Luxman E-07 Phono Amp Marks Another Stage in Brand’s Centenary

Not yet satisfied by launching a centennial black range, P100 head-amp, and D-03R CD player, Luxman states its new E-07 phono pre-amp marries “cutting-edge technology” with “unparalleled ease of use and excellent audio quality”.

The Luxman E-07 is an all-solid-state phono equaliser amplifier that promises new benchmarks for performance and sound quality. The E-07 features a sleek chassis with a blasted white finish on the front panel. It boasts advanced functionalities that further enhance the joy of analogue playback, according to the Japanese firm.

One of the standout features of the E-07 is its newly developed step-up transformer for MC cartridges. This is said to utilise a high-performance super permalloy core and is designed for high responsiveness to small signals. Here, two independent units for each channel provide Low/High gain options for optimal transformer selection based on the chosen impedance group.

The E-07 also supports balanced inputs, enabling differential signals from MC cartridges to arrive without any loss of output energy, thus improving left-right stereo separation and image localisation, says the brand.

Leveraging Luxman’s extensive know-how in amp circuit technology, the E-07 boasts a high signal-to-noise ratio (MM 88dB, MC-H 81dB, MC-L 78dB). Meanwhile, the RIAA curve is implemented using high-quality NF-type transistors, which are arranged in a low-noise circuit design, achieved by paralleling four individual FETs in the primary stage.

For optimal cartridge performance, the E-07 features a six-position rotary load impedance selector for MC cartridges (4.7/10/40/100/300/1kΩ) conveniently located on the front panel. The rear panel is equipped with load impedance selector switches for MM cartridges (34/47/56/100kΩ) and load capacitance selector switches (0/100/220/320pF). This level of customisation should ensure that you can adjust the unit to optimise its performance with a wide variety of phono cartridge types.

The E-07 is equipped with three robust power transformers, each configured independently for the left and right audio processing circuitry, alongside a separate transformer for indicators and relay drive circuits. This configuration ensures that load fluctuations in each circuit block do not interfere with one another, contributing to an ideal power environment. Additionally, we are informed that the unit’s independent power supply regulation ensures a stable current supply, supported by power amplifier-grade, large-value block capacitors (10,000μF x 5).

Furthermore, Luxman has included large gold-plated grounding terminals, machined from solid brass, with each input terminal (one balanced and two unbalanced) fitted with a dedicated phono ground terminal linked to that circuit’s reference point, minimising hum, noise, and other interference. Also on the back panel sits a complement of analogue outputs: two RCA and an XLR. In between, a fully-balanced and dual mono circuit “ensures maximum channel separation and detailed reproduction”.

Luxman has also introduced features such as an articulator function to prevent magnetisation of the cartridge and MC transformer, a low-cut switch to suppress woofer instability caused by warped records, and a Mono Mode switch for convenient playback of mono records.

The E-07 utilises a petal-shaped grounding structure (PGS) designed to enhance transmission stability in circuits handling minute signals. This innovative design consolidates each circuit’s signal reference point into a single location, with ultra-thick steel plates connecting the ground in a radial pattern to ensure uniform low impedance. The PCB tracing features a unique, rounded pattern to facilitate smooth current transmission, allowing for a natural flow of music signals.

Finally, the slim, full-sized (92x440x407mm [HxWxD]) aluminium chassis of the E-07 not only boasts a stunning aesthetic but, says Luxman, is also engineered for superior performance. The bottom of the chassis is constructed with two ultra-thick copper plates (totalling 3.6mm in thickness), enhancing ground mass, lowering the centre of gravity, and improving chassis rigidity. Density gradient cast iron insulator feet are installed to isolate the unit from unwanted vibrations during music playback.

The Luxman E-07 phono pre-amplifier is available now priced at €6,490 | £5,500 | US$7,995 | CA$10,100

For more information visit Luxman