonyyoutubefan7567]

I swear, my Japanese sound equipment and SHM/Blu-spec-2/Super Audio/MQA x UHQCDs are incredible and unforgettable. Now, if I could find an AFFORDABLE Japanese equivalent, or, have a fairy Godmother/Godfather who could grant audiophile wishes, or, befriend a person who developed these sound systems, and they were nice enough to give me one of these...WHOA, BABY! Thanks for the review, Sir.

[@VintageStereoCollectorChannel]

Steve, with this review, you are this season’s home run KING. Thanks for hitting it out of the park! Today is the day to swap out some of my vintage Tim de Paravacini gear and now I am really stoked👍👍 Someday maybe I’ll find a used D10X on Audiogon 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@raymasters3612]

Just ordered mine! Thanks for a great review Steve. Gonna use it as a silver disc player especially SACD's and a DAC for my streaming set up (Roon).

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

Hi there, I suppose you have had your D-10X for about a year now. After that time, do you still think it is great? How does the sound compare when you listen to Red Book CDs or stream through its DAC (with roon)? I am thinking in buying one. It would be mainly to be used as a DAC, to stream with Roon. In this case, is it worth it? Tks!

[@raym7642]

@@Ricardo-fs1xe Happy new year! Yes its been a year and I still love it! Red books and SACD's sound absolutely wonderful. The best I have personally ever heard. I have also now set it up to stream Roon through the its DAC rather than the internal DAC in my Lumin X1. It sounds so much better that way. I use a Mac Mini M1 as the Roon Core (not advised) which connects via ethernet to a CISCO Gigabit switch with SFP. Then into my X1 optically. From there I use a PAD Diamond Revision 30th Anniversary USB to the Luxman D-10X. Sounds very good but still not as good as physical media. The weak link is as always, Roon!!!! I use it, but do so begrudgingly. Really dislike the software and the company.

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

@@raym7642 Happy New Year! And tks for the reply. I will mainly listen to the music via streaming. Playing CDs would be a (nice) bonus. In that sense, I am considering also buying the Mola Mola Tambaqui streamer DAC (Do you know it?). So, the comparison is: Bluesound Node => Luxman D-10X (with the bonus of playing CDs wonderfully) or the Tambaqui. What do you think is better (in terms of sound)? I would appreciate any thoughts on that. Best!

[@raym7642]

​@@Ricardo-fs1xe hi mate. Sorry, but I have never heard the Mola Mola. I certainly prefer the DAC in the Luxman to the one in the X1. I actually just bought a Bluesound Node and I am not sure I like it. I am using to with some powered speakers in my studio and it sounds soft and lacking in detail. BUT I have heard that its the DAC that's the culprit so you should be good just using the streamer part. I am going to do some more listening but I think it is going back. My old Sqeezebox Touch sounded better when run direct into those speakers. Best of luck!

[@Ricardo-fs1xe]

@@raym7642 Tks!

[@dennisryan459]

i have the Marantz SA10 and it is a game changer!

[@mondoenterprises6710]

What is quite fascinating is what this product says about the death of the cd ...I have seen recent tv shows where they show Japan teens still going on dates to cd stores to buy cds. Or, still going to music stores to buy music...perhaps the death of the cd is greatly exaggerated.

[@dannytse8767]

Japan is the second biggest music market in the world and approximately 70% of all pre-recorded music is still sold on physical mediums.

[@Landoverse]

Old habits die hard in this country. I live there and have the privilege of heading over to Tower Records Shibuya whenever I want and paying nearly $30 for a CD!

[@mondoenterprises6710]

@@Landoverse I hope it was shm or sacd! and not redbook!

[@salvadorrodenas3071]

I'm glad you found what Japanese audio industry can do when cost is no object.

[@sensational_cellar8606]

Owned by Chinese now (IAG).

[@LlyleHunter]

A luxury product is an accurate description. I’ve rarely seen as premium an electronic product as Luxman. Whenever I think of Luxman I think of their amps and receivers in the 1980s with the receding tuning knobs that became flush with the panel when not being used.

[@deborahpaine4198]

I have had a D10X for a year. It is everything you say. Love mine.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

How much you pay???

[@michaelmcintyre9179]

really loved Steve in "Cocoon"

[@nickadamopoulos6472]

Great review!

[@johnz4860]

Ah, the joy of high-end SACD playback! My source of sonic nirvana since 1999.

[@birgerolovsson5203]

Yes, CD/HDCD/SACD sounds very good if you just have good albums and good enough hardware. A special HDCD has the absolute highest audio quality for me of everything I've heard.

[@rabit818]

Love the new graphics

[@louiesipes2257]

Great review Steve, sadly, it’s way out of my ballpark unless one of my stocks becomes a rocket. Looking forward to the PrimaLuna review as one of those preamps is within reach.

[@handsoffanomaly7]

Steve, did you try playing the Jay's Audio through the Luxman as a comparison in order to compare the Luxman DAC with the Denafrips using the identical input? That seems to me like it might be a more direct examination of the two DACs.

[@gregorypatton360]

Thanks Steve! Id love to hear the luxman in my system at home.

[@williampearson4968]

Steve has found SYNERGY between Transport & DAC combination rather than separates and Japanese audio products are still a cut above the Chinese new kids on the block. Attention to detail inside the 50 lb box looks exceptional -- no shortcuts! I'm saving my pennies - Yes, Someday!

[@bootsarmstrong8421]

It's nice that your taste in music is quit diverse. This Luxman seems great. Steve, do you remember the old joke years ago when something was made in Japan it meant that was junk. Japan has come a long way

[@matthewtodd3879]

I bought the Gato cdd1 dac top loader and streamer,gorgeous

[@stephenlavelle6798]

Here's a secret - the previous model, the D-08U gets very similar reviews and now you can get it for about $8k - a steal ! It does not do MQA or some of the higher DSD levels, etc. but is an absolute stunner on CDs. Highly recommended.

[@elderinmoi1571]

The d10x sounds different from the D08u. Everything is up a notch but still as silky smooth as the 08u was (and still is). But for half the price of a new D10x I agree. The D08u is probably the better bang for buck. But new, the D08u I think was as expensive so it is comparing apples to oranges in a way.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

$8K and not play SACDs? so what's the point?

[@athathsonty2925]

It is supposed to be a 16 min. long Video - It Flashed By So Fast, I had to again and again return to an earlier Time Point. Awesomely Exciting video, of an Awesome Machine from another Dimension. I envy your Awesome Media collection, in front of which mine pales into insignificance. Both Thumbs Up.

[@LuxAudio389]

Steve, if your neighbors are Audiophiles or music enthusiast, they must love living doors away! I'd be borrowing CD's and waiting until I hear music just for the opportunity to hear what's new🍻

[@shaunjenkin5945]

Hi Steve, great review, I'll get a short audition with this player this week. Just ordered the bb king and SRV sacd, woud you Pease look to doing a review of your SACD collection? Cheers

[@357Shakey]

And my wife freaked out when I dropped $499 on a Marantz CD player!

[@357Shakey]

@David Mander Remember - my trunk is your boot!

[@krisprojection2433]

My wife left me when I spent 21k on a transport 😂

[@beenthere6769]

You need a new wife

[@williamnaman3570]

I wish you would review the Luxman D03x and compare.

[@erwanreguer2521]

Hi Steve, I follow your daily show for quite a while, and I quite enjoy it. Now, there's something I don't understand regarding your claimed disinterest for DSD support in DACs, whereas you seem to be a SACD enthusiast. Isn't DSD(64) actually the data format of SACDs ? Thanks for the clarification, PS: I always liked Luxman devices as well, although I don't like the sound presentation of their latest integrated amps.

[@wpg_dude1400]

still love my HHB CDR800 player/record good stuff

[@brandonburr4900]

This almost makes the bartok from dcs look "affordable" for those not needing a disk spinner. I would gladly takes a used dcs network bridge and be happy streaming 😀 luxman has always made great stuff and this would make terrifc pairing with one of their class a monoblocks or class a integrateds. Would love to have heard you test the streaming portion of this units feature set. Thanks steve!

[@ManosPairis]

It's not only made in japan... they are made in japan by LUXMAN themselfs, I think is on par with ACCUPHASE, they are very sim ilar. Very serious brand.

[@Sams911]

Please review the McIntosh MCT500 SA/CD Transport with the DA-2 McIntosh DAC installed in one of their pre-amp/integrated amps.

[@markswan9148]

Steve, please disclose which connections/amp/speakers you used for this amazing review. thanks

[@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!

[@r423fplip]

Steve, how is MQA going ? Never could understand another lossy format !!! it will probably end up like DSD, what do you think ?

[@FOH3663]

Interesting coincidence; The Water Lily release utilizing the custom Tim de Paravicini mics and electronics ... I believe de Paravicini worked/designed for Luxman while living in Japan.

[@Tewac7051]

Hello Steve, you collect SACD's but DSD is not your thing ? It always seemed to me that it was the same thing (roughly speaking...). I love your reviews !

[@Supperconductor]

Reminds me a lot of my Sony SCD-1 which I still enjoy using today.

[@MarkRoberts-bj2me]

Would be interesting for Steve to have compared the DX10 with the TOTL Accuphase at $27,000.00.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

My wife sounds vey room filling also.....especially when she becomes very emotional....nothing compares to her....

[@Villaboy78]

Feels like 2021 is shaping up to be the year of the CD Renaissance ! Just gotta sell the kids to the circus and get this £17k player ;)

[@dilbyjones]

Lol!

[@mornecoetzee735]

They should have just put Hi Res DACs in CD players to start with instead of trying to force the death of the media.

[@Villaboy78]

Omg I remember my mid ‘90s marantz cd63 mk2 one bit CD player and it was the bees knees - how times have changed

[@joshthayer1100]

@@mornecoetzee735 There are still some excellent disc players with great built in DACs. The problem isn't the sound, but the shelf space that CDs take up combined with the ability to rip exact copies to hard drives that sound just as good. Oh, and amazing streaming services like TIDAL and Qubuz (especially when paired with Roon). LPs will survive, because they're cool and sexy and they are analog so you can't ever make an exact copy. I keep all of my CDs, but they're in boxes for back up only.

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

CDs are Dead.

[@stevefick3919]

Sounds like a winner, Steve. PS Audio has a new Perfect Wave SACD Transport coming out in October. Paul is sending out some for beta testing. Think you'll get one for testing??

[@jeremytravis360]

There is a saying that hindsight is a wonderful thing but foresight is much better. Had I anticipated old age then I would have focused my music collection on SACDs. It's a shame they have been discontinued as a format, otherwise I would have bought more.

[@bizyz]

great review steve!it is really great that you have reviewed the nad 538 cd player all the way on up to the luxman 10dx.makes all of us audiophiles who use silver discs as our main medium feel not so left out.now,how about reviewing the accuphase dp 950 sacd player coupled with the accuphase 950 dac?

[@markclark1605]

Luxman is good products. I have some pcs 36 yrs old. Preamp power amps tuners. Had a flagship CD Player which retailed for $ 2000.00 by luxman and it was a good performer. It later own would not accept the dvds. This new model looks nice, but no way I would invest this money in any CD player period. Oppo is a great player. Well built too. Sad they no longer manufacturer them.

[@psi3845]

hi Steve, thanks to you I'm discovering so many fantastic CDs !!! If you can try the new Jay's audio CDT2-MKIII, they have improved it a lot, the sound is much more focused and clear ;-)

[@rw3915]

Howdy Steve, when are you going to test the Luxman D-03X? 😀

[@Grue_ni]

Would be interesting to do a comparison to the T+A MP3100 HV cause they are both in the same price and weight class so to speak....

[@firozbardi5898]

Hello Steve, I watched your video on selecting a Stereo system, to start with the speakers first. Well, I have decided to go with the B&W 702 S2. Now I need to find a matching amplifier to make them rock and roll - what would you recommend? Further, I have the Garrard 301 and 401 record players which I need to connect to the amplifier, how do I do that? I am located in Pune, India, where the weather is dry and very wet and also rather dusty. I do not want to bust the bank, but could you recommend the components, mid to high end that I should look at in order to have a good sounding setup, I will be most obliged. Thanks and keep the videos coming.

[@kjbiz]

I did enjoy that. What would you pair it with Steve? Great review again thank you

[@duomono]

Great review! How’s the sound of the Luxman compared to the Aqua Formula xhd?

[@arte2arquiteto]

In an alternate universe, the scene where the Luxman D10X is being hoisted onto the audio rack was riddled with screams, insults, and profanity...