Luxman D-03X

Now a single digital player embodies the most advanced digital decoding along with the most enduring approaches to design and engineering. LUXMAN’s new D-03X combines traditional red-book CD playback with an advanced hi-res DAC circuit featuring MQA full decoding. Of crucial importance, the D-03X inherits the philosophy and experience of successive LUXMAN digital players and remains true to timeless LUXMAN design principles, including rugged chassis, oversized power supply and meticulous circuit selection. The result: reproduction of effortless musicality.

The D-03X can reveal new subtleties in even the most familiar music. MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The player includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA-CDs as well as MQA audio files up to 24-bit transferred via USB, optical and coaxial inputs. The USB input also supports PCM data up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD data up to 11.2 MHz while the optical and coaxial inputs accept PCM signals up to 192 kHz/24-bit. In addition to conventional “isochronous” file transfers at fixed bitrates, the USB input supports four modes of Bulk Pet* high-resolution audio file transfer. Bulk Pet, optimizes data packaging and delivery to the DAC easing the processing load for both the host CPU and the device CPU enhancing playback stability and ultimately yielding improved sound quality. All signals benefit from a high-precision, low-jitter, low-phase-noise master clock, minimizing noise near the oscillation frequency and optimizing transmission accuracy.

At LUXMAN, we matched the meticulous disc transport and digital design of the D-03X with a thoroughly engineered chassis and analog output stage. The asymmetric mechanical layout places the CD drive at the left – ideal for signal flow, resonance control and weight balance. Our robust box chassis frame shields the CD transport and delicate circuitry from external vibrations and noise. For the all-important analog circuit, we feed the outputs of the dual monaural digital-to-analog converters to a current-to-voltage converter stage. The following stage low-pass filter amplifier benefits from low impedance. Fully balanced outputs featuring Neutrik XLR connectors complement conventional RCA output terminals. LUXMAN’s unwavering attention to detail contributes to ultimate listening enjoyment.

The CD transport mechanism achieves uncommonly stable playback with a steel top plate, an 8mm thick solid aluminum base, a shielded box sub chassis and a loop-less structure. Undoubtedly expensive, these advances achieve uncommonly smooth, accurate and quiet disc read.

LUXMAN engineers selected a pair of Texas Instruments 32-bit PCM1795 digital-to-analog converters to process digital signals with remarkable precision. Separating left and right channel conversion helps reveal the subtlest micro-dynamics.

Full complement of inputs and outputs To support the widest range of associated equipment, the D-03X provides 18mm pitch gold-plated RCA outputs and high-end Neutrik balanaced XLR outputs. The USB input supports DSD and PCM signals, while the player offers coaxial and optical digital inputs and outputs

For superbly stable voltage, the D-03X incorporates a massive power transformer, independent regulators for each circuit and large capacity filter capacitors. To minimize even subtle effects from magnetic fields, ground impedance and digital noise, the chassis is loop-less and shielded.

LUXMAN’s zoom mode makes the fluorescent display easy to see from a distance. In addition, a multi-colored LED indicates MQA decode status (blue for Studio, green for Authentic, and purple/red for Renderer).

The supplied aluminum remote control has the same blasted white finishes the front panel. You can use the numeric keypad, transport controls and display dimmer without moving from the ideal listening position.