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At £1,970, this looks fair to slightly strong, not cheap, for a used L-505u. The model launched around £3,690 new and was described by Stereophile as a “screaming bargain” even at that level, so the used ask makes sense if the amp is clean, fully functional, and cosmetically solid.
What makes it worth a look is the usual Luxman recipe: smooth, slightly warm but still detailed, with real drive and enough current to make demanding speakers sound composed. The phono stage and VU meters add practical appeal, and this is the kind of integrated that can anchor a serious system without sounding clinical. I’d want confirmation of smooth volume control, quiet operation, and no repair history, since age-related service on controls and switches matters more than hype here.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Luxman traces its origins to 1925 in Osaka, Japan, when brothers T. Hayakawa and K. Yoshikawa launched a radio equipment division within their Kinsuido picture frame import business, coinciding with Japan's inaugural radio broadcast. Initially importing components, the company soon pivoted to in-house manufacturing of transformers and switches, birthing the Luxman brand and establishing it as one of Japan's oldest electronic component makers. This heritage of precision engineering has endured through ownership shifts, including stints with Alpine and Samsung, before returning to Japanese hands in the early 2000s under dedicated Luxman Corporation.
The brand specializes in luxury high-end audio components, with a storied emphasis on amplifiers—both integrated and power models—preamplifiers, and receivers renowned for their warm, detailed sound. Luxman also produces turntables, CD players, tape decks, and speakers, alongside modern digital offerings like DACs, all handcrafted in Japan with custom parts and dual-mono designs for ultimate fidelity.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, Luxman commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its timeless aesthetics, uncompromising build quality, and sonic refinement that bridges vintage warmth with cutting-edge performance. Classics like the 1970s CL-32 preamp and 1980s L-507 integrated amplifier fuel its collector appeal, while contemporary lines reaffirm its status as a boutique benchmark for those seeking "Ultimate Fidelity since 1925."
See all Luxman listings on RADAR.
