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Hacking a Luxman Integrated

One cool and often under appreciated feature in Luxman integrateds is the "Separate" button. It disconnects the preamp from the amplifier, allowing for a number of approaches. Actually this is two features. One is the always active preamp output available on the back.

The second is the ability to feed the amp directly, bypassing everything in the preamp. Useful features:
  • Add room correction/EQ/active crossover in the middle.
  • Passively bi-amp (without using separate)
  • Feed a subwoofer (without using separate)
  • Use amp for home theater
  • Use ~ 0.047uF cap to add a high pass to your Luxman, letting you feed a sub for everything below 80 Hz.
  • Use ~ 1uF or higher to add some flavor to the sound. 
It has me thinking about using it with my sub for 2 channel again. :)


Best,

E
erik_squires
eziggy
137 posts
 
I love the Separates mode.  I have my Marantz 8805 connected to the 509X for L/R and another amp driving my center channel.  I switch to full integrated mode when using my DAC. Awesome combination.
 
I do have a question, are the two sides (amp/preamp) operating completely independently?

When I have the 509X in separates mode and just using the amp side, the sound cut out briefly when I change things on the preamp side.  I could swear this is a new occurrence.  When I used to change the input or Line Straight mode, the amp side was not effected.  Are you guys seeing this too?
jzim1973
2 posts
 
Good to see some folks are using the feature of this integrated, I am strongly considering this  option for myself and purchasing the Luxman to power my R/L towers (Focal 1038be II via Marantz 7705 processor) in my HT. With it being mostly used for home theatre and rated at 120 WPC,  has anyone using this noticed any clipping or decrease in sound quality in the right and left channels using the luxman versus a different amp strictly for home theater? Thank you!
erik_squires OP
16,122 posts
 
Hi @jzim1973

I use speakers which are probably a little less efficient than the 1038be's - in HT I run them full range and have never run near clipping.

I use Class D monoblock amps with similar power ratings for the remaining 3 channels.
adamwheel's avatar
adamwheel
9 posts
 
I'm hoping to get some feedback here as I just purchased the 509X and it ships out Monday.

I have a new Denon 4700H and plan for the 509X to power my front channels (Focal Aria 926 towers) in my home theater.

My primary 2 Channel listening is my Marantz TT-15S1 turntable

Issue:  I want my two SB3000 subwoofers incorporated into both home theater and 2 channel listening.

1.  Preouts from Denon front channels to "main in" on 509X for home theater where Luxman powers front channels.

2.  Turntable to "Phono In" on 509X

3.  Do I have this right?  "Preout" on 509X back to the Denon analog input.

In this situation, Denon is involved discretely in preamp mode but wouldn't my sub preouts on Denon supply a signal to both subwoofers in home theater and 2 channel listening?

Sorry for the lengthy post but I wanted to be clear and get any feedback I could.

Cheers and thanks in advance!

Adam

erik_squires OP
16,122 posts
 
Hi Adam,
Preouts from Denon front channels to "main in" on 509X for home theater where Luxman powers front channels.


Yes.  Be aware the Separate button on the remote needs a long-hold to activate it. 
but wouldn't my sub preouts on Denon supply a signal to both subwoofers in home theater and 2 channel listening?

Only if the Denon is also your source selector.  Anything connected to the Luxman inputs will not go to the Denon.  To use a sub for anything on the Luxman you'll need to use the Luxman Pre outs to your sub. 
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