Luxman – SQ-N150 Tube Integrated 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 Satisfaction Guarantee.

“The SQ-N150 is one of the most transparent components I’ve had in my system.”
—Ken Micallef, Stereophile

“It’s one of the most musically satisfying components I’ve had  the pleasure of spending time with.”
—Jeff Dorgay, TONEAudio 

“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

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.