Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Luxman (Lux Corp. of Japan) LV 103 Integrated Amplifier (SS) by shpickering@yahoo.ca

Model:	LV 103
Category:	Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1000
Description:	Hybrid tube and solid state integrated amp 60 watts
Manufacturer URL:	Luxman (Lux Corp. of Japan)
Manufacturer URL:	Luxman (Lux Corp. of Japan)

Review by shpickering@yahoo.ca ( A ) on February 13, 2006 at 19:59:01
IP Address: 204.174.35.175

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for the LV 103

This model was produced in the 1980s. There was also a LV 105 and 105u. The 103u never made it to wide release in North America. The 105 was rated at 80 watts, while this amp was 55 to 60 watts. It used Mosfets in the output stage and tubes as a buffer in the preamp stage. The time I had the 103 was only 6 months. It gave me enough time to get to know it compared to 2 other 60 watt amps that I've had in my past. My first amp was an integrated 60 watts high current Denon PMA 300. It was a decent amp for the low price I paid for it. It did give an edgy sound to the treble range though. It produced pretty good slam for an integrated amp. I moved on to a Rotel amp and preamp afterwards. I had the RC 980 preamp with RB 970 II amp. That too was rated at 60 watts of high current power. It was known for being a bright amp, but had lots of power to really move the woofers. The kick of the bass notes on classical really suprised me at times. The treble was clearer with less gritt then the Denon. My last decent amp was this Luxman 103 unit. It was a smoother softer sounding amp. The midrange was quite liquid and gave good presence compared to the other two amps. The treble was less pronounced then the Rotel, but still held its own with clean treble. The tubes Im guessing helped the midrange in this amp. I ran them through B&W 602 S2 speakers at the time and the two were a good combination. My only complaint with the 103 was its rather lackluster kick. It lacked power to really punch the speakers in classical. The bass was still ok, just not as tight or powerful. The lower power Mosfets are to blaim. I took the amp to an electronics guy and checked it to see if it could have its Mosfets replaced with higher power ones. Nope. The amps design is quite restrictive and does not allow better parts to be put in. Some have said these amps use cheap parts. For the price they originally went for I would agree somewhat. My Rotel amp was cheaper and produced better results. But still the tubes were something I wanted to hear. Whether or not they effect the sound in these amps greatly is to be determined. Some have said they do effect the sound, so I would tend to go with that. The midrange and treble smoothness was something I really liked with this unit. Its made me consider switching completely to tubes for my next upgrade. The buttons are the less expensive style that click when used. The volume knob can easily be removed. My unit had its tubes replaced not long before I bought it, so the sound quality was as good as it could give. The imaging and presence of air was very good with this amp and the B&Ws. I listened to SACDs that really showed their stuff. Miles Davis Kind Of Blue really gave good midrange smoothness and clarity when listened to on SACD, as the horns came across very real, but not edgy. These hybrid amps still command a decent price on Ebay these days and typically go for over $200 used. Though I didn't really test it, I've heard the phono stage in the integrateds are quite good. There was also a hybrid (tube/SS) CD player from the day as well.

Product Weakness: Lack of power to really drive the woofers, not the most solidly built unit. Somewhat cheap parts for its price.
Product Strengths: Very smooth sound with good imaging and air.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Luxman LV 103
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony 670 SACD player
Speakers:	B&W 602 S2
Cables/Interconnects:	$50 cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Rock, Jazz, Classical
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Lack of power to really drive the woofers, not the most solidly built unit. Somewhat cheap parts for its price.
Product Strengths:	Very smooth sound with good imaging and air.