Luxman - D-100 Centennial SACD Player/DAC

The Embodiment of Flagship Performance, Elevated: Japanese-Made Luxman D-100 Centennial SACD Player/DAC Features LxDTM-i Transport, Cutting-Edge Circuitry, Unique Analog Technology, and Heroic Build Quality 

Luxman trumpets its flagship D-100 Centennial SACD player/DAC as “a milestone in evolution, engraved in sound.” It’s not an idle marketing boast. Engineered to replicate everything from nuanced pianissimos to grand fortissimos with utmost richness, presence, detail, and accuracy, this machine contains the circuity, build, and technology to do so with music of all types and reveal new sonic vistas from your disc collection and high-resolution files. Such performance does not come cheap at all, but then again, there’s nothing ordinary about D-100 Centennial.

First up, the LxDTM-i disc transport mechanism, which is enclosed by a robust box structure that combines 8mm-thick aluminum side frames, a 5mm-thick steel top plate, and 8mm-thick aluminum base plate. By directly integrating the transport mechanism with the main chassis in a unified structure, the design achieves unwavering strength and isolates external vibrations. D-100 Centennial also adopts a left-side mechanical layout, ensuring sufficient space for the large-scale analog output circuitry while enabling the shortest-possible signal path. The disc tray is even equipped with a dust-proof shutter to help enhance quiet operation and deliver smooth, elegant motion.

The 56-pound D-100 Centennial bows as Luxman's first disc player to incorporate the company's LIFES 1.1 amplification feedback engine in its analog output stage. LIFES 1.1 inherits the fundamental philosophy of Luxman's core amplifier technology, ODNF: feeding back only distortion components generated during amplification, and achieving excellent measured performance while preserving the natural musicality of a non-feedback design. In D-100 CENTENNIAL, distortion gets further reduced by parallel-connecting the input stage of the differential detection amplifier.

Turning from analog to digital, D-100 Centennial touts two reference-grade ROHM BD34302EKV DAC chips in a dual-mono configuration. Newly implemented enhancement logic at the IC level, together with the aforementioned analog circuit approach, equates to major sonic leaps in the digital-to-analog conversion stage. Via USB input from network transports or Windows PC/Mac sources, D-100 CENTENNIAL supports up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD 22.5MHz. For CD players and other digital sources, its S/PDIF inputs accommodate up to PCM 192kHz. In addition to isochronous communication, you can install Luxman's free dedicated driver software to enable Bulk Pet transfer (four modes), which equalizes processing load and achieves superior sound. Moreover, the built-in DAC filters allow you to select your preferred tonal character.

As for the critical clock architecture, two circuits combine ultra-low phase-noise oscillator ICs and large crystal oscillators. That approach reduces noise around the oscillation frequency, achieving extremely high precision and low jitter. A dedicated DSP manages asynchronous USB communication, while for the S/PDIF input, an integrated DAIR system provides high-accuracy clock control. Not to be overlooked, D-100 Centennial features a highly stable power supply that incorporates a CI-core power transformer, independent left/right rectification circuits, regulators, and a bank of 40,000μF high-capacity filter capacitors. This ensures pure, powerful, and stable power delivery. Numerous other audiophile specifications complete the internals, including peel-coated circuit boards and OFC internal wiring.

On the elegant 6.06 x 17.32 x 16.53-inch (HWD) exterior, you'll notice a large high-definition OLED display complete with dimmer function, four-times zoom mode, and auto brightness reduction. The front panel features a glossy chrome-plated “Centennial” nameplate, signifying its status as a 100th Anniversary commemorative model. And the bold albeit refined chassis expresses a distinctive “waistline” between the slanted thick front panel and bonnet. On the back, the analog RCA outputs have a generous 22mm pitch to jibe with large cables and the XLR terminals come from Neutrik. Cast-iron, density gradient insulator legs on the bottom protecting the unit from external vibrations.

Sold with an aluminum remote control with numeric keypad and a three-year manufacturer warranty, D-100 Centennial exemplifies peak-level performance, luxury, and emotionalism. To learn more, give us a call at 312-433-0200.