Luxman LMC-5 MC cartridge

Luxman LMC-5

MC cartridges – the return of an icon

With the LMC-5, LUXMAN presents its own phono cartridge for the first time in almost 40 years – consciously building on the legacy of the time-honored LMC-1 and LMC-2 models. At the same time, the LMC-5 represents the current state of the art, combining classic Luxman virtues with modern materials, precise manufacturing, and meticulous tonal tuning.

The goal of the development was clearly defined: to achieve the most accurate, stable and distortion-free scanning possible, in order to reproduce even the finest musical information from the record groove completely and authentically.

Focus on the needle and needle cantilever – where sound originates.

The development focused deliberately on the stylus, cantilever, and their mechanical coupling. The aluminum cantilever is fitted with a Shibata diamond stylus – a cut that offers particularly large contact surfaces with the groove.

This will result in:

• The finest high-frequency information is precisely captured.
• Distortions minimized
• Groove noise reduced
• extends the lifespan of the record and needle

The Shibata cut allows the LMC-5 to extract significantly more musical information than conventional elliptical cuts – especially in complex passages and high frequencies.

Symmetrical coil winding and powerful samarium-cobalt magnet

The large, symmetrically wound coil ensures excellent channel balance and reduces sensitivity differences between the left and right channels. At the same time, this design contributes to reducing the cartridge's weight and improving its dynamic response.

Samarium-cobalt is used as the magnet material – known for its high magnetic stability and energy density. In combination with a precisely designed magnetic circuit made of pure iron, a strong, uniform magnetic field is created, enabling clean, controlled signal conversion.

Consistent vibration and interference suppression

LUXMAN paid particular attention to reducing external interference and resonances. A specially developed magnet system lowers sensitivity to external magnetic fields and electrical interference. Additionally, the cantilever is effectively protected from unwanted vibrations by a separate outer housing.

The cabinet itself is made of high-grade A6063 aluminum and finished in Luxman's signature red. The cabinet's curved inner surfaces minimize standing waves and internal reflections – a detail that significantly contributes to clear, clean sound reproduction.

Careful sound tuning according to the Luxman philosophy

As with all Luxman components, the development of the LMC-5 was not based solely on measurements. Each development stage was accompanied by intensive listening tests to achieve an optimal balance of resolution, naturalness, and musicality.

Sonically, the LMC-5 combines the elegance and coherence of classic Luxman cartridges with modern, extended detail resolution, sovereign dynamics and a calm, deeply layered sound image.

The Luxman LMC-5 is far more than a comeback: it is a meticulously developed moving coil cartridge that combines classic Luxman sonic ideals with modern precision. With its excellent tracking ability, sophisticated resonance control, and careful tonal fine-tuning, it is the perfect complement to high-quality tonearms and turntables – especially within the Luxman ecosystem, but equally well-suited for demanding analog high-end systems.

Technical data

• Type: MC cartridge (Moving Coil)
• Output voltage: 0.4 mV (1 kHz, 3.54 cm/s)
• Internal impedance: 4.7 Ω (1 kHz)
• Recommended tracking force: 2.1 – 2.3 g (2.2 g standard)
• Playback frequency range: 10 Hz – 35 kHz
• Recommended load resistance (preamplifier): = 40 Ω
• Recommended load resistance (transformer): 2.5 – 10 Ω
• Dynamic compliance: 8 × 10⁻⁶ cm/dyne (100 Hz)
• Needle: Solid diamond, Shibata cut
• Needle holder: Aluminum, Ø 0.5 mm
• Vertical tracking angle: 25°
• Magnet: Samarium cobalt (BH20)
• Coil: 30 µm UEW
• Connections:

White: L (+)

Blue: L (-)

Red: R (+)

Green: R (-)

• Housing: Aluminum A6063
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 17.0 × 18.3 × 21.3 mm
• Weight: 8.5 g