With the D-100 Centennial, Luxman introduces a new reference player for SACD and CD. This anniversary model marks the pinnacle of the Centennial series, with which the Japanese high-end specialist is celebrating its 100th anniversary. In doing so, the manufacturer is making a conscious statement in favor of high-quality physical audio media—and combining them with state-of-the-art digital technology.
While many manufacturers have long since removed optical drives from their product lines, Luxman remains committed to the disc as a high-quality music medium. The new D-100 Centennial succeeds the previous flagship model, the D-10X, and, according to the manufacturer, was developed from the ground up. This includes a completely redesigned drive, a new digital and analog section, and numerous refinements to further optimize sound quality.
New drive and revised signal processing
At the heart of the D-100 Centennial is the newly developed LxDTM-i drive (Luxman Original Disc Transport Mechanism), which has been integrated directly into the chassis. A solid aluminum and steel construction is designed to effectively minimize vibrations and enable particularly precise scanning of SACDs and CDs.
The digital signal processing has also been completely redesigned. Luxman relies on two state-of-the-art premium DACs from ROHM in a dual-mono configuration. Via the USB input, the player processes high-resolution PCM signals up to 32-bit/768 kHz as well as DSD up to 22.5 MHz (DSD512). This allows the D-100 Centennial to be used not only as a disc player but also as a high-quality external D/A converter.
LIFES 1.1 for the analog section
For the analog output stage, Luxman uses an enhanced version of its LIFES circuit (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System). Version 1.1 is designed to detect and correct distortion even more precisely without compromising the natural sound of the music. This sophisticated design is complemented by a robust power supply featuring a large CI core transformer and high-quality components.
Visually, the D-100 Centennial is modeled after the other anniversary models. The body features an exclusive “Blaster White” finish, complemented by a chrome-plated Centennial emblem. A significantly larger OLED display makes operation easier and improves readability.
The Perfect Match for the L-100 Centennial
The D-100 Centennial is the digital counterpart to the L-100 Centennial integrated amplifier, which Luxman unveiled earlier this year. Together, these two components represent the technical pinnacle of the anniversary series and are intended to showcase the direction in which this long-established manufacturer aims to evolve in its second century.
Availability
Luxman had already officially announced the D-100 Centennial in early April. Shipments are now beginning gradually through its international distribution partners. Information on pricing and the launch date in Germany is not yet available.
