Luxman E-250: High-quality phono preamplifier

Luxman E-250 is a transistor MM/MC phono stage that replaced the well-known reference model E-200, which was produced by Luxman since 2008. The device takes all the best from its predecessor in terms of design and construction, including a beautiful...

Luxman E-250
Luxman E-250

Luxman E-250 is a transistor MM/MC phono stage that replaced the well-known reference model E-200, which was produced by Luxman since 2008. The device takes all the best from its predecessor in terms of design and construction, including a beautiful body with an aluminum front panel and anti-vibration feet, the dimensions of which are close to the dimensions of standard components. One of the main differences between the new phono preamplifier and the previous model is the presence on its rear side of two blocks of DIP switches (one for each channel). With their help, you have access to fine-tuning the parameters of the Luxman E-250 in accordance with the type and characteristics of the selected pickup head. Capacitive load correction is available (0/100/220/320 pF), and for MM cartridges you can set the input impedance to 34, 47, 56 and 100 kOhm.

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The phono stage uses an NF-type RIAA equalization circuit that uses negative feedback and provides a high signal-to-noise ratio. The work of amplifying the signal of MC cartridges is performed by step-up transformers equipped with cores made of super-permalloy alloy. In this case, a switch on the front panel allows you to select one of two options for gain and input impedance for MC heads: 57 dB/40 Ohm or 66 dB/2.5 Ohm.

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On the front of the case there are also switches for selecting mono/stereo modes, activating the Low Cut rumble filter (cuts off infra-low frequencies and eliminating hum), enabling the demagnetization mode of cartridges and MC transformers (Articulator), input selector and selecting the type of pickup head (MC or MM ). In addition to DIP switches, the rear panel has one RCA output and two unbalanced inputs, which is convenient, for example, when connecting two vinyl players with different types of cartridges or one turntable with two tonearms. There is also a ground terminal there.

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The power supply uses low-profile, high-capacity capacitors and a fairly powerful power transformer, and the printed circuit boards include specially selected high-quality components. The timbrally accurate sound of the Luxman E-250 phono preamplifier is distinguished by excellent musicality, attention to detail and a three-dimensional stage with the correct arrangement of images in space.

Characteristics of Luxman E-250

Supported cartridge types MM, MC
Input sensitivity MM: 3.2 mV (1 kHz), MC High: 0.37 mV (1 kHz), MC Low: 0.12 mV (1 kHz)
Input impedance MM : 34, 47, 56, 100 kOhm (selectable), MC High: 40 Ohm, MC Low: 2.5 Ohm
Output voltage/output impedance 250 mV/300 Ohm
Gains MM: 38 dB, MC High: 57 dB, MC Low: 66 dB
RIAA equalization standard (NF type)
RIAA curve accuracy maximum deviation: ± 0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz, MM cartridge), ± 0.5 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz, MC -cartridge)
Harmonic distortion coefficient 0.003%
Signal-to-noise ratio MM: 90 dB, MC High: 83 dB, MC Low: 80 dB
Channel separation 91 dB (10 kHz)
Inputs two unbalanced RCA
Outputs linear RCA
Other switching ground terminal
Power consumption 6 W
Dimensions (WxHxD) 364 x 81 x 274 mm
Weight 4.3 kg