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My Luxman Integrated has AC Inlet Envy

I love my Luxman 507ux, it does so many things right, so soon after I got it I built a shielded power cable as an upgrade to the relatively plain cable that came with it.

To make a long story short, after trying out a number of different cables and female IEC plugs it seems the AC inlet has prongs which seem too short. For sure, the Luxman has no ground pin. I'm sure that this means it's not required, so that’s not an issue. What is an issue is that even a Wattgate plug, which are famous for a tight grip, can’t stay in. Even a little wiggle can disconnect the amp.

It seems either or all of these are true:

  • The missing ground pin is keeping plugs from feeling very grippy
  • The pins are too short
  • The pins are too thin

If I play with a cheap power cord, it seems like the AC doesn’t connect unti lthe very last 2 mm of travel of the plug. This seems wrong.

I bought a cheap replacement inlet and it just feels so much better. Meaning, I can feel the plug grip the pins much earlier, and they all grip much better.

Anyone else have issues with Luxman inlets??

 

PS - I absolutely insist on building my own power cables. This is my hobby not yours so please stop trying to convince me my problem is that I didn’t buy your boutique brand.

 

erik_squires
carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

Eric,

I read this yesterday and decided to wait and see what you had to say about replacing the male fitting on the amp. I don't have any experience with Luxman so I can't answer your actual question.

With Furutech not being the pancea that most people think it is, you might try an upgrade to a screw type connector. Since you make your own power cables this would not be a problem for you and when you sell the amp, this would be a nice upgrade that should be positive.

The problem with this is that a quick search didn’t find anything I like at a reasonable price.

But I’ll keep an eye open and if you like this idea and find something you like I’m sure you will post it. I’m having a custom amp built and the power cables between chasses are screw type so I’ll ask my amp builder what he used.

I have a mill with a DRO so it is easy for me to drill precise holes so if you need an adapter plate made, sketch it up and I’ll be glad to make it for you.

Jerry

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cleeds
5,909 posts
 

carlsbad

... you might try an upgrade to a screw type connector. Since you make your own power cables this would not be a problem for you and when you sell the amp, this would be a nice upgrade that should be positive ... I have a mill with a DRO so it is easy for me to drill precise holes ...

Mods such as that on gear such as Luxman tends to hurt resale value, even when it's pitched as an "improvement."

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,866 posts
 

@cleeds Wrote:

Mods such as that on gear such as Luxman tends to hurt resale value, even when it's pitched as an "improvement."

I agree!

Mike

erik_squires OP
16,004 posts
 

I'm not sure what a screw type connector is.  I think I'm going to go with a very discrete replacement.  Either the $2 Mouser or a $20 Furutech which looks identical from the outside. :)

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