Luxman SQ-N150 Integrated Tube Amplifier

"It’s just clear to me that Luxman puts little R&D into their phono stages which is truly sad because they obviously make beautiful integrated amps." 

"The reason I was interested in resolving this phono gain problem is because I absolutely LOVE the sound of this little Luxman sq-150. The sweet, beautiful tone, soundstage and bass are absolutely world class using sensitive speakers like the Volti Razz." 

"We’ll just accept that the phono stages in the Luxman’s are what they are. Thanks to all"

@rankaudio Points taken.

I’m pleased to report that I own a Luxman MQ-38uC amplifier and a Luxman CL38Uc preamplifier and I have no difficulty with volume when using my turntable, a B&O Beogram 4004.

One other thing to consider:  Stereophile’s measurements of the Volti Razz was 93 db, vs the Volti published 97 db.  Still more efficient than most, but that’s a pretty big difference.  I wouldn’t put that amp with a speaker under 95 db (e.g., the Klipsch Heresy 4 someone else mentioned measured just north of 95 db according to Paul Miller at Hifi News).  

Thanks for sharing. We solved the issue and mystery by using my Erhard Audio’s internal phono preamp by plugging the 1200g into its that phono stage, then ran the output of that preamp to the line-in stage of the Luxman. The results were absolutely smashing, producing the most beautiful sound of any amplifier or speaker to date with this combo using the Volti Razz. The gain was so strong, that the normal line-in using digital streaming seemed even less efficient. The sound was full bodied, airy and silky smooth. I have to say Luxman has done a stunning job with this amp but their phono stages are a complete tragedy.