Luxman PD-555
(1980 - 1984)

Luxman's best, most lavish, wide and beautiful LP turntable, inaugurating the VDS system (Vacuum Disc Stabilizer) that would be carried on to a few smaller models until the early/mid 1980s.
Previsibly, this is pure Micro Seiki engineering.

Unlike the earlier PD-444, the PD-555 is belt-driven and 4 seconds are necessary for the 8,5kg platter to reach its full speed ahead... You can play your old 78 rpms, too, on a 555 !
The armboards are fastened by a single clutch, allowing to swap arms in a jiffy and without headaches. And overhang rulers are engraved next to them, too.
Pitch controls for each of the three speeds are located in a box under the main base, along with an "auto-VDS" function that allows to start the pump automatically when the PD-555 is switched on.

Costing 7500DM in 1980, Luxman produced fifty-five PD-555G for its 55th anniversary : a champagne colored PD-555. Fifteen of those were delivered in Germany - even more expensive, of course.
Where are they now ?