Luxman SQ-N150 Integrated Tube Amplifier
After we experimented with a Thorens TD165 using a Nagaoka MP200 MM cartridge and a new Technics SL1200G using a Nagaoka MP500 MM cartridge, we are convinced that Luxman has failed miserably to provide enough gain compared to the digital inputs to acquire reasonable volume levels even with the 97db efficient Volti Razz horn speakers. Has anyone else had this experience? Reviews tout the phono stage as being good but this has not been the case.
There are no digital inputs on the SQ-N150 only phono and line. Do you have the MP500 plugged into the phono input and the source selector set to MM? Is the cartridge wired correctly into the head shell? The phono input on the SQ-N150 is more than sensitive enough for the MP500. Did you read any of the manuals that came with your equipment? |
I use my Little Luxman successfully in a small 12’ x 12’ office, for streaming usb out of PC to DAC rca out; reel to reel tape; and vinyl with AT440ml, which has a strong 5mv MM signal Your 500 is only 3mv; the 200 is 4mv. My speakers, AR-2ax are 90db; far lower than your 97db I truly enjoy having tubes in a small space with not much heat, and enough volume, but it is not enough for a larger space, especially starting with a weak signal. I did hook it into my main system when I got it, it played my 16 ohm horns/15" woofers, but they are more efficient than the Volti’s, in the 100’s I suspect, and I never considered keeping it there, just to hear it in a familiar system. It's the best sound and Imaging I ever had in my office, everyone who hears it is equally impressed. |
