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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
erik_squires OP
16,235 posts
 

@stereo5, I can make the plastic snug in the socket with tape. The issue is what feels like onlhy 1-2 mm of contact in the conductors, the contacts don’t touch until the plug is almost completely in. That’s when the Amp lights suddenly turn on..Using the same cable with a cheap, Mouser sourced inlet I can feel it make contact with the pins a lot sooner. Pulling the plug out maybe 1 mm is enough to turn the amp off.

It’s not just about keeping the plug from falling out, it’s also about ensuring a wide contact area and this inlet isn’t giving me the confidence.

Imagine if the pins on your coffee maker got cut in half.... Yeah, I can tape it to the wall, but still it doesn’t inspire confidence.

erik_squires OP
16,235 posts
 

Luxman use 3 prongs inlet, is your 507ux utilizes quick connect (no soldering required) C-14?

@imhififan  - Well I have no idea what those are but mine is definitely a 2 prong.  I haven't pulled the connector out yet.  I'm can deal with either situation, and it's definitely not gold plated. :)

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,895 posts
 

@erik_squires Wrote:

It’s not just about keeping the plug from falling out, it’s also about ensuring a wide contact area and this inlet isn’t giving me the confidence.

I couldn’t agree more! FWIW, Boulder does it right no standard IEC. See below 1-2:

Mike

https://boulderamp.com/wp-content/uploads/3060-OM-V3-1.pdf

https://boulderamp.com/wp-content/uploads/32A-Power-Connector-Explanation.pdf

erik_squires OP
16,235 posts
 

Sorry, to be clear: I bought a cheap replacement inlet but it’s not yet in the Luxman. I just bought it to test fit my cables and it seems to do a lot better than what’s in the Luxman both electrically and mechanically.

I’m considering a Furutech replacement but my luck with the brand has been terrible. OTOH, they only run $20.

 

imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,209 posts
 

Boulder does it right no standard IEC.

Another good AC connector is Neutrik powerCON, too bad no home HiFi use it.

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