The LUXMAN C-10X preamplifier stands as a testament to the pursuit of peak audio performance, promising to breathe new life into the listening experience. As a flagship model, it’s not just an electronic device; it’s a piece of art crafted to provide a breathtakingly realistic and harmonious sound. The moment you increase the volume, you’ll be enveloped in a spacious sound stage that fills the room, transforming music into a life-energizing force.
At the heart of the C-10X lies the “LIFES” amplifier feedback engine and the advanced “LECUA-EX” electronically controlled attenuator. These technologies represent a leap into the future, ensuring that the C-10X sets new standards for LUXMAN in its next century. The fully-balanced audio pathways, directly connected throughout its three-dimensional structure, ensure infinite silence, overwhelming instantaneous power, and an authentic sense of realism.
As a control center for the entire audio system, the C-10X boasts a rich array of features. Its preamplifier circuit confidently drives power amplifiers with an increased gain of 15dB, handling a wide range of levels from various input sources without distortion. The variety of output mode switching functions allows for flexible configurations, and the LECUA-EX main volume control system enables precise adjustments in 0.5dB steps.
The C-10X isn’t just about sound; its aesthetic is equally impressive. The bold and delicate slanted edges between the chassis and front panel, along with the finely machined, hairline-finished aluminum top panel, create a beautiful contrast. This is complemented by a fluorescent display with excellent visibility and an abundance of functions easily operated via a comfortably designed aluminum remote control.
Innovation continues with the newly developed weight rotation mechanism in the LECUA-EX volume control. This combines a high-precision rotary encoder with a weighted rotation mechanism, allowing for smooth and reliable volume adjustments over 192 discrete steps. The power supply section is equally robust, featuring a powerful CI core type power transformer and seven custom-specified 3,300 μF filter capacitors for a stable and clean power supply.
The audio circuit boards in the C-10X utilize a 100 μm-thick non-resistive gold-plated peel-coated substrate, reflecting LUXMAN’s dedication to high sound quality. The non-angled wiring pattern ensures smooth and stress-free signal transmission. High-quality components are carefully selected for the audio signal path, and original OFC cable is used for internal wiring, contributing to the high standards of the C-10X.
The loop-less metal chassis structure isolates generated magnetic fields and ground impedance rise, while large, density gradient cast iron feet dampen internal and external vibrations. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the C-10X delivers an undisturbed musical performance.
Specifications:
- Input Sensitivity/Input Impedance: Unbalanced 180mV/45kΩ, Balanced 180mV/90kΩ
- Output/Input Impedance: Unbalanced rating 1V/90Ω, max. 14.1V; Balanced rating 1V/180Ω, max. 28.7V
- Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (+0, within -0.1dB), 5Hz to 110kHz (+0, within -3.0dB)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: Unbalanced 0.005% (20Hz to 20kHz), Balanced 0.003% (20Hz to 20kHz)
- S/N Ratio (IHF-A): Unbalanced 129dB, Balanced 132dB
- Volume Control: LECUA-EX
- Amplification Feedback Circuit: LIFES 1.0
- Max. Change Amount of Tone Control: BASS: ±8dB at 100Hz, TREBLE: ±8dB at 10kHz
- Remote Control Functions: Various including Operation, Dimmer, Input selector, and more
- Power Consumption: 40W, 2.6W (at standby)
- External Dimensions: 440(W) x 130(H) x 434(D) mm (including knobs and terminals)
- Net Weight: 19.8kg (main unit)
- Accessories: Remote control (RA-20), Power cable
A matching partner to the Luxman M-10X they showed off last year in Munich.