Luxman PD121 is this a quality DD?

I have a PD131 with a grace 707 and a SL1200 mk5, the Luxman is a better sounding turntable. Especially with higher compliance cartridges. A Ortofon 2m Black goes really well on my Luxman.

The Sl1200 is a really nice tunrtable and has nice lights and spins nice. I think it is a better looking turntable but the luxman sounds better. A PD131 with a Grace will be about the same price as Technics in Mint Condition. If you find one with a SME 3009 expect to pay more.

regards
Michael

I had a PD 121 once, thought it was a real dog soundwise.

Dear All, Thank you for your insights and experiences with the Luxman.

I replaced the armboard with a solid maple one and replaced the rubber turntable platter mat with a copper one. The speed is spot on. The Mayware Formula IV tonearm is quite good. I am using a Denon DL-S1 with great results. I will be upgrading the tonearm wires, tags, and connectors.

Originally, the Luxman PD-121 reproduced mudding sounding music with the rubber mat. However, with the copper mat, this is no dog. There is great detail to the music, with a large sound stage and true pitch. Vocals and piano sound very real with great depth and texture. Complex orchestration is easily tracked. I am missing a bit of the low frequencies. However, I expect that to come to life with the new tonearm wires. I still need some extended listening. However, this is very promising.

What a great value for the price.

Interesting update: I moved the ground from my turntable to the amp, while the tonearm ground runs to the phono stage. I got rid of a hum and all of the bass has been found. Can someone explain this?

I am still waiting for the cartridge tags to rewire the arm. However, the PD121 is remarkably accurate at sound reproduction. Each instrument is clearly focused and the full timber and sound pitch is clearly played. It is so easy to follow the interplay of the melodies and harmonies. It is really stunning.