LUXMAN L-31 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

INTRODUCTION

Here is my first integrated amplifier reviewed:  my fantastic LUXMAN L-31.

I bought my child about 3 years ago winning an UK ebay auction. I was very proud to be an owner of a LUXMAN L-31 since this was my first machine of this brand and it's look like stunning in his wood finish.

What a beautiful amplifier!! The sound will be at the level of the finish??

First of all the amp specifications:

SPECIFICATION

RMS output power 32 w Per channels  at 8 ohms -  37 w 4 ohms

T.H.D less than 0.05 % ( 8 ohms )

I.M.D les than 0.1 % ( 8 ohms )

Power Bandwidth : 10 – 50 Khz ( -36db 0.1 % )

Frequency response : 15 – 50 Khz (less than  – 1 db )

Input sensitivity :

Phono 2.6 mV

Aux1 : 150 mV

Aux2 : 150 mV

Input impendance :

Phono 5O Kohms

Tuner 60 Kohms

Monitor 60 Kohms

SN Ratio :

Phono more than 64 db

Tuner more than  83 db

Aux 1,2  more than 83 db

Monitor  more than 83 db

Residual noise – 87db

Tone control:  Lux type NF tone control

Filter High cut 7Khz – 6db/ oct

Low cut 70Khz – 6db/oct

Damping factor more than 90 ( 8 ohms )

Power consumption : 140 w

27 transistors,  8 diodes, 2 Zener diodes, 1 LED

Dimensions : 440 mm ( 17-3/8“) W – 160 mm (6-5/16“) H -  225 mm (8-7/8 ») D.

Weight : 7 Kgs (15.4 lbs)

Years  1976-78

ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT

This integrated amplifier has been tested with my main set-ups for the budget-oriented kind, It's a nonsense to me test this kind of budget equipment with esotheric components

Sources: Tweaked Philips cd 723, Thorens TD-160 with Nagaoka MP-100 (MM)

Loudspeakers: Mordaunt Short Carnival 3

Cables: Zu Wax Louderspeaker cable, Zu Cable OxiFuel interconnects

A view of L-31 back:

As you can see I changed the speakers connectors, now they can accept even banana plug.

Below a snapshot of the volume control and input selector: you have four input connections aux-2, aux-1, tuner and phono:

LISTENING TEST

My first impression when I switch on the amp was impressive since this baby was able to deliver the proper amounts of energy to the speakers with a valve like reproduction.

The 3D image created by the Luxman L-31 is quite wide and enough airy (even if this is not his best point of strenght), thanks to the tonal balance which favours the middle range.

The soundstage is  adequate to the price tag of this amp, though the depth of the image is pretty good.

I suggest to avoid matching the Luxman L-31 to a pair of hard to drive, low efficiency loudspeakers unless your listening room is small. In addition choose loudspeakers with a low profile punchy bass range, if possible, this to compensate his valve like reproduction style.

Another plus of this little sweet amplifier is that the L-31 does even have a good phono input.... I tried it with my thorens td 160 turntable equipped with an Acos Lustre Tonearm and a cheap Nagaoka MP-100 MM Cartridge and the sound was pretty good.

CONCLUSION

The L-31 integrated amplifier won't disappoint you since a quite good sound is included in his box..... The finish is the point of strenght of this amplifier, even your wife will be not disappointed!

Considering this is a vintage article the right price should  be around eur 200 if in good condition

Finish: 9

Tonal Balance: 7

Dynamics: 7

Soundstage: 7

Overall Average: 7,5