- Vintage Luxman Amplifiers
- Luxman L30 Amplifier Schematics
- Luxman L30 Amplifier Review
- Luxman Integrated Amps
- Luxman Amplifier Prices
Luxman L-309: Specifications, Pictures, Reviews, Comparison, Information. Larry Stap - I have owned this amp for years and years and I love it. Listening to music I mainly input from an DAC (RDAC by Arcam (wifi from 320k mp3 or lossless)) and out to two Redline 45. The L-30 is a 2x35W integrated amp made by Lux corporation in Japan. The company is still around, making hifi products. When Uncle Pete brought over his amp, it was dirty from sitting around, unused, for many years. One of the knobs had come apart. Presenting a classic Luxman L-30 Integrated Amplifier in superb, original condition. Luxman of this era have a reputation for second to none build quality and this amplifier is no exception. Sounds powerful and detailed and would be lovely addition to any music room. Luxman L-30 integrated amplifier with T-33 tuner. This beautiful 'vintage' set is in full functional and good condition. Both have been extensively tested and work excellently. The L-30 has a small tear in the veneer (see photo) however this hardly stands out. The tuner has a few small scratches on top. (See photos) Specifications Luxman L-30 Continuous output power: 2 x 30 Watts @8 Ohms Phono.
LX-380
Capturing the era of the ‘38’ – the aspiration of a new vacuum tube amplifier
The LX-380 represents a new era in golden ‘38’ series vacuum tube integrated amplifiers from LUXMAN. Providing an exceptionally deep resonance of sound sources of various ages and genres, the LX-380 combines LECUA* - a computerized attenuator which carefully reproduces the dynamism of each performance - with a power amplifier circuit that expresses the rich musicality of the 6L6GC output tube. Housed in a wooden case that is reminiscent of the 28 series, the LX-380 appeals to a new generation with a winning combination of cutting edge technology and traditional know-how. *LECUA is an abbreviation of Luxman Electric Controlled Ultimate Attenuator.Vacuum tube 6L6G output configuration
The LX-380 is equipped with the 6L6GC beam power tube that has a reputation for high quality, stability and a delicate, soft tonal quality. The rated output of 20W+20W that is sufficient for a domestic sound system is achieved through the combination of a powerful, flexible Mullard type driver stage with a push pull structure final stage. This adopts a fixed bias type to maintain a constant grid voltage. The auditory drive force that is created by a vacuum tube amplifier is not easily quantified. This and a dense, mellow tonal quality have been achieved comfortably in the design of the LX-380 not with a high-power specification but by building in a margin in the vacuum tube and peripherals. The combination of experience and original design knowledge results in longevity of enjoyment of this product with long term peace of mind.
Classical knob layout and wooden case
The elegant exterior in a natural veneer finish in a full sized (440mm) square wooden case is reminiscent of the original classic layout that consists of a combination of knob and lever switches made of machined aluminium and resin.
The first ever vacuum tube amplifier to feature LECUA
The LX-380 is the first vacuum tube amplifier to feature LECUA, the proprietary computerized control attenuator from LUXMAN that enables the sound to be adjusted smoothly with minimal deterioration using an 88-step method. The LX-380 uses the same high sound quality semiconductor circuit that has been successfully proven in integrated amplifiers such as the L-590AX.
Expandability options
The LX-380 is equipped with an electronically controlled tone control function (bass/treble) for delicate adjustments to the tonal quality per the sound source and listening environment, with 3 selectable turnover frequency positions. The loudness mode interlocks with the sound volume to enable the correction of bass and treble ranges depending on human hearing characteristics.
Fully fledged phono amplifier circuit
Due to their profound sound quality, analog records are now becoming popular again and the LX-380 is therefore equipped with a high sound quality semiconductor structured phono amplifier circuit that is compatible with MM/MC types. This circuit derives from the concept of the LUXMAN integrated amplifier and allows users to enjoy genuine analog record playback without adding an extra dedicated phono amplifier. A subsonic switch is provided on the front panel to suppress any woofer fluctuation that is caused by low frequency signals from warped records as well as a monaural switch to activate L channel or R channel with the same signal at monaural record playback. Such detailed design and functionality enable the full enjoyment of analog playback.
Future proof separate amplifier structure
The pre/main amplifier circuits can be separated by a switch enabling the bi-amplifier structure in which a power amplifier can be added and the surround sound environment enhanced using an AV amplifier. The LX-380 is designed so that it can be expanded as part of a system for future upgrades and has a headphone output for private sound enjoyment.
Large speaker terminals for 2 systems
The rear panel of the LX-380 is equipped with 18mm pitch gold plated RCA terminals to support high grade line cables with large plugs and speaker terminals (2 lines) in inline layout, and are compatible with Y lugs to connect easily with extra thick speaker cables.
Longevity of design
The LX-380 has been designed to be durable with sufficient margin built in for operating voltage and heat radiation from the vacuum tube.
| Rated output | 20W + 20W (6Ω), 18W + 18W (8Ω), 14W + 14W (4Ω) |
|---|---|
| Input sensitivity/input impedance (PRE OUT :1V) | PHONO (MM): 3.0mV/47kΩ PHONO (MC): 0.38mV/100Ω LINE: 180mV/47kΩ, MAIN-IN: 690mV/100kΩ |
| Output voltage | RECOUT: 180mV, PRE OUT: 1V |
| Frequency response | PHONO: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.5dB) LINE: 20Hz to 80kHz (+0, -3.0dB) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 1% or less (6Ω, 1kHz) |
| S/N ratio (IHF-A) | PHONO (MM): 84dB or more PHONO (MC): 67dB or more LINE: 95dB or more |
| Volume adjustment | LECUA |
| Circuit | Driver: Mullard, Output: beam tetrode connection |
| Vacuum tubes | 6L6GC×4, ECC82×3 |
| Output configuration | Push-pull |
|---|---|
| Max. amount of tone control | ±8dB, turnover frequency switch-over system BASS: 150 / 300 / 600Hz, TREBLE: 1.5k / 3k / 6kHz |
| Power supply | 230V~(50Hz) / 115V~(60Hz) |
| Power consumption | 127W |
| External dimensions | 440(W) x 197(H) x 403(D) mm front side knob of 25mm and rear side terminal of 28mm included in depth |
| Net weight | 17.6kg (main unit) |
| Accessories | Remote controller (RA-25) Power cable |
| Speaker terminal Supported Y-lug terminal dimension | Width of part a: 15mm or less Width of part b: 8mm or more * Connection may not be performed depending on the shape of the Y-lug terminal. |
| Rated output |
|---|
| 20W + 20W (6Ω), 18W + 18W (8Ω), 14W + 14W (4Ω) |
| Input sensitivity/input impedance (PRE OUT :1V) |
| PHONO (MM): 3.0mV/47kΩ PHONO (MC): 0.38mV/100Ω LINE: 180mV/47kΩ, MAIN-IN: 690mV/100kΩ |
| Output voltage |
| RECOUT: 180mV, PRE OUT: 1V |
| Frequency response |
| PHONO: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.5dB) LINE: 20Hz to 80kHz (+0, -3.0dB) |
| Total harmonic distortion |
| 1% or less (6Ω, 1kHz) |
| S/N ratio (IHF-A) |
| PHONO (MM): 84dB or more PHONO (MC): 67dB or more LINE: 95dB or more |
| Volume adjustment |
| LECUA |
| Circuit |
| Driver: Mullard, Output: beam tetrode connection |
| Vacuum tubes |
| 6L6GC×4, ECC82×3 |
| Output configuration |
|---|
| Push-pull |
| Max. amount of tone control |
| ±8dB, turnover frequency switch-over system BASS: 150 / 300 / 600Hz, TREBLE: 1.5k / 3k / 6kHz |
| Power supply |
| 230V~(50Hz) / 115V~(60Hz) |
| Power consumption |
| 127W |
| External dimensions |
| 440(W) x 197(H) x 403(D) mm front side knob of 25mm and rear side terminal of 28mm included in depth |
| Net weight |
| 17.6kg (main unit) |
| Accessories |
| Remote controller (RA-25) Power cable |
| Speaker terminal Supported Y-lug terminal dimension |
| Width of part a: 15mm or less Width of part b: 8mm or more * Connection may not be performed depending on the shape of the Y-lug terminal. |
The L-30 is a 2x35W integrated amp made by Lux corporation in Japan. The company is still around, making hifi products.
When Uncle Pete brought over his amp, it was dirty from sitting around, unused, for many years. One of the knobs had come apart. Turning the knobs while the unit was powered on produced some awful scratching noises, and the knobs were stiff and difficult to manipulate.
I took the amp apart for the first time and cleaned the potentiometers with DeoxIT, a miracle contact cleaner. After turning each knob back and forth about a hundred times, the crackling was eliminated. I also blew out a cubic foot of dust and made some observations about the electronic guts.Many of the original electrolytic capacitors had leaked their electrolyte gunk (see the big black one in the image below).
I found a great resource on repairing this exact amplifier. The author advised to check the small signal transistors for a 'silver oxide creeping disease'. The problem was that in the 70s, Hitachi 'tinned' the leads of many transistors with silver (instead of tin). Silver oxidises over time, and the rust creeps up the legs of the transistors and eventually rots the guts.
| It's hard to tell that the leads of the smaller transistor (installed back-to-back with a larger one) has blackened legs, not silvery/metallic like the other components. |
Vintage Luxman Amplifiers
- Luxman L-30 Service Manual - circuit schematic, parts list, circuit board layout diagrams, and re-calibration info. Absolutely critical!
- Hans Hilberink's Luxman Vintage Audio Website, specifically this page about the L-30.
- Vintage Audio Repair L-30 - Dutch website with great before-and-after pictures of an L-30 rebuild.
Luxman L30 Amplifier Schematics
- Replace 42 electrolytic capacitors, same specs as originals. I am not savvy enough with analog circuits to contemplate upgrades;
- Replace 17 small transistors (TO-92 package);
- Replace the factory speaker terminals with newer, nicer binding posts with banana plug connectors;
- Do a nice cosmetic cleanup of the knobs and faceplate.
| Top: Desoldered pins from wires. Mistake! Bottom: Pins soldered to wires, with nice labels. |
| Top: New capacitors in blue (bigger ones) and gold (smaller ones). Bottom: Original PB-1009 circuit board. |
- They have three leads (leads);
- The pin-out of the new transistors (Emitter-Base-Collector) is different from the old (Emitter-Collector-Base), and;
- They must be installed correctly or else they won't function as intended! Funny things will happen.
| Top: PB-1008 with new capacitors (blue, gold) and transistors (black). Bottom: Original circuit board. |
| Top: New binding posts. Bottom: Original speaker terminals. |
| Work bench during one disassembly. |
Luxman L30 Amplifier Review
The 2SA836 and 2SC1345 made by Hitachi will sooner or later add a lot of noise and even storm and thunder to your RIAA amp. [...]
Replace with modern BC550C/BC560C and all noise problems are history.
Luxman Integrated Amps
I read these two sentences, and without even thinking to double check, noted to replace 2SA836 units with BC550, and to replace 2SC1345 units with BC56Luxman Amplifier Prices
0. In fact, it should have been the other way around (2SA836->BC560, both PNP type, and 2SC1345->BC550, both NPN type). This was totally my error - rushing, misunderstanding, and not double checking. I only had to replace 11 transistors and I'd be all set.One more set of calibrations as a sanity-check, then I assembled the L-30 for the last time. I'd cleaned and polished the faceplate and all the knobs. The volume knob, which had fallen apart, was securely glued back together.
I plugged the unit it and dropped in an Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong album that I found in my parents' collection. I don't have the musical vocabulary to describe it as anything other than AMAZING. Superb warm sound.
| That warm sound... get it? |
My Uncle Pete came over tonight to pick it up, and I think he was blown away. He brought over a record (I don't recall which one!) and we listened to most of the A side. Then we listened to tracks from The Sword, The Rolling Stones, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony Bird, Eternal Champion, Iron Maiden, and Buffalo Springfield.
He was excited to be leaving with it, and I was sad to see it go! This was an exceptionally fun project, and challenging because I make some mistakes along the way. That's OK because I learned more than I would have otherwise.
What's next?
Full album/gallery.