Luxman SQ-N150 Integrated Tube Amplifier

Japanese-Built Tube Integrated Amplifier Plays with Alluring Transparency, Includes MM/MC Phono Preamplifier: Luxman SQ-N150 Features Six Valves, Classic Meters, Headphone Out

Japanese build, meticulously engineered circuitry, rich, engaging sonic detail – and yes, tubes – are the hallmarks Luxman's SQ-N150 integrated amplifier. Built around a pair of ECC83 input tubes and four EL84 output valves sourced from Slovakia's JJ manufacturing plant, SQ-N150 produces powerfully engaging sound that is both seductively sweet and stunningly transparent. The unit's exceptional linearity and effortless grip on power arrive courtesy of Luxman's P-K split phase inversion circuit. Proprietary Oxygen Free Copper internal wiring and a 5mm-thick aluminum chassis further contribute to the amplifier's exceptionally quiet operation.

Able to meet connectivity modern demands via with three gold-plated line inputs and an MM/MC phono section, SQ-N150 handles a bevy of sources with superb signal fidelity. Its signal-to-noise ratio measurements are impressive whether you're streaming music or playing your favorite LPs. The same input selector IC found in Luxman's top-of-the-line C-900u control amplifier adds to the benefits by keeping distracting crosstalk between left and right channels to an absolute minimum. For ultimate purity, SQ-N150's bass, treble, and balance controls can be bypassed by a simple flick of its Line Direct switch. And the hefty aluminum remote makes input selection a breeze. Want to listen in private? SQ-N150 comes with a headphone output as well.

Weighing in at just over 27 pounds, its compact 11.6 x 7.4 x 9.8-inch (WHD) footprint makes it easy to place and admire. In addition to the appealing tonal balance and timbral accuracy produced by its hand-selected internal parts, SQ-N150 is also a stunner on the outside. From the elegant blasted white aluminum casing and smoothly responsive, hairline-finish controls to the warm, orange glow of its LED output meters, SQ-N150 serves as a masterpiece that proves as much fun to look at as it is to hear. Find out for yourself with a risk-free in-home audition backed by our 100% Music Direct Guarantee.

"The SQ-N150 is one of the most transparent components I've had in my system. ...This kind of quality for $2795? Highly recommended."
—Ken Micallef, Stereophile

"Yes, the Luxman D-N150 and SQ-N150 are that good. What's more, they're an answer to your prayers if you have either a small room or no penchant for screaming levels. Or both."
— Ken Kessler, Hi-Fi News, Highly Commended review

Meticulous Vacuum-Tube Engineering
You'll enjoy detailed, open music reproduction thanks to the exceptional linearity of Luxman's P-K split phase inversion circuit. The input stage marries two JJ Electronic ECC83 miniature double triodes to a push-pull output with four JJ Electronic EL84 pentodes. On paper, power output is rated at 10 Watts + 10 Watts at 6 ohms. In practice, the sound is fit for the most demanding listeners.

Versatile Preamplifier
Luxman provides three line inputs and a phono section that accommodates both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, so you don't need to purchase a separate MC preamp. The RCA jacks are plated in gold and pitched at 18mm to accommodate high-end cables. For minimum crosstalk between left and right channels, Luxman installed the same input selector IC as found in the C-900u control amplifier. The headphone output jack is ideal for late-night listening.

Elegant Design
The 5mm-thick aluminum chassis has a modest "A4" footprint, just 210 x 297 mm (8-1/4 x 11-3/4 inches), not including projecting parts. The blasted white finish contrasts nicely with the hairlines on the machined aluminum controls. The orange LED lighting of the analog level meters provides a visual counter-point to the glow of the vacuum tubes.