Luxman
LUXMAN PHONO AMPLIFIER EQ-500
Best vacuum tube preamp for audiophiles seeking rich, customizable vinyl playback.
Immerse yourself in the rich, expressive sound of the LUXMAN PHONO AMPLIFIER EQ-500. This vacuum tube phono equalizer masterfully reproduces the nuanced character of vinyl with its RIAA-dedicated non-feedback CR type amplification circuit. The elegant, slim chassis features intuitive analog VU meters for precise adjustments. Fine-tune your listening experience with comprehensive controls, including cartridge load selection and gain adjustments. High-quality components, such as JJ Electronic tubes and premium transformers, ensure an unparalleled analog reproduction that brings your music to life.
$6695.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
8
/ 466
#8 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-3%
Below average
Circuiting system
SRPP, final stage cathode follower, Non-feedback CR type equalizer
/ SRPP, final stage cathode follower, Non-feedback CR type equalizer
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking rich, immersive, and authentic tube-driven soundscapes
- Vinyl collectors using diverse high-end cartridge configurations
- Vintage record enthusiasts needing precise historical equalization curves
Who should skip it
- Owners with limited shelf space or restricted ventilation
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking entry-level or mid-range phono solutions
- Users preferring low-maintenance, solid-state audio equipment
Performance breakdown
Sonic Warmth
All-tube circuitry delivers the rich, harmonic depth vinyl enthusiasts crave.
Cartridge Versatility
Extensive loading and impedance adjustments accommodate almost any high-end cartridge.
Build Integrity
Heavy-duty chassis and vibration-dampening feet ensure a stable, noise-free signal path.
Control Precision
Tactile front-panel adjustments allow for surgical fine-tuning of your analog playback.
Signal Fidelity
Non-feedback CR design maintains exceptional RIAA accuracy across the frequency spectrum.
Maintenance Features
Integrated cartridge demagnetizer adds a thoughtful touch for long-term stylus health.
Key Specs
Circuiting system
SRPP, final stage cathode follower, Non-feedback CR type equalizer
Vacuum tubes used
ECC83 x 4, ECC82 x 2, EZ81 x 1 (JJ Electronic)
RIAA Deviation
20Hz to 20kHz (±0.3dB)
Maximum Gain
63dB (MC low setting)
Load Capacity Selection
6 levels (0 to 300pF)
Load Impedance Selection
30kΩ to 100kΩ (continuously variable)
Dimensions
440(W) x 92(H) x 397(D) mm
Net Weight
12.5kg
Features
- All-stage vacuum tube design for warm sound.
- RIAA equalization circuit for accurate playback.
- Adjustable cartridge loading for optimal performance.
- Elegant design with analog VU meters.
- Supports MM and MC cartridges.
- Selectable gain and phase inversion.
- Robust build with vibration-dampening insulators.
- Cartridge demagnetizer function included.
What customers say
The Luxman EQ500 Phono Amplifier earns high praise for its exceptional sonic performance and musicality. Owners consistently describe the soundstage as rich and three dimensional, delivering detail retrieval that elevates vinyl playback emotionally. A key strength is its superb flexibility; extensive loading and gain options allow users to perfectly match nearly any MC or MM cartridge, which serious collectors highly value. Furthermore, the build quality reflects meticulous craftsmanship, suggesting a component built for longevity. While positioned in the ultra high end, the consensus is that the EQ500 offers profound, long term investment value due to its world class performance, often becoming the endgame phono stage for enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
Yes, the EQ-500 is fully compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. It offers adjustable gain and impedance settings to ensure optimal performance regardless of your cartridge type.
The all-stage vacuum tube design, utilizing JJ Electronic tubes, provides the warm, rich, and harmonic-rich sound signature that analog enthusiasts prefer. This design helps deliver a more expressive and nuanced reproduction of vinyl records compared to solid-state alternatives.
Absolutely. The unit features six levels of load capacity selection and a continuously variable load impedance control, allowing you to fine-tune the electrical matching for your specific cartridge.
The integrated demagnetizer function helps remove residual magnetism from your MC cartridge's iron core. Using this feature periodically can help maintain clarity and prevent sound degradation over time.
Yes, the EQ-500 is equipped with both RCA and XLR balanced outputs. This allows for flexible integration into high-end audio systems that utilize balanced signal paths.
The front-panel VU meters provide a visual representation of the output levels. They are particularly useful for monitoring signal strength and ensuring your gain settings are properly adjusted for your system.
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$6695