Luxman · Vacuum tube
$6,995
Luxman · Vacuum tube
Luxman's tube power amplifier in the mould of the 1969 MQ-60: four triode-connected KT88s in Mullard-type push-pull, Luxman-made output transformers, and 25 W per channel into 4, 8 or 16 Ω.
Ask us about current availability. Can be driven directly from a source using its variable-input mode.
Authorized Luxman dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
The MQ-88uC is the amplifier Luxman makes for people who want its tube heritage in the original shape. The styling, the knobs and the lever switches are modelled on the MQ-60 of 1969; the output transformers are a redesign of the classic OY15 type in die-cast aluminum housings; and the circuit is a Mullard-type push-pull with the KT88 output tubes wired as triodes. Triode connection gives up power for linearity, which is why the rating is 25 W per channel rather than the 50 or more a KT88 pair can deliver in pentode or ultralinear mode. The driver stage uses two ECC83S and two ECC82, and all eight tubes are JJ Electronic, aged for 48 hours and checked before shipping.
Separate 4 Ω, 8 Ω and 16 Ω speaker taps let the amplifier be matched to the load rather than compromised across it. A variable-input mode bypasses the input stage so that a source with its own volume control, a DAC or a CD player with variable output, can drive the output section directly without a preamplifier. The power supply is an EI transformer with custom blocking capacitors; coupling capacitors are Nichicon metallized polypropylene film; and internal wiring has been shortened against the previous MQ-88u. The main chassis is dark brown, with a hairline-finished aluminum top and matt black die-cast transformer housings.
Dick Olsher reviewed the MQ-88uC for The Absolute Sound in October 2019 and made the point that matters: "a triode-connected KT88 measures and acts like a triode, and most importantly, sounds like a triode." With 25 W the choice of loudspeaker is the whole question. A sensitive speaker in a small or medium room will be driven with ease; a low-sensitivity, low-impedance design will not, and the solid-state M-10X is the Luxman answer there.
The CL-38uC is the designed partner, matching in style and adding an MM/MC phono stage and balanced inputs. The two together are the most affordable all-tube Luxman system, and the one that most directly recalls the company's amplifiers of fifty years ago.
| Type | Vacuum tube stereo power amplifier |
| Rated output | 25 W + 25 W into 4, 8 or 16 Ω |
| Tubes | 4 × KT88 (triode-connected), 2 × ECC83S, 2 × ECC82; all JJ Electronic |
| Circuit | Mullard-type push-pull; triode-connected output |
| Input | 890 mV for 25 W; 32 kΩ; variable-input mode available |
| Speaker outputs | Independent 4 Ω, 8 Ω and 16 Ω terminals |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0, −0.5 dB); 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+0, −3 dB) |
| Total harmonic distortion | 0.1% (1 kHz, 1 W); 0.5% (20 Hz – 20 kHz, 1 W) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF-A) | 105 dB |
| Power consumption | 170 W; 140 W no signal |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 440 × 184 × 230 mm (17.3 × 7.2 × 9.1 in), including knob and terminals |
| Weight | 16.1 kg (35.5 lb) |
| Finish | Dark brown chassis, hairline aluminum top, matt black die-cast transformer housings |
| Supplied | Power cable |
Luxman's classic-style tube power amplifier.
The matching preamplifier is the CL-38uC.
Plan your Luxman system with Pearl Audio
Pearl Audio is an authorized Luxman dealer. We can match it to the rest of your system and arrange an audition in our Portland showroom. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.
The Pearl Audio experience
A system at this level should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. From the first audition to long-term ownership, you work with the same people, in person.
Hear the MQ-88uC Tube Stereo Amplifier by appointment in one of our two purpose-designed demonstration rooms, with your own music and time to compare without pressure.
We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.
We support everything we sell for as long as you own it, whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.
