Luxman presents the digital player D-07X
“This is a period of transformation in digital audio, and the new D-07X digital player is at the forefront,” said Jeff Sigmund, president of Luxman America. The player supports MQA-CD, MQA files, PCM 32-bit/768 kHz, DSD 22.4 MHz, conventional USB, and Bulk PET File Transfer USB sources, as well as SACD and stereo CD. From the company’s flagship D-10X, the new player inherits key technologies including LxDTM-i disc transport and the ROHM MUS-IC™ BD34301EKV digital-to-analog converter. The D-07X replaces Luxman’s previous D-06u.
Improved Luxman Original Disc Transport Mechanism (LxDTM-i)
Dubbed the LxDTM-i, the drive unit embodies Luxman’s understanding that exposing the drive transport to vibrations and resonances can result in subtle distortion. The LxDTM-i is made in Japan and meticulously encased in steel top and side plates. For added protection, the physical mounting system forms an integrated structure that supports the side frame. The unit also features an improved disc read mechanism, a die-cast aluminum disc tray, and left-side mounting that minimizes signal paths. All contribute to the reproduction of exceptional clarity.
A pair of MUS-IC BD34301EKV converters
The D-07X is the second player from Luxman to incorporate MUS-IC BD34301EKV digital-to-analog converters from Japan-based ROHM Semiconductor. The converters reflect 28 separate parameters optimized for sound quality, including aspects of circuit design, layout, photomasking, wafer production, and IC packaging. For example, to optimize sound quality, select “join” wires that connect the chip to the wire frame are made of copper, while others are made of gold. Using a 32-bit ΔΣ (Delta-Sigma) design, the converters achieve an excellent signal-to-noise ratio: -130 dB. The D-07X applies a pair of these converters in a dual mono configuration, providing a listening experience of unsurpassed musicality.
Because a digital player’s master clock can become a source of subtle noise, Luxman’s clock system incorporates two high-precision, low-jitter, ultra-low phase noise modules. These minimize noise near the oscillation frequency.
Versatile SACD, CD and MQA playback, massive PET file transfers
The D-07X plays a robust selection of file formats via USB inputs and the free LUXMAN Audio Player PC software. Available for both Mac OS® and Windows® PCs, the software decodes WAV, FLAC, MP3, DSF, DSDIFF, ALAC and AIFF files. The USB input accepts PCM signals up to 768 kHz sampling and up to 32-bit quantization plus DSD signals up to 22.4 MHz/1-bit sampling. The coaxial and optical inputs support PCM digital audio up to 192 kHz/24-bit.
The D-07X features master quality authenticated full decoding for MQA and MQA-CD files. MQA audio files up to 24-bit are supported via USB, optical, and coaxial inputs.
In addition to conventional ‘isochronous’ file transfers at fixed bit rates, the USB input supports two modes of Bulk Pure Enhanced Technology® (Bulk Pet®) Hi-Res Audio file transfer. This optimizes the packaging and delivery of data to the converter, which eases the processing load for both the host CPU and the device CPU. This, in turn, reduces the workload between reading and playback, improving playback stability and improving sound quality.
Discrete Buffered Analog Circuit
Luxman engineers supplemented the MUS-IC digital-to-analog converters with an equally sophisticated analog output circuit. A new current-to-voltage conversion system receives the differential outputs from the paired MUS-IC chips and powers four perfectly matched discrete amplifier modules. High-quality buffer circuitry minimizes output impedance, for an ideal connection to any integrated amplifier or control amplifier. While many digital players require a separate low-pass filter stage, the D-07X incorporates the low-pass filter into the buffer stage. This results in remarkably smooth analog waveforms, greater clarity, and greater sonic immediacy.
As always, Luxman engineers have considered, evaluated and optimized every detail.
- The large power supply features large filter capacitors and a 50% larger RO core transformer than the predecessor D-06u.
- The chassis is carefully protected against degradation from electromagnetic interference.
- Two levels of protection defend against distortions caused by resonance. Outside, the feet of the density gradient cast iron insulator diffuse the resonance transmitted by the shelf. Inside, damping countermeasures suppress vibrations generated in the unit itself.
- Printed circuit boards display signature Luxman refinements: gently curved wiring patterns to promote signal flow; Heavy copper foil signal traces and gold-plated connections to minimize stray capacitance.
- For excellent conductivity, the RCA output jacks are gold plated over brass.
- Rugged Neutrik terminals provide the balanced XLR outputs, while a front panel phase reverse button allows listeners to change the polarity.
- Even the rear panel AC outlet has been considered. To better support heavy power cords, Luxman engineers rotated the AC input 180° from the conventional orientation.
In classic Luxman styling, the D-07X has a clean, understated design finished in brushed aluminum, which matches the supplied RD-29 aluminum remote control. The front panel fluorescent display has a selectable 4x zoom mode for easy reading from the ideal listening position. The D-07X is available now at a suggested retail price of $9,995.
