For the first time since its original LMC-1 and LMC-2 cartridges from back in the early 1980s, Luxman has introduced its new LMC-5 Moving Coil (MC) phono cartridge.
Luxman says that its new phono cartridge is the result of two years of research that included the decision to employ a moving coil design. The audiophile manufacturer states the LMC-5 employs a Shibata profile stylus that includes a solid, square shank diamond stylus that is attached to a low-mass 0.5mm aluminum pipe cantilever.
The company explains a phono cartridge acts like a microphone in that it converts mechanical motion into voltage, which means cartridges can suffer from microphonic noise issues. The LMC-5’s open-body design is said to minimize the problem of microphonics, and Luxman continues by stating that through its research and development it found that its egg-shaped body helps to minimize sound reflections and resonances.
Luxman adds the LMC-5 moving coil phono cartridge also employs a machined-aluminum body that is anodized to a deep red, which is its corporate color. The company laser etches a Luxman “L” to the front of the cartridge.
The cartridge’s internal impedance is rated at 4.7 ohm, and its tracking force is specified between 2.1 to 2.3 grams. Moreover, the cartridge’s output voltage is rated at 0.4mV, and Luxman says the cartridge weighs 8.5 grams.
