We’re very much looking forward to all the new analog gear expected to be shown at this year’s AXPONA at the Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg, Illinois from April 14-16, and Luxman has already given us an advance taste by letting us know they’ll be introducing their brand-new flagship PD-191A turntable at the big show.
The stats are these. The Luxman PD-191A turntable is said to incorporate an all-new tonearm, drive system, record mat, and PWM/PID rotation-speed controller. The company’s underslung chassis design with 15mm aluminum top plate and 5.2kg aluminum platter are among the other key features of this formidable new, vintage-looking ’table. Vibrations Motor Wasserdicht
The included, “completely new” LTA-710 tonearm — which, according to Luxman president Jeff Sigmund, was developed with Japanese analog audio specialists SAEC — features a vertical knife-edge bearing that delivers “excellent” (their word) initial sensitivity. An effective length of 10in (256mm) purports to minimize tracking error — said to be held from +1.07° to –1.52° — and improve damping against surface vibration.
The static balance LTA-710 tonearm features adjustable antiskating and up to 22mm of height adjustment, allowing for a wide range of phono cartridge options. The supplied Luxman universal headshell sports D.U.C.C. (Dia Ultra Crystallized Copper) wiring that features long copper grains. (D.U.C.C. is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Ltd.)
With the understanding that there are those of us who might want to deploy other tonearms with the PD-191A, Luxman also plans to introduce accessory bases for third-party 9in-to-10in tonearms, as well as an external second tonearm base for longer 12in tonearms like the company’s cited example, the perennially classic SME-3012.
To maintain constant platter speed, Luxman’s sine wave/PWM power supply is said to provide ultra-stable direct current to the DC brushless motor. The PD-191A maintains speed via Proportional Integral Differential (PID) control and programming. The high-performance reference clock for speed correction uses a MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) oscillator, and the motor drives the outside flange of the platter through a wide EPDM belt.
The 5.2kg (11.4lb) platter itself requires bearings capable of sustaining extremely high pressure, so Luxman’s engineers specified the use of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) thrust bearings and brass radial bearings. Relative to all that, wow & flutter is given as less than 0.04% (weighted RMS).
Large rubber isolator feet offer independent height adjustment for the PD-191A. The turntable’s underslung suspension structure features the main electrical and bearing components attached to the 15mm thick aluminum alloy top plate. Inside, special rubber damping mounts isolate the chassis from two internal sources of potential vibration — the motor and the power transformer — which are in turn mounted on a 3.2mm metal bottom panel. The PD-191A also offers a vibration-absorbing rubber record mat.
The PD-191A’s aluminum platter is precision-machined, resulting in a diamond-cut visual pattern. The rosewood-finished base contrasts with the hairline aluminum top panel, which has a strobe window and separate speed adjustments of 33 1/3, 45, and 78rpm.
Other features of the PD-191A include a 16mm large-diameter center spindle, supplied EP adaptor, detachable output, IEC power cables, gold-plated AC power input (turned 180°), a flathead screwdriver for rotation-speed adjustment, an armbase removal hex wrench, and an optional acrylic 4mm thick dust cover that incorporates spring and cam support hinges.
The eagle-eyed amongst you may have already seen the Luxman PD-191A make its Japanese market debut last September, but now this top-tier turntable is available for pre-order here in North America. The SRP is $12,495.
For more about Luxman, go here. To find an authorized Luxman distributor near you, go here.
Turntable Type: Belt drive Motor: Brushless DC motor with PID control Material: Machined aluminum Surface finish: Diamond cut Speeds: 33 1/3, 45, 78rpm (selectable) Revolution adjustment range: ±6% (each speed adjustable independently) Wow and flutter: 0.04% or less (WRMS) Weight: 5.2kg (platter)
Tonearm Type: Static balanced, S-shape, universal Bearing: Concealed vertical knife-edge Effective length : 256mm Overhang: 16mm Tracking-error angle: +1.07° to –1.52° Applicable cartridge weight: 4 to 11g (including headshell: 17 to 24g) Adjustable height range: 22mm Antiskating: 0 to 4g
Main unit Power source: 230V (50Hz); 115V (60Hz) Power consumption: 5W Dimensions (w/h/d): 49 x 128 x 399mm (height given to upper surface of platter) Net weight: 24.8kg (main unit); 26.4kg (with dust cover)
Log in or register to post comments COMMENTS Such a thing of beauty! Submitted by volvic on Fri, 2023-04-07 06:26 I am glad they brought it back and the fact that different arm boards can be used is a bonus. I have never heard one nor seen one in the flesh, but I can’t imagine it wouldn’t impress. I will admit that I made a big mistake in my recent turntable purchases, I have several and love them all, and couldn’t see myself parting with any of them. Yet, there is a part of me that thinks that what I should have done many moons ago, was put down $4000 and buy a 1200G and be done with the rest. In fact, I have to ask how much better is the PD-191A over the 1200G ? I’ve heard it and and think it’s that good. For many of us the 1200G is all the turntable we will ever need. Log in or register to post comments "how much better is the PD-191A over the 1200G ?" qtd volvic Submitted by JACK L on Fri, 2023-04-07 13:42 Hi Apple vs orange comparison ! PD-191A is an AC synchronous motor BELT-driven (51lb) vs 1200G direct-driven by a coreless DC motor (40lb). Lux never made any TT in 30 years until 2011 - first ever made TT : PD171 which already tagged for $6,400 in 2013. It was replaced by PD-171A with a new improved AC synchronous motor & more precision clock-controlled driving electronics & better balanced/damped platter assembly. It is tagged double of its 10-year old model is within reason, IMO. My second TT (as standby) is also a brandname DD TT made in Japan with SME 3009R curve black arm/MC cartridge+factory provided headamp (both also made in Japan). Yet I still prefer playing my vintage Thorens 125II belt-driven TT - it sounds more musically natural to me ! Jack L Log in or register to post comments Good question! Submitted by TokyoMatt on Fri, 2023-04-07 22:43 ...and for that matter - how does the PD191 compare with the new Luxman PD151 mk2 at half the price? I can see much difference IN THE SPECS. I wish someone would do a proper comparison of the Technics 1200G v the Luxman (s)! Log in or register to post comments I would think the 1200G Submitted by volvic on Sat, 2023-04-08 08:37 I would put $5 down that the Tecchie would be picked by most, just a guess. When I first heard the 1200GAE at a private event hosted by Panasonic a few years back, I was very impressed by how clear it sounded with certain recordings, I was familiar with. Little details that were hidden with my belt drives were clear and pronounced to my 53 year old ears through the 1200GAE. There is an interesting review in Stereophile’s December issue by Alex Halberstadt, he seems to prefer the colored sound his Garrard 301 emits, which is fine, that is the beauty of vinyl. But at $4500 vs Luxman’s $12K offering unless the PD191 is doubly better, I think the Tecchie is the best deal offered in vinyl turntables. Log in or register to post comments "Tecchie is the best deal offered in vinyl turntables"qtd volvic Submitted by JACK L on Sat, 2023-04-08 12:13 Hi "Best deal" means what ?? Price or sound or both ??? Sonically, I always prefer BELT driven TT. It sounds so much more musically natural than DD TTs, IMO. As posted above, I am not that fond of playing my DD TT/SME arm/MC cartridge which cost sooo much more than my cheapie vintage Thorens 125II belt-driven TT. Why? Simply the belt-driven TT sounds much more musical to my very picky ears. You will agree with me once you spent enough time in listening to live music performances like me. Jack L Log in or register to post comments I think Jack L a chatGPT bot…. Submitted by bigmule on Sun, 2023-04-09 04:18 I chose the 1200g over Luxman and many other great brands. I understand if y’all don’t agree with me because I most likely haven’t listened to ENOUGH live music performances to convince anybody. However, Jack L, I must disclose that I’ve seen Kiss, Pink, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber all within the the same calendar year, so that has to hold some value. Log in or register to post comments "Kiss....." qtd bigmule Submitted by JACK L on Sun, 2023-04-09 17:15 Hi Sorry, I never go for rock band music like Kiss ! Why should I pay to listen to ear-deafening music + distortions pumped out of the PA loudspeakers??? If such loud distorted music is what you enjoy, & 1200G makes you happy with such "music", be my guest !!! FYI, I am talking about acoustic classical music performances ! No ear-deafening distorted music pumped out from PA loudspeakers !!! Hopefully, you know the difference !!!! Quality music not quantity music !! Jack L Log in or register to post comments I wish I can read decent posts like in Positive Feedback.com Submitted by JACK L on Sun, 2023-04-09 17:26 Jack L Log in or register to post comments I get it…. Submitted by bigmule on Sun, 2023-04-09 20:07 Obviously you have NEVER heard their a cappella “Detroit Rock City” sung at the acoustically superb Pontiac Silverdome….if you were there, I’m sure you would agree with me that the delivery was eerily reminiscent of the The Three Tenors 1990 show in Rome (@ the Baths of Caracalla). Simply put, Gene Simmons could go toe to toe with any or all of those guys !! But hey, It’s really all about the music right! Log in or register to post comments Hi Submitted by JACK L on Mon, 2023-04-10 14:24 Hi Again, Detroit Rock City is a hardrock band & the 3 tenors are classical operatic singers. Apple to orange comparison ! Like comparing vegans diet with beefeaters roast beef. Moot argument. Am I selling coconuts to Eskimos or what?? Yes, hard rock is music & the 3 great tenors' operatic arias is also music. But you could be the first music expert on this planet to compare them ! Jack L PS: I got the DVD of "The 3 tenors in Concert" performed in Rome the night before the 1990 FIFA world cup final. It sounds superb ! Log in or register to post comments So who's going? Submitted by rich d on Fri, 2023-04-07 08:58 to Axpona, that is. You'll probably find me in the ground floor bar (pretty good beer selection by the way) seeking refuge from the 4,237th demo of 'Hotel California'. Log in or register to post comments "Hotel California" qtd rich d Submitted by JACK L on Fri, 2023-04-07 12:33 Hi Yes, I like very much "Hotel California" the Eagles performed live at Capital Centre 1977 I got a CDR copy which sounds pretty good in my tube amps. I also got the Eagles live performance at Santa Monica Civic Centre 29/07/1980 on LP. Now the 1977 Capital Centre performance is already available in HD remaster format which I watched @ YouTube as early as a couple months ago. Wow, the bass drum pedal makes the bass drum sound so powerfully punchy & clear !! Listen to it in a "bar" ??? Thanks but no thanks. Jack L Log in or register to post comments Way, way too Submitted by Tom L on Fri, 2023-04-07 10:17 inexpensive for me. >choke< Log in or register to post comments "Way way too INexpensive to me" qrd Tom L Submitted by JACK L on Tue, 2023-04-11 09:25 Hi Would the Kondo Audio Note (Japan) TT+ tonearm(custom design/built by SME UK, sold for a special price USD125,000 expensive enough for you ? I auditioned it. It was a shame that the Audio Note regional rep studio guy failed to set up the tonearm properly when I was there for the first audition. This demo model was eventually sold to the president of the city's largest commercial building management corporation for 125,000 greenbacks !! Jack L Log in or register to post comments SOC Maturity Assessment Submitted by catalyicsecritye on Tue, 2023-04-11 05:05 I was looking for such information and I really appreciate the efforts you put into this article. Here you find more information on SOC Maturity Assessment . Log in or register to post comments " more info. on SOC Maturity Assessment ' qtd catalyicsecritye Submitted by JACK L on Tue, 2023-04-11 10:04 Hi So apparently whoever you are selling SOC here??! May we know what is SOC to do with home audio we are discussing here ? Jack L Log in or register to post comments Are you not mature enough? Submitted by Wymax on Tue, 2023-04-11 13:02 This is clickbait of course, it will be removed by the team when they notice it. Log in or register to post comments "Are you not mature enough?" qtd Wymax Submitted by JACK L on Wed, 2023-04-12 12:34 Hi So you are matured enough to challenge the AP editors ! 24 hours elapsed since the SOC post above appeared & is still here. Are you accusing the editors here either sleeping or turning a blind eye to it ????? FYI, my posts at Positive Feedback.com all went through editorial review procedure immediately before allowed to be posted there. It takes from a few minutes to an hour to be published or removed, depending how many posts still under review before mine !!! Jack L Log in or register to post comments Well... Submitted by Wymax on Wed, 2023-04-12 14:31 I agree. Normally the editors are removing clickbait within 24 hours or so, they must have overlooked this one. BTW, I am not accusing anyone of anything, do not put your words into my mouth :-) No one is without error. Log in or register to post comments "I am not accusing anyone of anything," qts Wymax Submitted by JACK L on Wed, 2023-04-12 15:23 Hi You challenged me out of the blue "Are you matured enough..." ! So I responded accordingly to your remarks of me. Jack L Log in or register to post comments Sorry for that... Submitted by Wymax on Thu, 2023-04-13 01:26 My "are you matured enough" was a pun on the clickbait post, nothing more. Apologies for the confusion. Log in or register to post comments NO problem ! Submitted by JACK L on Thu, 2023-04-13 14:17 . Log in or register to post comments Let's face it, Submitted by rich d on Tue, 2023-04-11 15:05 if you're looking for a maturity assessment you've come to the wrong place. Log in or register to post comments
I am glad they brought it back and the fact that different arm boards can be used is a bonus. I have never heard one nor seen one in the flesh, but I can’t imagine it wouldn’t impress. I will admit that I made a big mistake in my recent turntable purchases, I have several and love them all, and couldn’t see myself parting with any of them. Yet, there is a part of me that thinks that what I should have done many moons ago, was put down $4000 and buy a 1200G and be done with the rest. In fact, I have to ask how much better is the PD-191A over the 1200G ? I’ve heard it and and think it’s that good. For many of us the 1200G is all the turntable we will ever need.
PD-191A is an AC synchronous motor BELT-driven (51lb) vs 1200G direct-driven by a coreless DC motor (40lb).
Lux never made any TT in 30 years until 2011 - first ever made TT : PD171 which already tagged for $6,400 in 2013. It was replaced by PD-171A with a new improved AC synchronous motor & more precision clock-controlled driving electronics & better balanced/damped platter assembly. It is tagged double of its 10-year old model is within reason, IMO.
My second TT (as standby) is also a brandname DD TT made in Japan with SME 3009R curve black arm/MC cartridge+factory provided headamp (both also made in Japan). Yet I still prefer playing my vintage Thorens 125II belt-driven TT - it sounds more musically natural to me !
...and for that matter - how does the PD191 compare with the new Luxman PD151 mk2 at half the price? I can see much difference IN THE SPECS. I wish someone would do a proper comparison of the Technics 1200G v the Luxman (s)!
I would put $5 down that the Tecchie would be picked by most, just a guess. When I first heard the 1200GAE at a private event hosted by Panasonic a few years back, I was very impressed by how clear it sounded with certain recordings, I was familiar with. Little details that were hidden with my belt drives were clear and pronounced to my 53 year old ears through the 1200GAE. There is an interesting review in Stereophile’s December issue by Alex Halberstadt, he seems to prefer the colored sound his Garrard 301 emits, which is fine, that is the beauty of vinyl. But at $4500 vs Luxman’s $12K offering unless the PD191 is doubly better, I think the Tecchie is the best deal offered in vinyl turntables.
Price or sound or both ???
Sonically, I always prefer BELT driven TT. It sounds so much more musically natural than DD TTs, IMO.
As posted above, I am not that fond of playing my DD TT/SME arm/MC cartridge which cost sooo much more than my cheapie vintage Thorens 125II belt-driven TT. Why? Simply the belt-driven TT sounds much more musical to my very picky ears.
You will agree with me once you spent enough time in listening to live music performances like me.
I chose the 1200g over Luxman and many other great brands.
I understand if y’all don’t agree with me because I most likely haven’t listened to ENOUGH live music performances to convince anybody.
However, Jack L, I must disclose that I’ve seen Kiss, Pink, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber all within the the same calendar year, so that has to hold some value.
Sorry, I never go for rock band music like Kiss ! Why should I pay to listen to ear-deafening music + distortions pumped out of the PA loudspeakers???
If such loud distorted music is what you enjoy, & 1200G makes you happy with such "music", be my guest !!!
FYI, I am talking about acoustic classical music performances ! No ear-deafening distorted music pumped out from PA loudspeakers !!!
Hopefully, you know the difference !!!! Quality music not quantity music !!
Obviously you have NEVER heard their a cappella “Detroit Rock City” sung at the acoustically superb Pontiac Silverdome….if you were there, I’m sure you would agree with me that the delivery was eerily reminiscent of the The Three Tenors 1990 show in Rome (@ the Baths of Caracalla). Simply put, Gene Simmons could go toe to toe with any or all of those guys !!
But hey, It’s really all about the music right!
Again, Detroit Rock City is a hardrock band & the 3 tenors are classical operatic singers. Apple to orange comparison !
Like comparing vegans diet with beefeaters roast beef. Moot argument.
Am I selling coconuts to Eskimos or what??
Yes, hard rock is music & the 3 great tenors' operatic arias is also music. But you could be the first music expert on this planet to compare them !
PS: I got the DVD of "The 3 tenors in Concert" performed in Rome the night before the 1990 FIFA world cup final. It sounds superb !
You'll probably find me in the ground floor bar (pretty good beer selection by the way) seeking refuge from the 4,237th demo of 'Hotel California'.
Yes, I like very much "Hotel California" the Eagles performed live at Capital Centre 1977 I got a CDR copy which sounds pretty good in my tube amps. I also got the Eagles live performance at Santa Monica Civic Centre 29/07/1980 on LP.
Now the 1977 Capital Centre performance is already available in HD remaster format which I watched @ YouTube as early as a couple months ago. Wow, the bass drum pedal makes the bass drum sound so powerfully punchy & clear !!
Listen to it in a "bar" ??? Thanks but no thanks.
inexpensive for me. >choke<
Would the Kondo Audio Note (Japan) TT+ tonearm(custom design/built by SME UK, sold for a special price USD125,000 expensive enough for you ?
I auditioned it. It was a shame that the Audio Note regional rep studio guy failed to set up the tonearm properly when I was there for the first audition.
This demo model was eventually sold to the president of the city's largest commercial building management corporation for 125,000 greenbacks !!
I was looking for such information and I really appreciate the efforts you put into this article. Here you find more information on SOC Maturity Assessment .
So apparently whoever you are selling SOC here??!
May we know what is SOC to do with home audio we are discussing here ?
This is clickbait of course, it will be removed by the team when they notice it.
So you are matured enough to challenge the AP editors !
24 hours elapsed since the SOC post above appeared & is still here.
Are you accusing the editors here either sleeping or turning a blind eye to it ?????
FYI, my posts at Positive Feedback.com all went through editorial review procedure immediately before allowed to be posted there. It takes from a few minutes to an hour to be published or removed, depending how many posts still under review before mine !!!
I agree. Normally the editors are removing clickbait within 24 hours or so, they must have overlooked this one. BTW, I am not accusing anyone of anything, do not put your words into my mouth :-) No one is without error.
You challenged me out of the blue "Are you matured enough..." !
So I responded accordingly to your remarks of me.
My "are you matured enough" was a pun on the clickbait post, nothing more. Apologies for the confusion.
200w vibration motor if you're looking for a maturity assessment you've come to the wrong place.