Luxman – D-03X CD Player/DAC

Japanese-Made Luxman D-03X Is a Digital Dynamo: CD Player/DAC Offers Premium Disc Playback, High-Resolution Decoding, Connectivity, Engineering, and Build Quality

Offering premium disc playback, high-resolution decoding, and MQA support, the Luxman D-03X CD Player/DAC is an all-in-one digital dynamo. Able to support up to 11.2MHz DSD and 32-bit/384kHz PCM, the hefty Japanese-made component comes with 18mm pitch gold-plated RCA outputs, Neutrik balanced XLR outputs, a USB input, and coaxial and optical inputs and outputs for supreme versatility. True to Luxman’s philosophy and legacy, D-03X epitomizes high-end engineering, build, and performance.

Inside, a massive power transformer, independent regulators for each circuit, and large-capacity filter capacitors ensure impeccable voltage stability and signal purity. A pair of Texas Instruments 32-bit PCM1795 DACs – one for each channel – account for stunning precision and microdynamics. In addition, the USB input supports four modes of Bulk Pet file transfer – a process that optimizes data packaging and delivery to the DAC, easing the processing load for both the host CPU and the device CPU. Finally, all signals benefit from a low-jitter, low-phase-noise master clock that minimizes noise near the oscillation frequency and optimizes transmission accuracy.

In terms of spinning discs, the 29.1-pound D-03X proves a master of its domain. Its asymmetric mechanical layout places the CD drive at the left – ideal for signal flow, resonance control, and weight balance. A robust box-chassis frame shields the transport and delicate circuitry from external vibrations and ruinous noise. For the all-important analog circuit, the outputs of the dual monaural DACs get fed to a current-to-voltage converter stage. The following stage low-pass filter amplifier takes advantage of low impedance. As for the overbuilt transport mechanism? It boasts a steel top plate, 8mm-thick solid aluminum base, shielded box sub chassis, and a loop-less structure for rapturously smooth, accurate, and quiet disc reading.

Whether you’re in the mood to rediscover your disc collection or call up a few favorites from a streaming service, D-03X will reproduce your music with lavish detail, uncanny naturalism, non-fatiguing balance, and exceptional presence. A blasted white-finished, aluminum front panel with a fluorescent display complete with Zoom mode complements a supplied RD-28 aluminum remote control for tactile operation. Indeed, from the looks to the touch to the playback itself, D-03X is audiophile luxury. 100% Music Direct Guaranteed.

“The sound is pure Luxman. Silky, smooth, yet never lacking in resolution and detail. It is a player and a combination for serious deep listening sessions, whether via the disc transport or via streaming.”
– TONEAudio, Product of the Year Award