Luxman L-507Z Integrated Amplifier

The Integrated Amplifier That Launched Luxman's Z Series

The Luxman L-507Z Integrated Amplifier combines the control and refinement of Luxman's separates with the simplicity of a single-component amplifier. As the model that introduced Luxman's new-generation Z Series, the L-507Z was also the first integrated amplifier to incorporate the company's LIFES 1.0 amplification feedback engine.

Delivering 110 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 220 watts per channel into 4 ohms, the L-507Z combines substantial Class AB power with Luxman's LECUA1000 electronically controlled volume system, a robust power supply, built-in MM/MC phono stage, balanced inputs, preamp/power amp separation, dual headphone outputs, tone controls, and the large illuminated analog meters that have become a signature of Luxman integrated amplifiers.

For someone who wants a serious high-end two-channel system without moving to separate preamplifier and power-amplifier chassis, the L-507Z hits an extremely attractive middle ground.

LIFES 1.0: The Beginning of a New Luxman Generation

The L-507Z marked a major transition for Luxman's solid-state amplifier design with the introduction of LIFES — Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System.

LIFES evolved from Luxman's long-running ODNF architecture, but the circuit was reconsidered from the ground up rather than simply modified.

Luxman's approach is designed to achieve the low-distortion advantages of feedback while maintaining the natural musical presentation associated with non-feedback amplifier designs. In developing LIFES Version 1.0, Luxman reduced the number of parallel circuit elements while cutting amplification-stage distortion to less than half that of the previous system.

The L-507Z's output stage uses a three-stage Darlington, triple-parallel push-pull configuration, giving the amplifier both the refinement and current capability needed to confidently drive a wide range of high-performance loudspeakers.

110 Watts Into 8 Ohms. 220 Watts Into 4 Ohms.

Power output is rated at:

110W + 110W into 8Ω
220W + 220W into 4Ω

That near-doubling of output as impedance drops demonstrates the kind of power-supply capability we want to see from a serious integrated amplifier.

The L-507Z also carries a damping factor of 300, giving it substantial electrical control over connected loudspeakers.

Luxman uses large, low-resistance parallel speaker relays and direct OFC wiring to the speaker terminals to maintain a low-impedance output path between the amplifier circuitry and the loudspeakers.

The result is an integrated amplifier designed to behave much more like serious separates than a compromise made for convenience.

LECUA1000 Precision Volume Control

The L-507Z uses Luxman's LECUA1000 electronically controlled attenuator for volume adjustment.

Instead of placing a conventional variable potentiometer directly in the signal path, LECUA1000 uses precision switching to provide 88 discrete volume steps while minimizing degradation as listening level changes.

The preamplifier output stage also incorporates a discrete buffer circuit designed to confidently drive the following power-amplifier stage.

This matters because the preamplifier section of an integrated amplifier shouldn't simply be an afterthought attached to a large power amp. In the L-507Z, Luxman treats source selection, volume control, and preamplification as critical parts of the complete amplifier.

A Power Supply Built for Dynamic Music

At the heart of the L-507Z is a substantial custom EI-type power transformer.

Luxman backs it with eight newly developed 10,000μF filter capacitors, providing a total of 80,000μF of filtering capacity.

That reservoir helps the amplifier maintain stable voltage and deliver instantaneous current when musical dynamics suddenly demand it.

It's one of the reasons the L-507Z can move from 110 watts per channel at 8 ohms to 220 watts per channel at 4 ohms rather than running out of electrical headroom as the speaker load becomes more demanding.

Built-In MM/MC Phono Stage

Vinyl listeners don't automatically need to add an external phono preamplifier.

The L-507Z incorporates a newly developed MM/MC-compatible phono amplifier, allowing both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges to connect directly to the integrated amplifier.

MM input sensitivity is rated at 2.5mV with a 47kΩ input impedance, while the MC input provides 0.3mV sensitivity with a 100Ω load.

For many analog systems, that's enough to connect a quality turntable directly to the L-507Z and keep the entire electronics package remarkably simple.

And if the system eventually moves to a dedicated phono stage such as the Luxman E-250 or E-07, the L-507Z has the line-level connectivity to accommodate that upgrade.

Balanced and Unbalanced Connectivity

The L-507Z is designed to handle a serious collection of source components.

In addition to conventional RCA line inputs, it provides balanced line connectivity, making it an excellent partner for sources such as the Luxman D-07X digital player or other high-performance balanced components.

It also includes preamp output and main amplifier input capability.

Luxman's Separate function uncouples the preamplifier and power-amplifier sections, allowing the L-507Z to be incorporated into more sophisticated systems.

You could use its preamplifier with an external power amplifier, use its power-amplifier section with another preamp or processor, or integrate the amplifier into a system that evolves over time.

That makes the L-507Z considerably more flexible than an integrated amplifier designed only to remain exactly as it was on the day you bought it.

4.4mm and 6.3mm Headphone Outputs

Headphone listening gets more attention than a single convenience jack.

The L-507Z provides both a conventional 6.3mm headphone output and a 4.4mm output.

The 4.4mm connection uses independent left- and right-channel ground wiring to improve channel separation and create a more spacious presentation with compatible headphones.

For listeners who split their time between loudspeakers and headphones, that makes the L-507Z a much more complete system centerpiece.

Tone Controls, Balance and Loudness When You Want Them

Luxman doesn't subscribe to the idea that a high-end amplifier has to eliminate every useful control from the front panel.

The L-507Z provides:

Bass adjustment: ±8dB at 100Hz
Treble adjustment: ±8dB at 10kHz
Left/right balance control
Loudness function

These controls can be useful with recordings that aren't perfectly balanced, difficult room acoustics, or low-level listening.

The point isn't to force signal processing into the listening chain. It's to give the owner the option when it's useful.

Classic Luxman Analog Meters

The L-507Z retains one of the features that immediately identifies a Luxman amplifier: large illuminated analog VU meters.

The dual meters use bright LED backlighting and fast response so their movement follows the dynamics of the music.

Between them, a 7-segment LED display shows the current attenuation level, making volume position easy to see from the listening chair.

Both the meter illumination and LED display can be switched off from the remote when a darker listening environment is preferred.

Luxman's Approach to the Signal Path

Inside the L-507Z, Luxman uses several of its established construction techniques to minimize unnecessary interference with the audio signal.

Beeline construction routes signals through the shortest practical path from input to speaker output.

Luxman's circuit boards use non-angled traces, avoiding unnecessary sharp corners in the conductive path.

A loop-less chassis structure is designed to reduce the effects of ground impedance and unwanted chassis currents.

Even the LINE-1 RCA terminals use a copper alloy selected to combine high conductivity with the mechanical durability required for substantial audiophile interconnects.

These details don't create a flashy feature for the front of the box. They exist because Luxman treats the entire electrical path as part of the amplifier.

Built to Stay Mechanically and Thermally Stable

At 25.4kg—approximately 56 pounds—the L-507Z is a substantial integrated amplifier.

The aluminum enclosure incorporates a thick blasted-white front panel and precision hairline-finished aluminum top panel.

Large ventilation openings help dissipate heat generated by the high-output Class AB amplifier circuitry.

Underneath, Luxman's density-gradient cast-iron feet provide a mechanically stable foundation while helping suppress unwanted resonance and vibration reaching the sensitive circuitry.

The result is a component built with the physical presence of serious separates while retaining the simplicity of an integrated amplifier.

The Grid's Take on the Luxman L-507Z

The L-507Z is one of those products that makes the argument for a great integrated amplifier very easy.

You get 110 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 220 watts into 4 ohms, LIFES 1.0, LECUA1000, an 80,000μF power-supply reservoir, a damping factor of 300, MM/MC phono, balanced inputs, preamp/power amp separation, dual headphone outputs, tone controls, and those unmistakable Luxman meters—all in one chassis.

More importantly, it gives you several ways to build a system.

Keep it simple with a PD-151 MARK II turntable connected directly to the internal phono stage and an NT-07/D-07X digital front end. Or take the analog side further later with an E-250 or E-07. The Separate function also means the L-507Z can remain useful if you eventually add an external power amplifier or preamplifier.

That's what makes the L-507Z compelling. It's sophisticated enough to anchor a genuinely high-end system without requiring a rack full of electronics on day one.

At The Grid HiFi & Home Theater, we can help match the Luxman L-507Z to the right loudspeakers, turntable, cartridge, digital sources, cabling, and system configuration.

Luxman L-507Z Complete Specifications

Included Accessories

• Luxman RA-17A aluminum remote control
• Power cable