Description

The Legacy of the LUXMAN Tube Amplifier
Since the launch of our SQ-5A tube integrated amplifier in 1961, we have continued to produce tube amplifiers without interruption. We have produced many models that are highly regarded as signature models and satisfied music lovers still appreciate them today, even several decades after their release. The CL-38uC and MQ-88uC combine LUXMAN's history of manufacturing high-quality vacuum tube products and the traditional wisdom and skills acquired along the way.

The essence of high-end products

Due to their relatively simple circuitry, tube amplifiers are heavily influenced by the quality of individual components, so we use high-quality transformers and blocking capacitors from LUXMAN. Further customization comes in the form of high-voltage metallized polypropylene film coupling capacitors made by Nichicon, which were introduced for their flexible and natural tone. Improved audio quality is achieved by shortening the internal wiring.

Long life and reliable design
Each CL-38uC control amplifier and MQ-88uC power amplifier undergoes a final performance check after a 48-hour post-assembly aging process. We selected JJ Electronic (Slovakia) tubes for these models because they are renowned for their reliability, long life, and ease of operation at tube amplifier voltages and heat dissipation conditions.

Standard size frame in traditional wooden case
We've retained the wooden outer cabinet, as it embodies the tradition of the 38 Series. The chassis has been expanded to a width of 440 mm, the standard size for current LUXMAN products. The inner chassis serves as an omnidirectional shielded metal enclosure. To prevent magnetic flux leakage and eliminate noise, the toroidal power transformer and inductance transformer are equipped with integral shielded enclosures.

Preamplifier Specifications :

Specifications

Amplification type	valve
Stadio phono	MM+MC
Analog inputs	PHONO MM, PHONO MC high, PHONO MC low, LINE, BAL.LINE
Weight	13.3 kg
Line input sensitivity	190 mV
Input impedance	50 kOhm (LINEA), 20 kOhm (BAL.LINEA), 47 kOhm (PHONO MM), 100 Ω (PHONO MC high), 30 Ω (PHONO MC low)
Phono load impedance	47 kΩ (MM), 100 Ω (MC high), 30 Ω (MC low)
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz (PHONO), 10 Hz - 70 kHz (LINEA/BAL.LINEA)
Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.006%
Rapporto S/N	68 dB (PHONO MM), 63 dB (PHONO MC high), 60 dB (PHONO MC low), 100 dB (LINE/BAL.LINE)
Valves used	ECC83S × 3, ECC82 × 5
Alimentazione	230V~(50Hz)/115V~(60Hz)
Electricity consumption	35 W
Dimensions (WxHxD)	440 x 169 x 307 mm
country of origin	Japan
Trim	Wood

About the brand

Luxman has represented the excellence of Japanese hi-fi since 1925, the year it was founded in Japan by T. Hayakawa and K. Yoshikawa. Originally headquartered in Osaka, Luxman Corporation is one of the world's oldest audio manufacturers, positioning itself in the premium high-fidelity segment with the motto "Ultimate Fidelity since 1925." The Japanese brand is internationally recognized for its rigorously Made in Japan construction quality and for its proprietary technologies that have revolutionized the global hi-fi landscape.
The history of Luxman begins in June 1925, when the company was born as the radio department of the Kinsuido Picture Frame Store in Osaka, the very year that radio transmissions began.missionin Japan. Initially focused on importing American and European radio equipment, Luxman soon developed the philosophy of producing components in-house to ensure greater quality and cost control. This forward-thinking vision led to the creation of the Luxman brand and the specialization in the production of high-quality output transformers, which became the company's flagship. The company's philosophy is based on a fundamental principle: to offer a natural tonal balance that does not alter the original musical message, allowing audiophiles to get as close as possible to the artistic vision of musicians and recording engineers. Luxman pursues the pursuit of "naturally reproduced music" through a sound free of coloration, capable of creating intimacy between the music and the listener.
Luxman's distinctive technologies represent the innovative heart of the Japanese brand. The ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) circuit in its latest version 4.0 represents a revolution in amplification, applying negative feedback exclusively to the distorting components of the audio signal. This technical solution guarantees faster initial response, ultra-wide bandwidth, and extremely low distortion levels, especially in the high frequencies. The LECUA (Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Attenuator) system represents another proprietary innovation: it is a high-precision computerized attenuator with graduated fixed resistors, available in the LECUA1000 version with 88 adjustment steps that minimizes deterioration in sound quality even at the lowest volumes. The new LIFES (Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System) version 1.0 technology, introduced in the Z series, has simplified and optimized the entire circuit by reducing the number of elements in parallel and halving distortion during amplification. The LxDTM (Luxman Digital Transport Mechanism) system for digital players ensures rigidity and precision in signal processing.
The Luxman product range covers the entire hi-fi chain with solutions for every audiophile need. The integrated amplifier category includes legendary models such as the L-509Z, the top of the range Z series with LIFES technology and LECUA-EX attenuator, and the L-505uXII with ODNF 4.0 circuitry, representing ideal solutions for those seeking reference-level transistor integrated amplifiers. For tube lovers, Luxman offers integrated amplifiers such as the LX-380 with 6L6GC tubes, perfect for those seeking a warm and musical tube integrated amplifier. The power amplifier section boasts models such as the M-10X, described as "the ultimate amplifier" to celebrate the company's centenary, ideal for those seeking power amplifiers of absolute excellence. Pre- and power amplifier combinations such as the C-900u and M-900u offer the ultimate in pre-amps for reference-level stereo systems.
Luxman's product series are distinguished by specific technical features and audiophile-grade appeal. The L Series represents the heart of the lineup, featuring Class A/B integrated amplifiers such as the 110W-per-channel L-509Z and the L-507Z with LIFES 1.0 technology. The pure Class A Series includes iconic models such as the 30W-per-channel L-595A Special Edition, which faithfully replicates the aesthetics and sound quality of the legendary L-570 series after 30 years. The Z Series represents the next generation with LIFES technology, representing the most advanced evolution of Luxman design. The digital player range includes the D-07X for top-of-the-line CD, SACD, and DVD players with MQA decoding and dual Burr Brown converters, the D-03X with support for Hi-Res PCM files up to 384kHz/32bit and DSD 11.28MHz, and the D-N150 from the NeoClassico II range, which blends audiophile design and digital flexibility. Turntables such as the PD-191A with a brushless DC motor and belt-drive system complete the premium turntable offering. For those looking for complete sources, Luxman offers integrated solutions for every type of music source.
International awards confirm Luxman's excellence in the global hi-fi scene. The prestigious magazine What Hi-Fi? awarded the Luxman L-509Z the "beautifully made and impressively capable" accolade, calling it "a superb all-round proposition" that demonstrates how a comprehensive list of features and great sound are not mutually exclusive. The international specialist press has celebrated models like the D-10X with rave reviews, while magazines like Diapason have awarded the CL-38uC and MQ-88uC models the Golden Award. Reviews from Stereophile, AudioReview, and other specialist publications consistently confirm the build and sound quality of Luxman products, recognizing the company as a leader in the high-fidelity sector.
Luxman's audiophile target audience includes music lovers who accept no compromises on sound quality and seek artisanal construction excellence. The products are aimed at those who appreciate the value of Made in Japan and the philosophy of natural sound, ranging from expert audiophiles to vinyl collectors who require high-quality MM/MC phono stages. The price range places Luxman in the premium hi-fi segment, with integrated amplifiers starting at around €3.000 for entry-level models up to over €15.000 for top-of-the-line models like the L-509Z, while digital players range from €2.500 to €8.000 depending on the technical specifications and features.
Italian distribution is managed by Tecnofuturo Srl, Luxman's official distributor since 2016, which provides specialized technical assistance and a nationwide network of authorized dealers. Tecnofuturo ensures product availability, qualified after-sales support, and authorized technical assistance at specialized centers, offering Italian audiophiles the certainty of professional service worthy of Luxman excellence. The authorized dealer network allows you to experience the unique sonic characteristics of Luxman products firsthand, ensuring an informed choice for every type of hi-fi system and budget.

Explore Luxman

Find out more on our blog

Tubes or Solid State: What Really Changes the Sound?

If you're about to buy your first Hi-Fi amplifier, you've probably stumbled upon the oldest debate in home audio: tubes or solid state? The internet is full of conflicting opinions, forums where discussions are held with almost religious fervor, reviews that…

The Basics: How Tubes and Transistors Work

An amplifier, whatever its technology, does one simple thing: it takes the weak signal coming from the source (turntable, streamer, CD player) and amplifies it enough to drive the speakers. How it does it changes everything.