Luxman L505UXII Integrated Amplifier Services

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is provided for informational purposes only. I am not responsible for the accuracy of this information. The content may or may not be accurate, and any repairs attempted based on this information are done at your own risk. Always consult a qualified technician for electronic repairs, especially with high-end equipment like the Luxman L505UXII.
SAFETY WARNING: Always disconnect the unit from power before working internally. This unit contains high voltages that can be lethal. Discharge large capacitors before handling. The amplifier generates significant heat during operation - allow ample cooling time before servicing.
CRITICAL NOTE: The Luxman L505UXII features sophisticated ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) amplification technology. Exercise extreme caution around the power supply and output stages. Always use a variac for initial power-up after repairs. The ODNF circuitry requires precise adjustments.

Model Overview

The Luxman L505UXII is a premium integrated amplifier featuring Luxman's proprietary ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) Version 4.0 amplification technology. This balanced design amplifier delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms with exceptional clarity and musicality. The L505UXII represents the perfect balance of power, refinement, and Luxman's legendary build quality, featuring high-quality components throughout and the classic Luxman aesthetic.

Power Output

100W + 100W (8Ω), 150W + 150W (4Ω)

Frequency Response

20Hz - 100kHz (+0, -3.0dB)

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.006% (8Ω, 1kHz)

Amplification Technology

ODNF Version 4.0

Damping Factor

370 (8Ω, 1kHz)

Operation Class

Class AB with ODNF

Common Issues and Solutions

Power Supply Problems

The L505UXII power supply can develop specific issues:

  • Capacitor failure: Large electrolytic capacitors can dry out over time
  • Rectifier issues: High-current rectifiers can fail under load
  • Transformer hum: Power transformer may develop mechanical hum
  • Voltage regulator failure: Regulator circuits can develop problems
  • Soft-start circuit issues: Problems with the protection circuitry

ODNF Amplifier Section Problems

Specific to ODNF amplification technology:

  • Output transistor failure: Power output transistors can fail
  • Bias drift: Bias current can drift over time, affecting performance
  • DC offset: Improper DC offset can damage speakers
  • ODNF circuit issues: Problems with the distortion cancellation circuitry
  • Protection circuit activation: Unit may stay in protection mode

Preamplifier Section Problems

The preamplifier section can develop issues:

  • Potentiometer noise: Dirty volume/control pots cause crackling
  • Selector switch issues: Input selection problems
  • Phono stage problems: Issues with the MM/MC phono input
  • Balance control problems: Channel balance issues
  • Tone control issues: Problems with bass/treble controls

Protection Circuit Issues

The protection system can malfunction:

  • Relay failure: Speaker protection relay may not engage
  • False protection triggering: Unit enters protection mode unnecessarily
  • Delay circuit problems: Speaker delay not functioning properly
  • DC detection issues: DC offset detection circuit malfunctions

Capacitor Replacement Guide

The following capacitors should be replaced in any comprehensive restoration:

Power Supply Section
C101, C102: 12000μF 71V - Main filter capacitors
C103, C104: 4700μF 50V - Secondary filter capacitors
C105, C106: 1000μF 35V - Regulation capacitors
C107, C108: 470μF 25V - Driver stage capacitors
C109, C110: 220μF 16V - Control circuit capacitors
ODNF Amplifier Section
C201, C202: 4.7μF 50V - Input coupling capacitors
C203, C204: 100μF 25V - Feedback network capacitors
C205, C206: 47μF 16V - Local decoupling capacitors
C207, C208: 1μF 100V - ODNF compensation capacitors
C209, C210: 2200μF 25V - Output stage capacitors
Preamplifier Section
C301-C304: 10μF 25V - Input coupling capacitors
C305-C308: 47μF 16V - EQ circuit capacitors
C309-C312: 100μF 16V - Output coupling capacitors
C313-C316: 0.47μF 100V - Tone control capacitors
Phono Stage
C401, C402: 1μF 50V - Input coupling capacitors
C403, C404: 0.1μF 100V - RIAA equalization capacitors
C405, C406: 47μF 16V - Power supply decoupling
C407, C408: 10μF 25V - Output coupling capacitors

Critical Components to Check/Replace

Component Reference Location Notes
Output Transistors Q101-Q104 Amplifier Board Check for failure and thermal paste condition
Driver Transistors Q201-Q204 Amplifier Board Check for proper operation
ODNF Circuit Transistors Q301-Q304 Amplifier Board Critical for distortion cancellation
Voltage Regulators IC101, IC102 Power Supply Check for proper output voltages
Protection Relay RLY101 Protection Board Check for contact oxidation
Power Resistors R101-R104 Power Supply Check for value drift and overheating
Bias Transistors Q401, Q402 Amplifier Board Critical for proper bias setting
Note: The L505UXII uses high-quality components throughout. When replacing parts, use equivalent or better quality components. The ODNF circuitry requires precise adjustment for optimal performance. Always check bias settings after transistor replacement.

Restoration Procedure

  1. Disconnect power and remove covers
  2. Discharge all capacitors completely
  3. Document all wiring with photos before disassembly
  4. Replace all electrolytic capacitors, starting with power supply
  5. Check and replace out-of-spec resistors
  6. Clean all controls and switches with contact cleaner
  7. Check output transistors and replace if necessary
  8. Check driver transistors and replace if necessary
  9. Clean protection relay contacts
  10. Reapply thermal compound to output transistors
  11. Reassemble and power up slowly using a variac
  12. Adjust bias and DC offset according to service manual
  13. Verify proper operation of protection circuit

Calibration Procedure

After restoration, these calibrations are essential:

  • Set DC offset to zero (adjust VR101, VR102)
  • Adjust bias current (adjust VR103, VR104)
  • Verify proper operation of ODNF circuitry
  • Check phono stage gain and RIAA equalization
  • Verify proper operation of all inputs and controls
  • Check balance and tone controls
  • Test headphone output
  • Verify proper operation of protection circuits

Additional Tips

  • Use high-quality, audio-grade capacitors for best performance
  • Document all adjustments before making changes
  • Check all resistors near replaced components; they may have drifted in value
  • Clean all controls thoroughly as they often cause noise
  • Allow the unit to warm up for 30 minutes before making final adjustments
  • Use Deoxit or similar contact cleaner on all switches and potentiometers
  • Check the thermal compound on heat sinks and reapply if necessary
  • Inspect all PC boards for cracked traces or solder joints
  • Consider upgrading binding posts and RCA connectors if worn
  • Verify ODNF circuit operation by checking distortion characteristics
DISCLAIMER REPEATED FOR EMPHASIS: This information is provided as-is without warranty of any kind. I am not responsible for the accuracy of this information or any damage that may occur from its use. Always consult a qualified technician for repairs on high-end audio equipment.
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