Warm, analog sound.
Glowing tubes behind window, make for stunning looks.
Lots of features for a cd-player (fadein, fade out, programming)
Diplay dimmer
Tune-like sound

Tubes used in output section (Tubes are fragile and do wear out over time) are not easy to replace.
Average transport (Sony KS-152A).
Replacement parts are hard to find (except for laser-pickup and tubes)

This one is a classic from Luxman. I also own it's D-107u cousin, and use this Cd-player together with a Lux LV-105u hybrid amp.
The sound of this player is amazing, especially considering it's age. Analog, is probably the best way to describe the sound. Warm, also comes to mind.
A broad soundstage with excellent detail. 3d-imaging could is not it's strenght, but it isn't bad either. Contrary to a lot of other players I've heard, this one has causes a high degree of foottapping and fingersnapping, when playing music. Just a very pleasant, musical player.
If you pick one up, do change the tubes (6CG7) if the original tubes are still used. The old tubes are likely to be worn out, and they do affect the sound. New tubes wil make the sound 'crisper'. Especially the high frequencies suffer from worn-out tubes in this player. Be sure that the replacement tubes have a glowing top-wire, or else you will lose out on looks.
Build quality is typical for the period. Not very well made, but not bad at all. The other thing that often wears out, is the laser pickup (Sony KS-152A). But this can very easily be found new on E-bay,

Two 18 bits/8X oversampling DAC's (one per channel) is not the up to modern standards, but it amazed me, how well vintage technolgy can sound...This is the player that got me hooked on tubes.

This player has a digital-output, so it could be used as transport only, but you lose out on the tube-sound!

Similar Products Used:

D-107u
MHZS CD-33

Good design for a budget conscious person.

Older technology on the decoding side. Lack of parts for repair if needed.
Higher price for such an old player.

I have listenned to many Luxman products of their 100 series from the late 80s and early 90s. This unit came out in 1989. There is also a later D-107u which is very similar to this unit and came out a year later. I used to own a LV-103 integrated amp, so I know the tube sound from these hybrid units. They give a good soundstage and smooth midrange and treble. The sound is soft. 18 years later these Luxman CD players still hold their value. It can often be seen selling on Ebay for $400-650 US dollars. I have seen them lower, but it is not often they do. If anyone is planning on purchasing one of these units, keep in mind by now the original tubes will need replacing. New tubes improve the sound drastically. I am planning to buy one of these players soon to add to my stereo. When I get it I'll do a followup review. I currently own a Sony SACD player, so that will what it will be compared to. For reference I use a Rotel preamp and amp system with B&W speakers today.

Customer Service

Luxman is currently onlu in Japan at this time. Their North American market has dissolved in recent years. You can only buy their products imported.

Similar Products Used:

Sony SACD player