LUXMAN KX-102 (1983) | The DUO BETA Masterpiece

The Luxman KX-102 represents everything enthusiasts love about early 1980s premium cassette decks. Combining three-head monitoring, automatic tape calibration, proprietary DUO BETA amplifier technology, and both Dolby B and dbx noise reduction, the KX-102 was engineered to rival open-reel performance. Designed as the perfect companion to Luxman's Contemporary Series, the Luxman KX-102 remains an impressive choice for collectors seeking exceptional recording quality and sophisticated engineering.

Specifications

Type: 3-head stereo cassette deck

Series: Luxman Contemporary Series

Tape Compatibility: Normal (Type I), Chrome (Type II), Metal (Type IV)

Noise Reduction: Dolby B and dbx

Head Configuration: Sendust Record/Erase Head, Hexalam Playback Head

Tape Monitoring: Yes

Automatic Tape Calibration: Fully automatic computer-controlled calibration

Bias Adjustment: Automatic

Equalization Adjustment: Automatic

Tape Sensitivity Adjustment: Automatic

Digital Tape Counter: Programmable

Controls: Electronic touch-button operation

Microphone Inputs: Yes

Output Level Control: Yes

Automatic Tape Transport: Yes

Remote Control: Compatible with Luxman RX-103 receiver and RC-103 remote

Special Feature: Servo Face motorized front panel

Wow & Flutter: < 0.04% WRMS

Frequency Response

Metal: 20 Hz – 22 kHz

Chrome: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Normal: 20 Hz – 18 kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio:

Metal Tape 94 dB (dbx), 68 dB (Dolby B)

Chrome Tape 92 dB (dbx) 67 dB (Dolby B)

Normal Tape 90 dB (dbx) 67 dB (Dolby B)

Dimensions: 453 × 365 × 147 mm

Weight: 9.5 kg

Original sale price in germany: 2.400 DM

DUO BETA Technology and Advanced Recording Features. DUO BETA amplifier technology sets the KX-102 apart from most cassette decks of its era. While negative feedback was traditionally reserved for preamplifiers and power amplifiers, Luxman applied its extensive amplifier expertise directly to the cassette deck's audio circuitry. Instead of using a single feedback loop, DUO BETA optimizes negative feedback independently across different frequency ranges. The result is exceptionally smooth treble, transparent midrange reproduction, and tight, controlled bass with remarkably low distortion. Automatic Calibration Computer makes recording almost effortless. With a single button press, the KX-102 automatically measures the installed cassette and optimizes: Bias, Equalization, Tape sensitivity. This eliminates manual adjustments while ensuring every tape formulation performs at its best. Three-head design enables real-time monitoring. Separate record and playback heads allow users to monitor the recording directly from the tape as it is being made, making precise recording adjustments possible. dbx noise reduction delivers near open-reel dynamics. The built-in dbx system dramatically increases dynamic range while reducing tape hiss to extremely low levels. Recordings gain impressive clarity and impact, approaching the performance traditionally associated with reel-to-reel machines. An additional advantage is compatibility with commercially released dbx-encoded LP records, eliminating the need for an external decoder. Servo Face front panel adds a unique touch of luxury. Like other components in Luxman's Contemporary Series, the front panel automatically slides open when powered on, revealing the controls before smoothly closing again when switched off. It remains one of the most distinctive industrial designs of the early 1980s. System Integration was ahead of its time. When paired with the Luxman RX-103 receiver, the deck could be operated remotely using the RC-103 infrared controller. Connected to the PX-101 tangential turntable, the KX-102 automatically entered pause mode when the record finished playing, an advanced level of automation for the period.

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LUXMAN LV-107u (1989) | Brid Series

 

In 1989, Luxman introduced a remarkable integrated amplifier under the Alpine/Luxman brand—the LV-107u—continuing a lineage that began with the highly acclaimed LV-105 “Brid” in 1984. Building on the success of its predecessors, this model refined Luxman’s distinctive hybrid philosophy to an exceptional degree. At the heart of the LV-107u lies a sophisticated hybrid architecture that combines vacuum tubes and MOS-FETs—both voltage-controlled devices—ensuring superior signal integrity and minimal distortion. The amplification stages were meticulously designed: a high-gain, low-noise FET differential circuit at the input stage, a 6CG7 triode vacuum tube in the second stage, and high-performance MOS-FETs in the output stage. This fully voltage-controlled signal path significantly reduces current-induced distortion, resulting in enhanced clarity and precision. The combination of FET and vacuum tube differential stages establishes a stable and clearly defined amplification reference, enabling exceptionally accurate signal transmission. In the output stage, MOS-FETs deliver 105W + 105W (6Ω), offering high speed and naturally suppressing crossover distortion while maintaining a smooth, musical character. A robust power supply underpins this performance. A large 250VA transformer, coupled with high-capacity block capacitors totaling 32,800μF, ensures low impedance and ample current delivery. The vacuum tube heater supply is regulated by a constant-current circuit, protecting the tubes and maintaining optimal operating conditions. Luxman’s proprietary S.T.A.R. (Signal Transit for Accurate Response) circuit further elevates performance by eliminating shared impedance between stages. Each amplification block receives dedicated power and ground paths, and even the signal ground is isolated up to the amplification reference point. This meticulous layout ensures smooth signal flow, reduced interference, and an improved signal-to-noise ratio. Connectivity includes phono, tuner, CD, dual line inputs, and two tape loops, alongside AV-compatible inputs (AV1/AV2) with integrated video buffering for high-quality signal transmission to external displays. Flexible dubbing options and front-panel AV access enhance usability. Functionally, the amplifier offers processor loops for external tone controls or equalizers, defeatable bass and treble controls, loudness compensation, and a “CD Straight” mode that bypasses unnecessary circuitry to deliver the purest possible signal path. The LV-107u stands as a compelling expression of Luxman’s engineering philosophy—blending the warmth of vacuum tubes with the speed and control of solid-state design. The result is a sound that is both refined and dynamic, combining classic musicality with a clean, modern edge—an unmistakable Luxman signature. Specifications: 105W+105W (6ohm) | THD 0,008% (6ohm) | Dimensions (W/H/D) 470x158x355mm | Weight: 14,4kg | Original sale price in Germany 2.298 DM

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LUXMAN 5K50 (1979) | LABORATORY REFERENCE SERIES

 

The 5K50 is a totally professional cassette deck comparable to reel-to-reel machines. Unrivalled sonic quality is achieved thanks to acclaimed "Realtime Processed" DC configuration employed in both recording and playback amps, discrete 3-head system with 3-motor dual capstan operation, full IC logic control, etc. The outstanding feature is an adoption of DC-amp configuration at recording and playback amplifiers. A tape deck is a complex of mechanism and electronics, but rather poor electronic circuitry has been used in conventional decks. LUXMAN considered it quite indispensable to upgrade the amplifier section utilizing accumulated amplifier technique. Especially at the recording amp. the exclusive system (Pat. Pend.) named BRBS (Bridge Recording by Bias current and Signal current) is employed to remove transient distortion and phase shift for ultimate fidelity reproduction. Additionally provided are feather touch keyboard operation by reliable logic circuit, precision 4-digit 7-segment LED tape counter, which permits real-time reading with LUX's exclusive XM cassette tape, 24-dot plasma peak indicator which indicates the maximum peak and instantaneous peak level at the same time, timer recording/playback function, azimuth adjustment etc. To cope with an advent of metal particle tape, this deck is provided with the special head mount structure for easy replacement of the total head assembly suitable for metal particle tape which is optionally available.

Specifications:

Heads: Discrete 3-Heads

Drive Motor: Quartz PLL Direct Drive capstan motor

Reel drive: 2x coreless motor

Tape drive: Dual Capstan System

Wow & Flutter: 0.03% (W.R.M.S.)

Frequency Response: 30Hz-18,000Hz Chrome

      30Hz-16,000Hz LH tape

Size (WxHxD): 442x146x389mm

Weight: 12.5kg

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ALPINE/LUXMAN K-109 (1986) | Incomparable Brid Series

 

The K-109 is the successor of the K-05/K-04/K-03 models from 1983. In 1986 when a new brand was created by Alps Electric and Lux Corporation who bought a Dokorder factory, the K-109 high-performance cassette deck was introduced. Together with the traditional attention to the unique warmth of analogue sources, is what's Luxmans' incomparable Brid Series is all about. The K-109 is featuring a High-precision mechanism for ultimate tape running, the "GT Transport". To ensure precision for the two sets of capstans and pinch rollers that firmly grip the tape, the capstan bearings and pinch roller bearings are molded as one piece with the motor frame chassis. A high-precision dual capstan system is used, which guarantees strict perpendicularity of the capstan shaft and pinch roller shaft to the chassis, and perfect parallelism between the shafts. This ensures stable tape transport and achieves an ideal tape-to-head interface. Excellent sound quality and characteristics featuring "High-performance 3-head". The K-109 employs a three-head configuration, including a combination recording/playback head. An original head was also developed specifically for this purpose. This recording head has a high maximum saturation magnetic flux density and good distortion characteristics. It is made of three laminated layers of sendust material, which is beneficial for recording high-frequency signals. The playback head employs HIP ferrite, which has excellent high-frequency characteristics. The K-109 was equipped with cutting-edge functions for the computer age, such as "Auto Monitor," "Auto Tape Selector," "Music Search," and "Time Memory." To get the best performance from your tape, you need to adjust the bias, level and equalizer to optimum parameters. The K-109's manual calibration allows you to make these fine adjustments. This is a full-fledged multi-function deck that allows you to precisely adjust the optimum values. In addition to the conventional Metal 70µs, the equalizer circuit is now equipped with a Metal 50µs position, which captures the even more vivid charm of metal tape. This new design makes it possible to reduce noise by approximately 3dB in the mid-to-high range, which is important for music reproduction.

Driving system: 3-Motor with Direct Drive dual capstan

Heads: 3-head system (Sendust record/Ferrite playback)

Wow & Flutter: 0.022%

Frequency response: 20-23.000Hz (Metal)

                    20-21.000Hz (Chrome)

                    20-21.000Hz (Normal)

Dimensions: 438x124x345mm (WxHxD)

Weight: 9.3kg

Original sale price: 2480 DM in Germany

Optional remote control: AK-10: wired remote control; AK-20: wireless remote control with receiver unit

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LUXMAN K-373 (1993) - 300 Series

 

Brand: LUXMAN

Model: K-373

Year: 1993

Technical Data:

Head: 3-Head (Hexalam) 

Motors: 2 motor drive

Dolby B-C, Manual BIAS, demagnetizer, cassette stabilizer, system remote, 

Frequency Response: 15Hz to 22kHz (Metal tape)

    15Hz to 21kHz (Chrome)

    15Hz to 20kHz (Normal)

Wow and Flutter: 0,045% (WRMS)

Dimensions (WxHxD): 438x125x350mm

Weight: 5.8kg

Available in black and champagne.

Original sale price: 998 DM Germany

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LUXMAN C-03/M-03 (1988)

 

Brand: LUXMAN

Model: C-03, M-03

Year: 1988

Technical Data - M-03 Power Amplifier:

Continuous power: 8 ohm 2x200 W (20Hz-20KHz)

Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.012%

Frequency Response: 10Hz-100KHz

Switchable to mono (BTL)

Dimensions (WxHxD): 438x165x420 mm

Weight: 23,6 kg

Technical Data - C-03 Pre-amplifier

7 inputs (Phono MM/MC switchable)

Frequency Response: Phono 20Hz-20KHz

                    High Level 10Hz-100KHz

Distortion: <0.005%

Dimensions: 438x88x328 mm

Weight: 5.5 kg

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Luxman Series 1000 (1996) - High-Performance Mini System

This luxurious high-performance mini system was introduced by Luxman in 1996. It consisted of six components that could be arranged in various forms. The heart of the system is the 1000-PV Multi Media Control Center factory delivered with the 1000-RA multi-function system remote control. The 1000-PV is a combination of a tuner and a Dolby-Pro-Logic Processor control amplifier. (The 1000-P model was a simplified tuner-amplifier-timer combination unit). For a basic surround system, the 1000-PV can be used with the 1000-MV 5-channel power amplifier (2x50W Front, 1x50W Center, 2x20W Rear @ 8ohm). The ultimate system combination consists of a 1000-PV control center and five 1000-M Stereo Power Amplifier used in bridged mode for a power rating of 5x100W 8ohm. The additional matching source components are the 1000-D Compact Disc Player and the 1000-K 3-Head Cassette deck. The 1000-K cassette deck features Hexalam-Permalloy recording and playback head, Dolby B-C and HX-Pro systems and various scan and search functions. Wow&Flutter is 0.04% and frequency range is 15Hz-22/21/20kHz (metal/chrome/normal). The deck has an interesting construction with the multi-function display being integrated into a narrow cassette compartiment door. The front panel of each component measures 290x130mm and up to 386mm deep. All components have only the basic functions on the front panel while secondary functions are placed behind a flip-down panel.  

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LUXMAN M-6000 (1975) - Worlds Best Protected Amplifier

Many High Powered amplifiers do not necessarily have a good sound at normal listening levels however, high power is necessary to drive some loudspeakers to realistic sound levels. LUXMAN has overcome many problems associated with the high frequency performance by carefully optimising every stage from the input to its full complementary output stage. This has necessitated the design of special high voltage high speed complementary transistors for the outputs. Protection of both loudspeakers and amplifier under adverse conditions is a necessity. That is why the M-6000 have incorporated Speaker Protection Circuitry that senses abnormal D.C. potential in the output, plus Amplifier Protection Circuitries by means of over-temperature power limiting and over-current limiting sensors. Special circuitry is used in the unlikely event of a single power output transistor failing to allow continued operation. With the M-6000 monitoring of the output is displayed in two ways - Large V.U. Meters read out the Average power and LED read out the equivalent Peak instanteous power, which enables you to see the Dynamics of the Music you are listening to. A bronze anodized brushed aluminium is used for the front panel and incorporated in it is the 1dB level set controls, a large easy-to-use Power switch plate and meter function push buttons. The rear of the unit contains an exclusive "Honey-Comb" heat sink. All this gives a solid "feel' to the unit. The LUXMAN M-6000 was the first from the 50th Anniversary lineup of "Ultimate High Fidelity Stereo" components introduced in 1975 and designed by Tim de Paravicini. Technical specifications: Power output 2x300 W (8 ohm, 20Hz-20Khz, 0.05% THD) | THD: 0.05% | Frequency response: 5Hz-50Khz | Dimensions: 570x425x220 mm | Weight: 52 kg. | Matching pre-amplifier: Luxman C-1000.

LUXMAN C-02/M-02 - Status Series (1982)

Over the years, Luxman's strenght in engineering excellence has always been most evident in amplifier design. The M-02 utilize discrete output transistors and maintain high dynamic power even into low impedance loads. Lux's innovative circuitry "Duo-Beta" meant skillful utilization of 2 kinds of NFb. (Optimum Negative Feedback and DC Subsonic Negative Feedback) A slim but effective power transformer with outstanding regulation and far better efficiency than those with the conventional EI core is used for solid bass sound. Unprecedented speedy attack and decay are given in the actual auditory feelings thanks to the unique bias current circuit emplying LED's in lieu of normal diodes. The BTL selector switch provided makes it possible to take out an astounding monaural 320W into 8-ohm loads. Liquid-Cooled heat sink and Peak-Reading power meters with separate channel attenuators complete this very successful model. (LUXMAN M-02: 150 W/ch 8 ohm with no more than 0.015% THD, Frequency Response 10Hz-100kHz, 453*336*141 mm, 14.5kg)