Luxman SQ-N100 on TTVJ ...

[Number9]

Noticed on TTVJ this new Luxman SQ-N100.
Looks too cute for words.

Any insight as to the quality of the built-in phono stage and headphone jack? Thanks.

[triode12]

Originally Posted by Number9

Noticed on TTVJ this new Luxman SQ-N100.
Looks too cute for words.

Any insight as to the quality of the built-in phono stage and headphone jack? Thanks.

Tried it out with speakers in Japan. It sounds like a traditional tube amp.
The highs are noticably rolled off and bass is woolly. Words like romantic, slow come to mind when I auditioned it.

Can't comment about the phono stage and HP jack but if both are connected to the pwr amp stage then they would likely be like experienced it.

There are cheaper amps that will give you the same results.

[Currawong]

Luxman are hardly new to phono stages, nor hi-fi.

However, imported models from Japan are relatively not that great value.

[Number9]

Thanks for the info.

I see now too that Six Moons is doing a review of this amp, there is a preview and hopefully a complete review in the next couple of weeks.

One thing that surprises me is the comment about wooly bass ... that does not sound typical of an EL84/6BQ5 amp at all. If there is something negative to be said of EL84s is that they tend to sound a little lighter on their feet in the bass region than some tubes, but certainly not wooly. Usually the top-end of EL84s are their best attribute for being crystal clear. Hard to imagine Luxman got it all wrong.

I would also agree, that with the current Yen to US$ exchange rate, anything imported onto North American shores from Japan is not going to be a good value. I see in Japan, this amp sells for typically $1600-$1700, however imported here and whatever markups between On a Higher Note (distributor) and TTVJ (retailer) that may occur, puts it into the $3K range ... ouch. A lot of competition at this price point.

But damn ... its so cute ....

The Leben CS-300 I guess would be comparable on a feature basis.