Luxman D-10X
 

Nice article about Luxman's flagship SACD Player

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/art...ayer-and-dac/5

Luxman makes some absolutely wonderful SACD / DAC players. We just upgraded (EMM Labs) so we sold our Luxman D-08u. It was a great player - so analogue sounding. Solid build quality. They are a great investment IMO.

I've had a D10x for the last 2 months and am astounded.

This is how I described the sound of the Luxman over on the Steve Hoffman forum in the context of my subjective feedback of a couple of new compact discs:
"I was listening on a Luxman D-10x which is the most transparent, detailed and tangible sounding player/dac I've ever heard. I've never heard anything like it. It also decodes MQA. It's as if there is no digital filter and Luxman doesn't disclose if there is or what kind might be used. The trade-offs that one hears if you've ever had a player/dac that lets you choose filters aren't present to my ears. It's as pure of a sound as I could imagine and I hear details in discs I've never heard before."

Agree with you, I have had my D-10X for 6 months now the sound is beautiful and so natural, absolutely incredible CD/SACD player one of the finest I have ever heard

Also just got word from my dealer that my CL-1000 has been finished and is shipping soon from Japan, had this on order for 6 months, its been a long wait

Currently using the C-900u, what a beautiful pre amplifier would be more than happy to keep this pre, but from the reviews of people who own the 900 and have stepped up to the CL-1000 they all say there is no comparison, I'm very excited to hear the CL-1000 with the D-10X

Deano

Luxman D10X
 

Got my D10X about 10 days ago after almost a year of waiting, after more than 150 hours i can say this is a wonderful electronic that manage to combine details, resolution, tune, dynamic, and musicality.

SACD plays wonderful, and the DAC never stops amazing me - well done Luxman

Welcome to the D10x club, enjoy!

exupgh12, welcome to AudioAficionado!


:welcome2.:

I have this player, here for 6 days so far, still settling in, but its wonderful. In a system with a Constellation Audio integrated amp into Perlisten S7t loudspeakers. Also have an older TT, but mostly spin discs. Magnificent sounding system.

@rpeluso - Congrats on such a nice system and welcome to Audio Aficionado! :welcome2.:

Congrats on the new arrival. Give it some time to break in (although it sounds really good right out of the box).

rpeluso… Welcome to AA! :wave:

Joe, what was your experience with the DAC section of the D-08u? Thanks!

I found the DAC to be very analogue sounding. It was excellent for its price range.

The only thing I didn’t like about the 08u was it’s cheap CD drawer. This has been corrected in the 10… This said, I never encountered any problems with what I considered a cheaper drawer.

Overall Luxman makes some fabulous DACs and SACD players. The 10 costs less than the 8. So, the 10 is an upgrade in every way. Even it’s DAC is better.

Indeed I read from users that the DAC section in the D-10X is performing pretty well. I was wondering about the D-08 but didn't realise that the D-10 costs less... thanks for your input :thumbsup:

I'm actually looking at different angles in my quest for upgrading my DAC, this could be an option... or a Meitner... or a Lampi :D

Nice options!

I read very positive things about the Meitner (Joel Chevassus).

https://audiophile-magazine.com/audi...decembre-2021/

If I'm not mistaken, the D-08u was originally $20K in the US. When Luxman took over US distribution, they reduced the price of this unit to $15K. So it depends on your point of reference. Based on the last D-08u price, the D-10X is priced above the D-08u.

Bart, thanks for the link :thumbsup: Also heard through a common acquaintance that Joel Chevassus believed the Meitner was one of the finest DACs he reviewed.

Yes ok thanks for the clarification, makes sense

IMO, the Luxman isn’t on the same level as EMM or Lampi.

My 08 listed for 22k when I purchased it. The 10 listed for 16.5 when I checked it out. So those are my points of reference.

My own experience with Luxman D10X
 

I would like to apologize English isn’t my native language
The following is a review of my Luxman D10X CD//SACD/DAC player

It's been almost two weeks since i received my Luxman D10X after almost a year of waiting.
the D10X replace Luxman's D08 as the flagship player.

Player Structure & Features

The D10X size is quite big – it's taller than the C900U preamp, the player comes in a huge package that weighs about 38 kg, the player itself weighs about 23 kg.

As usual with Luxman flagship series, you get a loop-less chassis structure, the exterior structure is made of brushed aluminum at the top and the front of rough aluminum using a fine sandblast.

Unlike the previous generation of the company, Series 10 front with angles replaces the rounded corners of previous series, the device front panel design brings some fresh look.
The finish as in all the Luxman flagship products is exceptional, the metal thickness and processing quality will definitely bring the owner proud, no bare screws can be found on the front or the side panels. the construction successfully combines massiveness and refinement - Something the Japanese are good at.

According to Luxman D10X contains improved transport, which according to the manufacturer's statements has been built more massively than the previous generation transport.

According to Luxman the loading and reading speed of optical media has been improved from the previous generation. Luxman also state about improved power supplies.

One of the most intriguing things about a new player is without a doubt the D/A converter chips, the BD34301EKV from the Japanese company ROHM. The player has 2 such chips installed for Dual Mono configuration.
As a company that analog is no stranger to, Luxman claim that the new chip combines top-flight specs with impressive refinement.

The player reads CD \ SACD discs as well as MQA encoded discs (quite rare).
DSD playing has 2 analog FIR filter (D1, D2).
As with other devices made by the company, here too you can change phases in case your pre-amp is European / American.
In addition to analog outputs (XLR and RCA) digital inputs and outputs (coaxial and optical) can be found through the USB inputs. The player will handle PCM from 44.1 kHz to 786 kHz and DSD from 2.8 MHz to 22.4 MHz (1-bit ). The coaxial and optical inputs are limited to PCM 44.1–192kHz.

Sound

The D10X replaced me with another player that also included a converter (Unison Research DUO) and integrates with another converter/streamer I have (Cary DMS-600) that allows me to stream PCM to the D10X
Optical Media Play - CD \ SACD.

Anyone who believes that there is no difference between music played from streaming services such as Tidal and Qobuz and music originating from optical media can stop reading here, the difference exists and the D10X reinforces the attitude that the days of optical media as audiophilic media are far from over –for audiophiles at least.

The D10X has made a noticeable improvement in digital sound quality of my system (my reference is always my analog system – Brinkmann Edison MK2 phono, Brinkmann Balance TT+ Brinkmann 10.5 Arm, Miyajima Kansui cartridge), making instruments and human sounds sound very realistic.

In recent years we witnessed the decline of optical media sales, the D10X proves that optical media is far from exhausting itself in everything related to sound quality, piano, strings, drums, trumpet, or natural human voice sounds incredible through the D10X.
Playing music from a CD or MQA CD on the D10X allows you to get a holograph and a large stage while retaining detail resolution and delicacy (excellent micro and macro dynamics) that I didn't hear before from optical players I had so far.

Even bad recorded albums from 80's New Wave groups such as Yazzo and The Mission) sound incredible on the D10X, without the edgy bright harshness that accompany some of those albums.
Regarding playing music in SACD format (I have about 70 albums in this format), if the album is recorded well you will get a nirvana experience that is already close to the music that can be obtained from a nice analog setup, the sound ability of this player in SACD is impressive.

If the SACD recording is mediocre, the D10X manages to extract to "iron" the wrinkles, this will make you concentrate more on the music instead of recording issues (Santana's Abraxas, some of Hendrix's recordings or some of Stevie Ray's albums that are in SACD).

As a Converter

The streaming at my home is done through my Cary Audio DMS600 converter/streamer, using the DMS coax port to output signal to the D10X coax input.
Music comes from streaming services - Tidal, Qobuz or from files stored on NAS server in the home network, due to the use of a coaxial input the signal is limited to PCM 44.1–192kHz (processing for MQA is performed on the Roon Core computer I use )
In order not to prolong, I can tell you that the D10X retains the same sound characteristics I wrote above - excellent tonality, stage dimensions, resolution, and delicate details.

The D10X was able to preserve the above even when streaming music from music services, one hand you get the impressive ability of the D10X to dig and extract even the finest details from the files, on the other hand, the D10X knows how to produce exceptional tonality and musicality reminiscent of an analog source.

Elaborating about the difference between my current converter/streamers and the D10X, it is mainly reflected in the latter's ability to turn music from a digital source into an experience that even analog enthusiasts can enjoy without moving uncomfortably in the seat.

Complains – Sort of

Is everything perfect? the answer is of course no.

I think it's a shame that Luxman did not go one step further like Playback Designs and equip the player / converter with a streaming component - this would have saved another device, probably you cannot ask for everything.
The remote, make no mistake, the remote is great, properly constructed of aluminum, the reception is excellent, but the remote isn’t incorporate buttons for company amplification – meaning you'll have to work your way with 2 remotes.
Switching between resolutions – when switching between sample resolutions from 44.1 to 88.2 or vice versa for example, you will hear sounds like a relay click (also exists on other Luxman devices), for me this is the first time I hear such a thing, a bit strange in the digital world but I got used to it quickly.


Summary

The music that the D10X can produce is seductive, one that draws the listener into the music. for me the D10X may prove dangerous, as it will make me want to keep listening to music far beyond my free time i have.

In the last two years, I have listened to quite a few converters in a wide range of prices sometimes at an outrageous price (some costing more the double the price of the D10X), the D10X is a very capable and high-performance audio component that successfully combines old (optical media) with new (D/A converter) while providing an addictive listening experience for those who can afford it.

Update to this review.

For the last six weeks, my source for the D10X DAC had changed, it is now based on Melco HA-N1Z/2EX-H50 connected to the D10X with Cardas Clear USB cable. i must say that the performance bare had raised in way i couldn't expect, far more musicality, organic sound, texture, details, and emotions I have not heard before from digital source, including comparing to Brinkmann Nyquist II, EMM DA2, CH C1 DAC, Playback MPT-8.

Exupgh12 - Welcome to AA. Congratulations on your purchase. This a was great way to contribute with a fantastic summary of your experience with the Luxman D10X.

Please continue to participate. Your writing in English as a second language is almost perfect.

Exupgh12… Welcome to AA! :wave:

Thank you all for the kind words

Melco HA-N1Z / 2EX-H50 Digital Music Server - Owner Review
 

Again, i apologize for my English, it isn’t my native language

This is a review for Melco HA-N1Z / 2EX-H50 digital music server I purchased and work with my Luxman D-10X Player.

A few months ago I bought a Luxman D-10X player/converter, the converter in the player is made by the Japanese ROHM, and allows music files to be streamed via a coaxial/optical and USB connection.
Until I received the server, I streamed music files to the converter using the existing coaxial port on the Streamer / DAC Cary DMS600.

A few weeks ago, I purchased a digital music server made by Melco, a model with the long (immediate) name HA-N1Z / 2EX-H50 (hereinafter: N1).

Melco Audio is a Japanese company specializing in the production of servers and switches designed for the digital audio field. Melco is affiliated with Japanese network and storage solutions maker Buffalo.

The "Melco Project" was based on the following assumptions:

A. Most audiophiles do not understand computers and do not want to mess with a computer.

B. Standard computers are not suitable for high-end audio (operating noise / operating system optimization, reliability, etc ..).

The N1 was built as a universal music source and an audiophilic alternative to IT NAS for streaming systems via a USB connection or via an Ethernet connection (including music services such as Tidal, Qobuz, Vtuner, or Roon).

External CD can be added to the server for RIP execution.

In addition, using the USB sockets in the device, you can expand the storage directory (insert an external HDD) and even perform a backup with the click of a button for files stored locally on the server to an external storage device.

The EX2 model, or MK2 if you will, brings with it a number of improvements over the previous N1 model:

- Using a single disk with a larger volume instead of a Raid array
- Attenuation update for internal storage
- Improved power supplies and capacitors
- Software changes (there are 2 server programs in addition to Roon and a tagging software called Kongmusic)

Supported file format and sampling frequency:

Supported Formats Server - DSF, DFF, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, AAC, MP3, WMA, OGG, LPCM, Player - DSF, DFF, FLAC, WAV, ALAC, AIFF, AAC
Sample Rates 44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176K, 192K, 384K, 2.8M, 5.6M, 11.3M

Build Quality

The N1 transmits a solid, high-quality overall look (thick aluminum that has been sandblasted) even if banal (you will not find here a convention-breaking design, round outlines, or CNC work that will make you stare at the device for long minutes), after all, it is a kind of "computer" and no one It would be wrong to think otherwise.

The four legs on which the device is made of metal (TAOC) and according to the manufacturer the specific metal has features designed to insulate the device from the surface beneath it.

The interior of the device is divided into H-shaped cells, in order to separate the power supplies from the network and storage components.

On the front of the device is a large and convenient on / off switch, OLED screen for displaying information (album name, singer, and other information related to the player file or production menus, respectively), although the screen is not large it is exceptionally legible even from a distance of 4 meters and more.

Also, on the front of the device are 4 buttons that are used to browse and select the server menus without the need to use the app.

At the back you'll find, a standard power connection, 1 insulated USB socket (with separate power supply) for output to the converter, 3 additional USB sockets designed [1. for a backup device, 2. for an external CD connection (in favor of performing RIP to CDs) and 3. for an external storage connection].

In addition to the USB ports and connections, the device has 2 Ethernet sockets, the first is used to transfer the information from a computer/switch and the second is used to transfer information from the server to DAC with an Ethernet connection (ie the N1 itself is also an isolated switch).

Software menus

The N1 creates while thinking about audiophiles or in other words, those whose computer operation is not close to their heart.
The buttons on the front allow you to browse through the various menus and allow any layman to set parameters and create the device even without reading its operating manual and do so using an app/browser.

The options in the Settings menu will allow you to set the screen brightness, date, type of server software to run (there are 2), enable file labeling software, network storage sharing, Roon connection, USB output mode configuration, DSD Flags, internal storage formatting and even Deleting the information so that no one after you can read what was stored in the internal storage device (this is done by writing and deleting the bits several times, an operation that almost certainly ensures that the content will not be recoverable).

If you are subscribed to music services that allow you to download files, the N1 allows you to create the account and the date when the N1 will download the files for you from the same service.

The remote control can be done using a browser (so Melco closes a number of options that could allow hackers to remotely exploit the server - smart on their part).

Audio files can be played using Mconnect software (or through a Melco app - Mconnect version) or in my case by Roon - the compatible device.

In conclusion, operating the device and manufacturing the device is quick and easy, these are issues that are particularly appealing to those who are afraid or disgusted by computer operation.

Sound, how does the N1 + D-10X combination sound

For me, the N1 is connected to an integrated device (SACD \ CD \ DAC) by Lexman via a Cardas USB cable (Cardas Clear USB), in the future, I will diagnose additional USB cables.

Even before the end of the "break" of the device, there was no problem in distinguishing the outgoing sound from the D-10X compared to the streaming made in parallel from the Cary Audio DMS 600 device (via RCA Digital connection) to the streaming made from the N1 server, these differences sharpened as the N1 worked ..

In short - the combination of the N1 with the D-10X surprised me beyond the expectations and digital experiences I have heard so far with me or other friends, yes also converters at a price north of 100K NIS (roughly equals to 30k USD).

As someone who has already gone through a number of digital sources the first thing that suits the listener is the musical experience and excitement that the combination of the N1 + D10X produces, for analog lovers like me it is love from first sound, a digital sound that is not ashamed or apologetic next to analog.

And by elaborating ...

Emotions - If there is anything that Analog manages to convey and to this day I have had a hard time accepting it digitally it is emotion, here the combination of the N1 and D-10X is hugely successful. the combination of the two managed to overwhelm veteran audiophiles from the abundance of erupting emotion.

Sound Organic - The sound is full of emotion and natural dynamism, the feeling that the only thing that can limit the sound emanating from the system is the quality of the recording.

Sound Textures - The combination of the N1 and D-10X manages to bring out a deep and dense layer of textures, these allow you to enjoy a particularly rich range between the lowest and highest tones.

Presentation - The N1 has excellent presentation capability to produce detail, separation, depth, stage, and 3D. these were not there at the same quality when the files were streamed through the DMS 600 media server.

Micro Dynamics - All the details of the tools, even the smallest and weakest, are easily distinguished.

Macro Dynamics - Noisy sections (drums slam, musicians' croissants) are difficult to impossible to come up with, the reaction here is immediate and bursts loudly whether it is a symphony orchestra or an electronic section.

Bass - Bass segments sound deep with a lot of layers, more than streaming through the DMS600 which excels in the lower range, I will note that the bass combined with the N1 + D-10X is a little more caressing though deeper than through streaming from the DMS600, this and much closer to what That I'm used to getting from my analog source (Brinkman Balance).

Vocal segments - the human voice sounds ... human (easy to say, much harder to describe), in short, you will not find here a hint of a digital artifact.

Combination N1 + DMS 600

For comparison and out of curiosity (although I already knew what the server brings with it streaming music) I chose to try to connect the N1 to the DMS converter unit (once with a network connection and once with a USB connection), not surprisingly you can also feel an improvement in sound this time. the music has become less flat and more clear, focused, rich and harmonious, in addition to an even more "black" background than what is obtained using the streamer built into the device.

Roon Connection and Integration

Music Server Software - The N1 comes with two music server software (Twonky, MinimServer) and tagging software (SongKong), I prefer working with Roon due to the richness and user experience that come with the software all ought in sound quality some versions of Roon can be drag behind the internal server software’s.

The integration with Roon is simple and fast, selecting the production menu in Roon as the control software allows, as expected, the N1 to be used as a Roon End Point (the connection to the DAC is made using USB or an Ethernet connection).
Roon immediately recognized the N1 as the Endpoint (after configuring the server USB DAC), and if you shared the N1's internal storage, Roon could play the stored files, as of course connect to music services like Tiddle and Qobuz.


Points for improvement.

• Connecting to the DAC via a USB cable brings with it countless options through the use of different cabling - assuming in the coming months I will find myself testing USB cables instead of enjoying mentee music time - an advantage for devices that combine strangers and converter together.

• Screen, albeit legible and clear but quite spartan and without graphics of the playing album, as the owner of a streamer/DAC that combines a large screen with high resolution that displays graphic richness including the album cover as well as detailed information about the playing file, this is a step back - really do not understand what the problem is In 2022, include media servers that display graphics richness such as Cary Audio, Rose150, Aurander, and others.

• Hebrew Fonts Support ( I know that’s not a concern in the US) – No font support, the device's monitor does not display Hebrew fonts (song name, singer), instead you will see large squares - it's a shame.

• 8.5 / 10 user experience, compared to an integrated and polished device like the DMS600 which has the best user experience that can be found such as Remote on and off using Roon, flexible range of connections (Ethernet, WIFI, BT, USB, COAX, OPT) Nice graphical interface, built-in capabilities Like up sampling format conversion and more .... the N1 looks and feels much more spartan. Although the N1 allows control via the Mconnect app, Roon or browser and even sends the device to Sleep mode, it lacks the professionalism to do so in style and convenience such as using the iPhone.

For example, the last option (browser) does not transfer the production menus, as usual, these will show you a photo of the device when the production is done by simulating a push of a button on the physical device (scroll the mouse and click on the buttons of the drawn device - a bit puzzling).

Summary

Regarding the combination of the N1 together with the D-10X, although this is not a result that is equal to the analog stick I have (if we are honest, horribly expensive converters are not competition for an analog set at the level that I and some other forum members own), if it is the N1 + D combination 10X succeeds where almost every digital step I have heard to date has failed - to create an exciting, melodic, live, and dynamic sound, a sound that while listening manages to make me forget that the source of the music is in a digital files/streaming from the network, for me at least that says a lot about the duo's abilities.

Regarding the N1 only, if we put aside the (very light) operation (very good) construction, the Hebrew font limit, and the slightly spartan interface and concentrate on the main point - sound, then we are talking about one of the best devices that can be found in the "sane" price segment and I will not be ashamed To say that even at a much (very) high price than the price of the N1.


My System

Analoge source - Brinkmann Balance with RontII, 10.5" Brinkmann tonearm, miyajima kansui cartrige.

Phono - Brinkmann Edison MK2

Digital Source
Luxman D-10X
Melco HA-N1Z 2EX(H50)

Pre +Amp Luxman C900u + 2 x Luxman M900u monoblocks

Cabales (SP, PC, IN)
Cardas Clear

exupgh12, excellent and very detailed review. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences.

Luxman D-10X
 

Deleted comment

exupgh12, that relay click noise switching between sample resolutions from 44.1 to 88.2 or vice versa it is present even at Accuphase DC-950 dac (Accuphase DC-950 with Aurender X-100L)
It is a bit annoying!
I don't know if Esoteric has the same "problem", maybe someone will help us with an answer.