Thoughts on Luxman L-530 amp

[waveydavey]

Hey all, looking at a very pretty Luxman L-530 integrated, nice specs. 15w class A and 120w class A/B out of Japan.
Here is the 'interesting' description........

'Used goods, because style was a plan to use on their own with their favorite, we have the overhaul by replacing a large number of parts. Final stage (power) transistors, rectifier diode, the exchange etc. all electrolytic capacitor (except for the block capacitor). (Hfe is aligned not transistor also exchange) input and output terminals, relay, cleaning of volume, bias adjustment, DC offset adjustment. He started the power transistor, since I replaced many parts, I think either peace of mind than those being sold as mere operation goods. Final stage transistor, we have replaced the type that are used in the original L-530X. L-530 is to generate heat to operate Class A, for the case even if the poor heat dissipation, we have deteriorated to such an extent may be especially say that the final stage (power) transistor sure. L-5 × 0 series, that there is no exchange history in operation goods is hard prefer to absolute stop.' :thmbsp:

 

[ZOOM]

This model was never available in USA, so you may get limited response here.

The text sounds like japanese auto-translated into english.

It's been recapped, this is actually important on this model, as it runs very, very hot. They did not however replace the main filter caps (if that's what they mean by block capacitor) - which is a problem. These get exposed to significant ripple current, at all times, since the amp runs in class A. This wears on them significantly, and the main source of death on this amp is these caps failing. In fact, it's so common that you can simply assume the caps have failed already.

Replacing them isn't cheap, as the originals are 33,000 µF / 71 V. A value hard to come by, expecially at the size used (about 100 x 50 mm, if I recall).

New relay is good. The original tends to fail.

New output transistors is worrying. Why did they replace them? The originals are quite unique, and if they've been blown, who knows what else has been damaged? Also, how on earth did they manage to get new ones? These are very obsolete. I'd worry about the new ones being fake.

Anyway, that aside, the amp is about as good as it gets, and definitely worthy as a "final" piece of equpment. You will never be able to upgrade.

 

[waveydavey]

Thanks Zoom, yes the text is auto translated. Didn't want to try my own interpretation as you know sometimes can be misunderstood. Happy to get your impressions.
I did think the replacement of caps was a huge bonus on this amp, but I don't understand much about output transistors.

 

[Denten]

I love my L-530, I bought it new in 1982 I think. IMHO the build quality is top notch, it has no electrolytic capacitors it the preamp and it is easy to work on, however like Zoom said the main filter caps like to through in the towel.
Bottom line, the L-530 is a seriously good integrated that will not disappoint.

 

[Denten]

Thanks Zoom, yes the text is auto translated. Didn't want to try my own interpretation as you know sometimes can be misunderstood. Happy to get your impressions.
I did think the replacement of caps was a huge bonus on this amp, but I don't understand much about output transistors.

The original outputs were Fujitsu MT-200 case 2sc2526 and 2sa1076.
Sanken makes MT-200 transistors that will work, its the mica insulator that will be hard to find. but not impossible.

 

[ZOOM]

I love my L-530, I bought it new in 1982 I think. IMHO the build quality is top notch, it has no electrolytic capacitors it the preamp and it is easy to work on, however like Zoom said the main filter caps like to through in the towel.
Bottom line, the L-530 is a seriously good integrated that will not disappoint.

Is that your L-530? If so, those filter caps have leaked out all their guts, in case you hadn't noticed.

This model actually doesn't have a pre-amp, period. It's just volume controls, some switches and a power amp. And a phono stage, of course. And no electrolytic caps in any signal path (except if you engage the tone controls - it will then open up a feedback loop which goes through a bipolar electrolytic cap - bypassed with a polyester cap bypassed with a mica cap).

 

[Denten]

Is that your L-530? If so, those filter caps have leaked out all their guts, in case you hadn't noticed.

This model actually doesn't have a pre-amp, period. It's just volume controls, some switches and a power amp. And a phono stage, of course. And no electrolytic caps in any signal path (except if you engage the tone controls - it will then open up a feedback loop which goes through a bipolar electrolytic cap - bypassed with a polyester cap bypassed with a mica cap).

Yes that's why I posted the pictures to illustrate what you were saying about the filter caps.
what you said about the pre-amp, is that what the Dua B circut /S is? Also did you see how well the phono stage is shielded ? The lux really is well made, I wonder why it was not sold in the us.

 

[ZOOM]

No, duo beta is their special feedback loop. There are two in parallel, I believe. One is apparently dedicated exclusively to the lower frequencies. Something like that.

And it was very common practice in the 80's to lose the pre-amp and put the tone controls directly in the power amp feedback loop. Pretty sweet deal, since you get at least one less unnecessary stage. Less is more.

The /S simply means it has a very large power supply. Smaller, cheaper Duo beta models lack the /S.

Luxman generally kept their high-end models exclusive to Japan. This one, however, was sold in Europe and Canada as well. They probably didn't feel the need to release it in the US, since receivers were so madly popular there at the time. Not as much in Europe, but I can't speak for Canada.

 

[Denten]

Interesting,that will explain why I have a Japanese model (single metal grill). Thank you for the info Zoom, so the l-510 l-530 & l-550 are a cut above there main stream gear? I've owned this amp for 33 years and I'm still learning.

 

[waveydavey]

Hey Zoom and Denton,

Firstly thank you both for your input, much appreciated.

Just a quick update to let you know I lucked out on the L530. The auction went a bit higher than I expected and had to draw the line somewhere. In the end I was only outbid by 10 bucks but as you know these things can get out of control.

So I will continue in my search for a nice vintage integrated, the L530 and L550 are definitely on the Wishlist. There was a very nice L510 available but 8w class A seems a bit small compared to the 15w of the 530, and the 550 with 50w all class A would be very nice indeed. Though I do like the cleaner look of the 530 more.

Will check in again if anything surfaces.

 

[Thoft8]

Just got a 510 and been running it as a pre amp. Should I not be running it as a pre amp if it technically doesn’t have a pre amp stage?

 

[olegau]

I love my L-530, I bought it new in 1982 I think. IMHO the build quality is top notch, it has no electrolytic capacitors it the preamp and it is easy to work on

Could you please confirm that the idle is 150mA refer to the service manual. I think it is mistake. I think it should be 50mA.

 

[Denten]

Could you please confirm that the idle is 150mA refer to the service manual. I think it is mistake. I think it should be 50mA.

It's not a mistake, the L-530 is a deep bias ( sliding bias) integrated.
150ma @ 1minute on a *cold* amp *while it's still climbing*. It will contiue to rise (this is normal) and it will stabilize at well over 200ma,
do not try to adjust back to 150ma.
Heat sinks should be hot at idle 120~130+ °F.