After thoroughly reviewing its Class AB amplification circuit, fearing that its Class A integrated amplifiers would no longer meet CE standards, Luxman has decided to respond to the expectations of many customers by relaunching a Class A amplifier to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Part of the Centennial series presented with the P-100 headphone amplifier (VU#59; Editor’s Choice), the new L-100 Centennial pays homage to the 1976 L-100 integrated amplifier, which at the time had a power output of 110 W into 8 Ω in class AB, without a VU-meter. Today, the new model returns with 20 watts per channel into 8 Ω in pure class A, doubled to 40 watts into 4 Ω, the same as the previous L-550 axII. But under the cover, it uses the latest version of the LIFES (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) amplification circuit, adapted to pure class A, as well as the latest generation LECUA 1000 (Luxman Electric Controlled Ultimate Attenuator) volume attenuator with 88 steps. Its high-inertia power supply combines a high-power transformer with eight filter capacitors, each with a capacity of 10,000 μF.
To stand out from the new Generation Z Class AB integrated amplifiers, the L-100 Centennial features the same yellow lighting on the VU-meters as the previous Class A models. But like other Luxman amplifiers, the L-100 Centennial has RCA and XLR analog inputs, two pairs of speaker terminals, and pre-out outputs. It also has an MM/MC phono preamplifier section, which is normally difficult to surpass by phono preamplifiers costing less than 2 000 €. Similarly, its 4.4 mm balanced and 6.35 mm unbalanced headphone outputs on the front panel will allow you to amplify many headphones before you need to consider a better headphone amplifier such as the P-100…
Available in Japan from October, the L-100 Centennial is expected in early 2026 with a European 220V power supply. In yens, it places it exactly between the L-507Z and the L-509Z, so it will probably cost around 11 000 € including tax in Europe.
Just a few months after updating the compact TAD-ME1TX (review to be published in French in VU#62), TAD Labs continues to update its EVOLUTION series with a new floorstanding speaker.
To replace the TAD-E1TX released in 2018, TAD is releasing a new version, the TAD-E1AX, available at the end of this year in black (TAD-E1AX-K) and then in January 2026 in white gloss (TAD-E1AX-GW). In these versions, the speakers feature an upgraded version of the CST (Coherent Source Transducer) coaxial system, in which a 25 mm (1’’) lightweight rigid dome tweeter, coated with beryllium using a proprietary technique, is combined with a 9 cm magnesium alloy midrange driver.
Reworked as on the recently released compact model, this CST system benefits from special wave management treatment, with a redesigned basket and a new voice coil. Below, two 16 cm (6.3’’) bass drivers use patented MACC technology (Multi-layered Aramid Composite Cone). New LDMC (Linear Drive Magnet Circuit) magnets increase the dynamics of the diaphragm, while a corrugated expanded polycarbonate surround improves linearity.
Placed on completely redesigned feet, which allow true decoupling from the base, the cabinet uses proprietary SILENT (Structurally Inert Laminated Enclosure Technology) by assembling birch plywood reinforcements with medium-density fiberboard (MDF) panels. Inside, AFAST (Acoustic-Filter-Assisted System Tuning) filters allow the woofers to be cut off below 420 Hz and the midrange with the tweeter at 2.5 kHz. Coordinated with a bidirectional ADP aerodynamic vent system located at the base of the cabinet, this new 3-way bass-reflex floorstanding speaker heralds a new era, as we will be able to see for ourselves this Friday at the Tokyo International Audio Show.
Weighing 54 kg, the TAD-E1AX boasts a sensitivity of 88 dB at a nominal impedance of 4 Ω, with a frequency response of 29 Hz to 60 kHz.
We’ll let you know the prices as soon as they’re official!
Inspired by the TD 124 DD, from which it borrows its direct drive motor, the new TD 404 DD features a more classic and understated design.
By incorporating the TP 160 tonearm with cutter bearing and an automatic lift system (e-Lift) with auto-stop function, Thorens has enhanced the technological arsenal of its new turntable, which also features stroboscopic speed control.
Three height-adjustable spring feet ensure effective decoupling and perfect horizontality for the TD 404 DD, while the solid sandwich construction chassis, made from a 5 mm thick aluminum plate, gives it very low resonance.
In addition to gold-plated RCA outputs, the TD 404 DD allows for balanced XLR connections, and its removable transparent cover comes standard. As an option, the TPN 124 linear power supply further improves the purity of the turntable’s operation and therefore its sound.
Available from early 2026, this new Thorens will be available in gloss black, gloss walnut, or matte dark oak finishes, priced at 4 499 €, without cartridge.
With two integrated amplifiers in standard format, Exposure’s catalogue is strengthened with the 5510.
More powerful than the 2510 (2 x 75 W into 8 ohms) and the 3510 (2 x 110 W into 8 ohms), the new 5510 delivers 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with no details currently available on power ratings into 4 or 2 ohms.
The minimalist black aluminum front panel features a small OLED screen, framed by two classic input and volume selection knobs. Interestingly, a phono module can be selected as an option to accommodate not only MM or MC cartridges, but also DS Audio’s optical cartridges. A DAC can also be selected as an option, which allows files up to PCM 768 kHz/32-bit or DSD256 (via DoP) to be played.
The 5510, the British manufacturer’s new benchmark, has been particularly well designed in terms of its power supply, thanks to a customized toroidal transformer with hum shield and a specially designed filter to reduce noise. Six analogue inputs are available, as well as two pairs of pre-outs and two pairs of speaker terminals, the latter allowing you to bi-wire your speakers.
With a 3-year warranty, the new Exposure 5510 is expected in November at a European price of around 5 300 €, excluding the aforementioned digital and phono options.
Very compact, the new Neodio measures just 21 cm high, 15.4 cm wide, and 27 cm deep.
Despite its very small size, the weight of 5 kg per unit proves the quality of Lilli’s construction. Its MDF cabinet is dampened on the sides by a stainless-steel disc and viscoelastic material. Manufactured to specifications by the French company Kartesian, the two transducers are placed very close to each other and cover a bandwidth from 50 Hz to over 20 kHz.
A 2-way bass reflex design with a rear vent, the Lilli uses a 100 mm diameter mid-bass driver with high elongation and a carbon-aluminum cone. The soft dome tweeter is powered by a neodymium motor, while the internal wiring uses one of the manufacturer’s models, the Fractal 8, to connect the transducers to the in-house filter, designed using varnished air coils and polypropylene capacitors.
Presented in gray, the Lilli can be customized in many other colors on request. It is available now at 4 500 € per pair, plus 800 € if you want the dedicated feet, and another 600 € to perfectly maintain the bass by adding three Neodio Harmonie supports under each foot.
