Luxman Laboratory Reference Series 5K-50

Data

General

• Manufacturer: Luxman
• Model: Laboratory Reference 5K-50
• Type: Cassette / Tape Deck
• Years of manufacture: 1978 - 1980
• Made in: Japan
• Color: Silver
• Power consumption: 75 W
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 442 x 146 x 389 mm
• Weight: 12.5 kg
• Original price approx.: 280'000 Yen (Japan, 1979), 1995 US-$ (USA 1981), 3'950 DM

Connections

• Number of inputs:
  • Line: 100mV at 50 kOhm

DIN: 2mV at 1 kOhm

• • Mik: 0,25mV at 600 Ohm...10 kOhm
• Number of outputs:
  • Line: 580mV
  • Headphone: 1mV / 8 Ohm

Technical Data

• Audio heads: 3
  • 1x ferrite for recording
  • 1x Sendust for playback

1x ferrite for erasing

• Motors: 3
  • 1 x double capstan drive Quartz-Lock for tape drive
  • 2 x coreless for coils
• Synchronisation fluctuations: < 0.03%
• Tape types: Normal, Chrome
• Frequency response:
  • Normal: 30 Hz...16 kHz (± 3dB).
  • Chrome: 30 Hz...18 kHz (± 3dB)

Metal: 20 Hz...22 kHz (± 3dB) Distortion factor: < 1,2% (Normal; 1kHz; 0 dB)

• Signalrauschabstand:
  • Normal Dolby off: >55dB
  • Normal Dolby on: > 65dB
  • Chrome Dolby off: > 58dB
  • Chrome Dolby on: > 67dB
• Stereo separation: > 35dB (1 kHz; 0dB)
• Crosstalk attenuation: > -60dB (1 kHz; 0dB)

Special Features

• Adoption of the Luxman Realtime Processed amplifier layout for the tape recording and playback amplifiers.
• Recording mute switch
• Infinitely variable pre-magnetization
• 3-step equalization selector switch
• Adjustable azimuth and control display
• Rear band control
• Plasma peak level control instruments with peak hold function
• Totalizer with zero setting and memory function
• Dolby Filter
• MPX Filter
• Timer-controlled recording and playback
• Test tone oscillator (400 Hz, 6 kHz)
• Music search function: Review, CUE
• Headphone jack
• Output level control, separate L + R
• Connector for wired remote control on the rear panel

Notes

• The Luxman Laboratory Reference series made its debut in 1976.
• Highlights were the first Real Time Processed DC amplifier and the first synthesizer tuner.
• Other components of the Laboratory Reference Series included the 5M-21 power amplifier, the 5G-12 graphic equalizer, the 5F-70 parametric tone control, and the 5E-24 LED level meter unit.
• In 1977 and 1978, the Luxman Laboratory Reference Series was expanded to include the 5L-15 integrated amplifier, the 5M-20 power amplifier without VU meter, as well as a less expensive tuner, the 5T-10, and the 5K-50 cassette tape deck. The 5K-50 was Luxman's very first tape and was probably purchased from a third party manufacturer (possibly Alpine).
• The functionality, performance and innovative design made the series unique and distinctive.
• Special features included:
  • World's first DC amplifier and synthesizer tuner.
  • Computer-controlled cassette deck

Stackable components (the 4 device feet had corresponding recesses with the device standing underneath)

• Other models in the same series:
  • 5C-50 Preamplifier
  • 5M-21 Power Amplifier
  • 5T-50 Tuner
  • 5F-70 Tone Control
  • 5G-12 Equalizer
  • 5E-24 Level Meter
  • 5L-15 Integrated Amplifier
  • 5M-20 Power Amplifier
  • 5T-10 Tuner
  • 5K-50 Tape

Pictures

• [[Luxman Laboratory Reference Series 5K-50 Front

• Luxman Laboratory Reference Series 5K-50 Front Details Left

• Luxman Laboratory Reference Series 5K-50 Front Details Right

• Luxman Laboratory Reference Series 5K-50 interior view

• Luxman Laboratory Reference Series 5K-50 drive

• Luxman Laboratory Reference Series 5K-50 wired remote control AK-1

• Luxman Laboratory Reference Series 5K-50 Tape Selection.
  • Luxman XM-I C-60 normal tape cassette: original price 900 Yen (Japan), approx. 12 DM

Luxman XM-I C-90 normal tape cassette: new price 1200 Yen (Japan), approx. 16 DM

• • Luxman XM-II C-60 chrome tape cassette: new price 1100 Yen (Japan), approx. 15 DM
  • Luxman XM-II C-90 chrome tape cassette: original price 1400 Yen (Japan), approx. 19 DM
  • Luxman XM-IV C-46 metal tape cartridge: original price 1450 Yen (Japan), approx. 20 DM

Reports

• External report: website "Hifi Studio": [1]

Links

• External link: "Hifi Archive" website: [2]

• External Link: "The Vintage Knob" website: [3]

• External link: Audio Heritage, Japan website: [4]

• The legendary cassette decks compared

• Luxman product overview: Luxman</1,2%>