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Luxman

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cookscreek

Member
I just acquired a luxman 3045 receiver and I can't figure out the left to right balance I can see it marked above the volume knob is ther such an option on this model also what dose the subsonic button do I don't see any change when it's depressed , finally is the receiver pretty much maxed out when the 4 volume leds are lit because i'm getting distortion going to the last 45watt led is this normal or do I need something repaired. anyone help a newbe Luxman owner?
 
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You adjust the left/right balance by turning the two parts of the volume knob independently. Normally they are ganged together but you can grasp the front and turn the back part of the knob, or the other way round, to affect your balance. It is actually kind of a pain, which is one reason why I retired my 3055 at this time (also because I needed one more input).

The subsonic button cuts out very low frequencies, like below 20 Hz. You won't likely hear it but it would protect your speakers from very low "non-music" information there, which mostly in the past was caused by record warps. You can leave it in, just because.

I don't know about your distortion. Are your speakers capable of handling that kind of power from another amplifier? Or perhaps you are indeed clipping the Luxman. I believe it is rated to 45 watts so if those lights just come on (and are calibrated correctly) then the power should still be clean. If you are really pegging them, then you could be clipping it.

Anyway it is a very nice looking and good performing receiver when all is well.
 
cookscreek said:
I just acquired a luxman 3045 receiver and I can't figure out the left to right balance I can see it marked above the volume knob is ther such an option on this model also what dose the subsonic button do I don't see any change when it's depressed , finally is the receiver pretty much maxed out when the 4 volume leds are lit because i'm getting distortion going to the last 45watt led is this normal or do I need something repaired. anyone help a newbe Luxman owner?
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Unfortunately, the 3045 was one of Luxman's cheapest Receivers ever so it doesn't surprise me that it is performing the way it does. It was from their "down" period, after yet another management shakeup. But, PLEASE don't conclude that all Luxmans sound like that. Nothing could be FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!!

I'd recommend setting your sights on the prior generation's 1040 or 1050 for much better performance and build-quality. Then you'll experience firsthand why some many of us LOVE LUXMAN.

Good luck!

-- Chris
 
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YOU know i am disapointed in the sound I was debating on this over a Marantz I guess i should have stuck with my original decision Thanks for your input. It is a neet looking receiver and I picked it up fairly cheep so no loss guess i'll be in the hunt for a nice marantz. I had a 2230 in the 70's and loved it . I just thought I try the luxman. Thanks
 
cookscreek said:
YOU know i am disapointed in the sound I was debating on this over a Marantz I guess i should have stuck with my original decision Thanks for your input. It is a neet looking receiver and I picked it up fairly cheep so no loss guess i'll be in the hunt for a nice marantz. I had a 2230 in the 70's and loved it . I just thought I try the luxman. Thanks
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Those lower end Luxmans go cheap for the simple reason that no one really seems to want one. The 2230, OTOH is a GREAT RECEVIER. But, don't judge Luxman by the one you've got. Get one of the others I recommended and you'll have an entirely different experience.

-- Chris
 
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I think that I will have to disagree on the merits of this receiver. I have one in my bedroom system right now and love the sound. Mine is working properly and has a very nice sounding tuner. I also have a Sansui 771, which was recently gone through by Mr. DeWick (fine job,I might add), and a Tandberg 2045. Of these three, the Luxman is getting all the use right now. I will eventually rotate these, but love the sound of the Luxman. So, knowing very little about Luxman management changes, my ears tell me this is one fine sounding receiver.
 
cookscreek said:
I just acquired a luxman 3045 receiver and I can't figure out the left to right balance I can see it marked above the volume knob is ther such an option on this model also what dose the subsonic button do I don't see any change when it's depressed , finally is the receiver pretty much maxed out when the 4 volume leds are lit because i'm getting distortion going to the last 45watt led is this normal or do I need something repaired. anyone help a newbe Luxman owner?
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What kind of speakers are you using with this amplifier?

45 watts is not a whole lot of power if you are interested in listening at high volumes in a large room, moreso with inefficient speakers
 
Sbarber said:
I think that I will have to disagree on the merits of this receiver. I have one in my bedroom system right now and love the sound. Mine is working properly and has a very nice sounding tuner. I also have a Sansui 771, which was recently gone through by Mr. DeWick (fine job,I might add), and a Tandberg 2045. Of these three, the Luxman is getting all the use right now. I will eventually rotate these, but love the sound of the Luxman. So, knowing very little about Luxman management changes, my ears tell me this is one fine sounding receiver.
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Sbarber -- Compared to most of the Receivers that Luxman put out during its time marketing in America, that series would have to rank near the bottom in overall desirability and performance. And, I'm almost certain you didn't pay much for it if you acquired it second hand since they go cheap on e-Bay (about $35-$45).

http://cgi.ebay.com/LUXMAN-AM-FM-ST...geNameZMKTRSRCH:CMCOMP:ITQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/LUXMAN-R-3045-S...geNameZMKTRSRCH:CMCOMP:ITQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Certainly, there is no question that it is a more than adequate Receiver and does fine in a bedroom system but it is certainly not representative of what Luxman is all about. If you love the sound of the Luxman you have now, I can't imagine how much more you'll love the sound of the more highly regarded (and, unfortunately, more valuable) models.

All of your Receivers are in the 45-55 watt range, so they simply don't have the dymanic power to deliver music at its very best. If you ever get a chance, get a 120 wpc Luxman R-1120. I'd love to hear what your ears would tell you then!

But, you sound happy with what you've got so it might not matter. Good luck!

-- Chris
 
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cookscreek said:
I just acquired a luxman 3045 receiver and I can't figure out the left to right balance I can see it marked above the volume knob is ther such an option on this model also what dose the subsonic button do I don't see any change when it's depressed , finally is the receiver pretty much maxed out when the 4 volume leds are lit because i'm getting distortion going to the last 45watt led is this normal or do I need something repaired. anyone help a newbe Luxman owner?
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Sounds like you have a faulty Luxman! It will be unfair to judge an ill receiver.
My Luxman 1040 did not sound right when I got it, got it repaired and it is now one of my top sounding receivers. In general, Luxman will give you above average to great sound.
 
vintagestereo said:
Sbarber -- Compared to most of the Receivers that Luxman put out during its time marketing in America, that series would have to rank near the bottom in overall desirability and performance. And, I'm almost certain you didn't pay much for it if you acquired it second hand since they go cheap on e-Bay.

Certainly, there is no question that it is a more than adequate Receiver and does fine in a bedroom system but it is certainly not representative of what Luxman is all about. If you love the sound of the Luxman you have now, I can't imagine how much more you'll love the sound of the more highly regarded (and, unfortunately, more valuable) models.

All of your Receivers are in the 45-55 watt range, so they simply don't have the dymanic power to deliver music at its very best. If you ever get a chance, get a 120 wpc Luxman R-1120. I'd love to hear what your ears would tell you then!

But, you sound happy with what you've got so it might not matter. Good luck!

-- Chris
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My main system is 100wpc with McIntosh and PS Audio components. So, I am familiar with the limitations of midpower equipment, such as I am using in my bedroom. I would not even dare to compare my 45 watt 3045 to a 120 wpc R-1120. All that I am saying is that, given it's power limitations, this is one fine sounding receiver, easily comparing to if not bettering others in it's power range. Please understand that I am basing this on my experience, and I have had many receivers go through my bedroom system. To me, Luxman is about good sound, and to this end I feel the 3045 delivers better than most in this power range.
 
Sbarber said:
My main system is 100wpc with McIntosh and PS Audio components. So, I am familiar with the limitations of midpower equipment, such as I am using in my bedroom. I would not even dare to compare my 45 watt 3045 to a 120 wpc R-1120. All that I am saying is that, given it's power limitations, this is one fine sounding receiver, easily comparing to if not bettering others in it's power range. Please understand that I am basing this on my experience, and I have had many receivers go through my bedroom system. To me, Luxman is about good sound, and to this end I feel the 3045 delivers better than most in this power range.
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Fair enough. What McIntosh? GREAT STUFF!

-- Chris
 
Hey Chris, I have an MC-7100 mated to a PS Audio 6.2 preamp. I know that the MC-7100 is not one of the classics in the McIntosh line, but a fine sounding 100wpc nontheless. This was a step up from the Adcom amp that I was using. I have had the MC-7100 about ten years and couldn't believe the difference in detail when I added this to my system. I was hearing little things in the music that the Adcom just wasn't bringing out. This amp has definitely brought me lots of musical enjoyment and it is made in the good ol' USA!
 
Darn it I was at work when all you guys were talking ,so my question now is this receiver cost worthy to have it checked out lets say $50-100 to get it back to specs. The receiver is not horrible sounding and is not my main system I actuall bought it for my work wich is a steel fab shop so I sust wanted something decent.as far as the speakers go I will be using AAD E40's{20-100 watt rating} yea pretty power hungry and an old pair of B&W DM's.(9x9x14)these little things ROCK (BLUES) well let me know what you guys think about getting this LUX checked out. THANKS, LOVE THIS WEB SITE
 
I would say yes. I just forked over a similar amount on my Sansui 771, and am really glad that I did. Your Luxman is every bit the receiver the Sansui is and more, in my opinion. I happen to think that the Luxman has a superior tuner to the Sansui, but again, my opinion. The sound of the Luxman appeals to my ears also, with a little sweeter sound on the high end of the audio spectrum. You have to figure a good vintage receiver is worth restoring, and your Luxman was made from '76-79. If you elect to restore, please post your thoughts on the sound.
 
i hooked the lux up at work for the first time last night with my B&W speakers tryed a different input tape1 rec out with my karma mp3 player playing the BLUES man this thing ROCKS iguess the aux needs to be looked at I am definitly getting this receiver back to specs. I must have had this thing close to being maxed out be cause is shut down on me a couple of times I just restarted and every thing was fine I guess this is a normal protection relay switch ? Today a purchased a power am fm antenna going to hook up tonight . If any one is interested i'll keep you posted < I LOVE MY LUXMAN>
 
I think, once your Luxman is restored, you will really love it! This is a great sounding unit, when working properly. Please keep us posted.
 
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