Back to the "Golden Age" of Tube Amps - Luxman LX-380 Integrated Amplifier Review (Take 2, Ep:3)

[@nathanbell6962]

I bought this amplifier last year, I compared it with the other solid state luxman amplifiers and it has the magic. The soundstage is narrower but it has a more holographic quality. Infact after a year I still find myself clearly seeing each and every instrument in its own space. It runs a bit hot but has no problems with ventilation. It is very heavy and the box is massive. I use it with some PMC twenty5 21's. On half volume they are too loud for a medium sized room. The detail and smoothness of the tubes are something amazing. It was expensive but I don't regret buying it, it will hopefully last me many years. 10/10

[@cirrus1964]

If you bought a British 300 B, or 211 tube amp. You would have had both!

[@markhollobaugh1710]

Just got a mint condition one, connected it to my Devore Super Nines and WOW, blown away. HI-Fi heaven.

[@divadgnol67]

Text Jake, I'm in the market for a good tube amp and I appreciate being exposed to as many as possible prior to my purchase. And you sounded very natural in this review. Great job!

[@BastianUllr]

Oh, if I only could ... One of these babies paired with a pair of Graham Audio LS5/5. I tell you, you will find me dead lying on my chair of starvation and without a shower for months... just playing one record after the other. Thankfully I am not in a position with enough money to make myself so much harm... but if I only could, I would... lol!! Perfect vintage remake pairing right there!

[@jon4715]

Thank you for explaining the volume knob attenuation schema.

[@angelopb001]

Can a 100v 50/60hZ Japan-spec unit be configured to run 115v 60hZ? I.e., are there taps or jumpers to set alternate voltages?

[@rizlaritz]

How this Luxman LX-380 paired with your Electa Amator III? too warm or just right?

[@MAELOB]

Any comments on headphone amp?

[@vmpty]

Boy, do I miss having all those buttons in my amplifiers...

[@cirrus1964]

well you probably have a real tube amp I presume.

[@TweakedSystems]

can I hookup a turntable direct to the luxman mq-88uc

[@sylviarienzo6955]

Jay, I was thrilled to read your review of this amplifier. I was surprised you didn’t mention something of note. I think I read the preamp is solid state, the amp is tubed. Is this correct? And what do you think about this rather unusual design choice. Also, I had a too brief audition of the Luxman CL-38cU and its mate the CL-88cU (aka MQ-88cU) and I fell in love! What extraordinary musicality! What wonderful sweet sound! Please, please, please could you review these two?

[@issadad]

What about tube rolling?

[@t.j.bennett6454]

I auditioned a few amps and speakers today and left having to have this integrated. Now I just need to come up with some more money lol. Would the doge 7 still be a good match with this do you think or should I go woth an r2r like denafrips or holo

[@stephencosta6814]

I feel you really love this amplifier makes me love it also good job J

[@joelnorris4064]

Nice review! Does the Luxman LX380 have enough current to drive the Gershman Studio Monitor II or Magnepan 1.7?

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Tube amps are not ........today's speakers are designed for high current /( to )low impedance and high damping factors.... Use speakers with a symbiosis to vacuum state technology...do some research and forget about today's high end.....audio went another way , away from music but in search off specifications, impressive sounds, pure sounds....not music and it's NATURAL emotions......

[@dixieflatline1189]

Folk arguing about price point & measurements..... unless you can hear the distortion with your ears, with your equipment, in your room, then all your doing is arguing about someone else’s maths. Great review

[@arun2995]

I really like the review I only wish you include with it a sample of the sound. I know we really cannot appreciate the sound listening this way but at least we get the idea just like you telling us picture does do it justice (same with sound) at least we have an idea.

[@cirrus1964]

Do you judge the sound of hifi via your computer, if so, buy a transistor radio.

[@arun2995]

@@cirrus1964 Of course not but let me ask you this. Can you tell the difference between each actors voice on your computer?

[@kevingarciamurga6890]

Luxman lx380 vs canor audio 1.10??

[@BigMacEnjoyer3000]

I've read a lot about Canor 1.10 and so far every review is saying the 1.10 is a masterpiece. Would buy it but damn, that thing will ruin my electricity bill, it needs like 440W or something?

[@vittoriomartinidonati]

How does it compare with R8 at 7 times the price??

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

8 times lessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.

[@tagheuer001]

Where’s the digital input?

[@soundstagenetwork]

It has a phono stage, but no built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC)

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Tubes .........................and a digital source.............search for the contradiction.......

[@AmazonasBiotop]

Tube amps has a long history..

[@zoinkz8188]

Amazing review! I can whole heartedly agree with what Jay had to say about the famed “38” line of tube gear from Luxman, absolutely amazing gear that packs an emotion filled punch. I’m a happy owner of the Luxman CL-38uSE, probably the best preamp I have owned.. (ps. I also cried while listening to certain tracks haha!)

[@cirrus1964]

Most here, don't have much tube experience. Luxman, the name should sell the product. As there are far better tube amps at present than Lux, for less money!

[@BigMacEnjoyer3000]

Can you give some examples? I' want a tube amp for my Vela FS 408. Currently really digging Canor stuff but not decided yet.

[@tomaszratuszny2582]

@@BigMacEnjoyer3000 Have you decided? I am facing a similar dilemma - Luxman or Canor ...

[@BigMacEnjoyer3000]

@@tomaszratuszny2582 Not yet. But I have different speakers now (Trenner & Friedl Osiris) and I have no idea if they match with Canor or Luxman. Manufacturer recommends Jeff Rowland, but that's pricey :D

[@henriksrensen3220]

No buttons please