Machined aluminum controls. The amber glow of VU (volume unit) meters. The deliberate warmth of Class A operation.
Luxman's L-100 Centennial integrated amplifier has been through the hands of two very different video reviewers, and both came away smitten.
Steve Huff: "my favorite Luxman integrated amp of all time"
Steve Huff of HiFi Huff lived with the L-100 Centennial for several weeks before publishing his video review, and his verdict is clear:
"For me, it is my favorite Luxman integrated amp of all time. It's a better 590 AX2, and that's just my preferred flavor of Luxman, that class A vibe." Steve Huff, HiFi Huff
Huff praised Luxman for decoupling the transformer from the chassis, which in his experience makes the L-100 much quieter than the older Class A Luxmans he's owned. He heard improvements carried over from the flagship L-509Z, including the LIFES 1.1 engine and the 88-step electronically controlled attenuator. Despite its 20-watt Class A rating, the L-100 drove his hardest-to-drive, 87dB-efficient speakers "without breaking a sweat." And the sound? "It has that Class A chime": a little warmth in the midrange, plump drums and bass, and sparkle up top.
Steve's review makes the case that Class A is back at Luxman, and that the L-100 is an endgame destination amplifier.
Old Guy HiFi: "a tamahagane fist wrapped in a sable glove"
In his video review, Old Guy HiFi treats the L-100 Centennial as the anchor of an intimate listening room. "The sound of this unit is remarkable," he says. "It is something very special." Asked to sum up its performance in one sentence, he reaches for this: "It delivers music with the force of a tamahagane fist wrapped in a sable glove." (Tamahagane is the steel of samurai swords.)
It's a review for anyone who wants the harmonic depth of a valve design with solid-state grip. And as for those meters: "Who doesn't love VU meters, right?"
Explore Luxman at Rhythm and find a Rhythm dealer to hear the L-100 Centennial for yourself.
