Luxman
MQ-88uC
Tube Amplifiers
(Made In Japan)

Reviving designs from the golden era of vacuum tube amplifiers

• The CL-38uC control amplifier and the MQ-88uC power amplifier are based on the latest technology and design, but the exterior styling evokes a classic image from the heyday of vacuum tube audio products. The CL-38uC is modeled on the CL-35, released in 1970, and the MQ-88uC is modeled on the MQ-60, released in 1969. A classic front panel design should be functional, but also beautiful, achieved by careful selection of knobs and lever switches. Listeners can appreciate such traditional design features, with their nostalgic flavor, whilst enjoying these contemporary, high performance audio products.

Long life and reliable design

• Each CL-38uC control amplifier and MQ-88uC power amplifier undergoes a final performance check after a 48 hour aging process following assembly. We have selected JJ Electronic (Slovakia) vacuum tubes for these models as they are renowned for their reliability, long life and the ease with which they operate at vacuum tube amplifier voltages and heat dissipation conditions.

JJ Electronic KT88 output tubes

• The KT-88 output tubes used in the MQ-88uC, made by JJ Electronic, are known for their power and rich sound quality. The triode configuration employed achieves longer vacuum tube life and a highly transparent timbre that vacuum tube amps are known for. The paralleled first stage feeds a driver stage featuring performance proven Mullard circuitry. For the final stage, we have adopted a Mullard compatible push pull configuration to achieve an output power of 25 Watts per channel at 4, 8 and 16 ohm with very low distortion.

Independent speaker terminals for 4, 8 and 16 ohm speakers

• The MQ-88uC has independent 4, 8 and 16 ohm speaker terminals to better match with and bring out the best abilities of any kind of speakers, allowing powerful music reproduction with very low distortion. The unit features a variable input (volume adjustable) mode in which the signal bypasses the input section, connecting a source device, such as a CD player, directly to the output section.

Output transformers and power supply

• Output transformers play an important role in determining the sound quality and performance of a vacuum tube amp. LUXMAN’s classic amplifier products featured OY15 type output transformers with die-cast aluminum housings. These have been redesigned and reproduced with the original shape. The power supply section features a highly stable El type power transformer in tandem with custom designed blocking capacitors yielding steadfast sound quality and excellent drivability.