Luxman have announced the CL-38uSE and MQ-88uSE Special-edition valve preamplifier and power amplifier, with production limited to just 100 pieces of each.

The proprietary designs of the CL-38u SE and MQ-88u SE include a number of custom-made parts, including the transformers and block capacitors. In special commemoration of Luxman’s 90th anniversary, key components have been developed including a new oil capacitor. A pure and direct circuit configuration has been implemented into the valve amplification circuits and each individual component has been evaluated for sonic performance through repeated and extensive listening tests. During production, each CL-38uSE and MQ-88uSE undergoes a 48-hour test and burn in process before the final performance of each unit is confirmed exactly to specification, audio performance and finish.

The CL-38uSE encapsulates the classic design and features of the CL-35 control amplifier developed in 1970, updated and reconfigured in celebration of more than 90 years of audio manufacturing. LUXMAN’s R&D team have paid special attention to the tonal quality of this ‘Special Edition’, with upgraded ECC803 and ECC802 valves from Slovakia JJ Electronics. The shielded chassis is housed in a wooden cabinet for a classic look and feel. The SRPP (Shunt Regulated Push Pull) amplifier configuration operates in anti-phase, bringing extremely low output impedance throughout all gain stages and achieving strong drivability to cope with the most awkward amplifier loads

The CL-38u is equipped with four MC cartridge step-up transformers, LR independent / 2 stage gain independence and phono equaliser amplifier circuits and the three-stage treble / bass tone control, enhances dynamic control to the listener’s taste. In addition, it is also equipped with a switch for mono playback and a low-cut switch to suppress unwanted low-frequency vibrations from warped records. A simple aluminium remote control is supplied.

SPECIFICATIONS ‒ CL-38uSE

Input Sensitivity / Impedance LINE: 190mV / 50kΩ ,

PHONO (MM): 2mV / 47kΩ,

PHONO (MC-H): 0.3mV / 100Ω,

PHONO (MC-L): 0.08mV / 30Ω

Output Voltage / Impedance 1V RMS / 300Ω, 19V (max.)

Total Harmonic Distortion 0.006% (1kHz), 0.06% (20Hz – 20kHz)

Frequency Response PHONO: 20Hz – 20kHz (+0, -0.5dB),

LINE: 10Hz – 70kHz (+0, -3.0dB)

S/N Ratio LINE: 100dB, PHONO (MM): 70dB,

PHONO (MC-H): 68dB, PHONO (MC-L): 65dB

Input LINE x 4, PHONO x 1

Tape Input / Output 1 set

Line Output 2 sets

Tone Control Bass Turnover Frequency: 150Hz / 300Hz / 600Hz

Treble Turnover Frequency: 1.5kHz / 3kHz / 6kHz

Low Cut 30Hz (-6dB/oct)

Dimensions (W x H x D) 400 × 170× 307 (mm)

Net Weight 13.5kg

The MQ-88uSE is based upon the MQ-60 stereo power amplifier. It utilises KT-88 valves from Slovakia JJ Electronics, configured in triode mode. Extensive research has integrated miniature JJ-made valves into the amplifier and oil condenser connections. OY-15 type output transformers, redeveloped and encased in cast aluminium housing, provide low-output impedance. This unit is equipped with one each of fixed and variable inputs, the latter enabling direct connection with any source component without a preamplifier. It delivers 2x25W into 6 ohms with pure Class A operation. The valve compliment comprises 2x ECC803, 2x ECC802 and 4x KT88.
SPECIFICATIONS ‒ MQ-88uSE

Rated Power Output 25W + 25W (6Ω), 20W + 20W (4Ω, 8Ω)

Input Sensitivity 790mV / 25 W (6Ω)

Input Impedance 100kΩ

Total Harmonic Distortion 0.15% (1kHz / 6Ω / 1W), 0.5% (20Hz ~ 20kHz / 6Ω / 1W)

S/N Ratio (IHF-A) 105dB

Input 1 x Direct, 1 x Variable

Output Large speaker terminal x 1 set

Dimensions (W x H x D) 440 × 185 × 230 (mm)

Net Weight 15.8kg

The Luxman CL-38uSE and MQ-88uSE are available to order now, with RRPs of £4,000 and £4,500 respectively. Production of each model is strictly limited to 100 pieces.