LUXMAN CL-38UC Tube Preamplifier

LUXMAN CL-38uC Vacuum Tube Preamplifier

The Luxman CL-38uC is a beautifully crafted vacuum tube control amplifier (tube preamplifier) designed to deliver rich, natural musicality with modern connectivity and precision. Built around SRPP (Shunt Regulated Push Pull) circuitry in all stages, it provides a clean, stable signal path with low distortion and a refined, tube-forward presentation that stays detailed and accurate. A genuine built-in phono equalizer supports both MM and MC cartridges, with MC-low and MC-high gain/impedance options using independent MC transformers and a convenient selector lever for quick matching to your cartridge. To tailor your system exactly to your room and taste, the CL-38uC includes tone controls with selectable turnover frequencies, plus a low-cut filter for improved control of rumble and unwanted low-frequency energy. Finished with Luxman’s classic styling and a traditional wooden case, this control amp also adds balanced inputs (transformer-equipped) and includes a compact aluminum remote for smooth volume control from your listening seat.

Built to match the LUXMAN MQ-88uC Vacuum Tube Amplifer.

The LUXMAN CL-38uC is part of ListenUp's LUXMAN Preamplifier Collection.

What It's Good At:

• True tube preamp character with control: SRPP circuitry throughout for a smooth, open presentation with excellent stability.
• Vinyl-ready for MM and MC: Built-in phono equalizer plus dedicated MC transformers for MC-high and MC-low operation.
• Better cartridge matching: Quick MC impedance/gain selection helps optimize dynamics, noise, and tonal balance.
• System-friendly connectivity: Adds transformer-equipped balanced inputs for seamless integration with high-end sources.
• Fine-tuning without harshness: Tone controls with selectable frequencies and a low-cut filter to dial in the sound naturally.
• Luxury build and everyday convenience: Classic Luxman design with a wooden case and included remote volume control.

LUXMAN CL-38uC Full Specifications:

• Input sensitivity / Input impedance
  • PHONO (MM): 2.0mV / 47kΩ
  • PHONO (MC high): 0.3mV / 100Ω
  • PHONO (MC low): 0.08mV / 30Ω
  • LINE: 190mV / 50kΩ
  • BAL.LINE: 190mV / 20kΩ (transformer-equipped balanced inputs)
• Output / Output impedance
  • Rated: 1V / 300Ω
• Frequency response
  • PHONO: 20Hz to 20kHz (±0.5dB)
  • LINE / BAL.LINE: 10Hz to 70kHz (within -3.0dB)
• Total harmonic distortion
  • 0.006% or less (1kHz)
  • 0.06% or less (20Hz to 20kHz)
• S/N ratio (IHF-A)
  • PHONO (MM): 68dB or more
  • PHONO (MC high): 63dB or more
  • PHONO (MC low): 60dB or more
  • LINE / BAL.LINE: 100dB or more
• Tone control
  • ±8dB, selectable frequency range
  • BASS: 150 / 300 / 600Hz
  • TREBLE: 1.5k / 3k / 6kHz
• Low cut
  • 30Hz (-6dB/oct.)
• Circuit
  • SRPP
• Vacuum tubes
  • ECC83S × 3, ECC82 × 5
• Power supply
  • 230V~ (50Hz) / 115V~ (60Hz)
• Power consumption
  • 35W
• External dimensions
  • 440(W) × 169(H) × 307(D) mm
  • Note: 19mm front panel knob and 12mm rear panel terminals are included in the depth measurement
• Net weight
  • 13.3kg (main unit)
• Accessories
  • Remote control (RA-19), Power cable
• Balanced input note
  • Transformer-equipped balanced inputs; maximum balanced input level equivalent to 2.5V (higher-output devices may distort).

LUXMAN CL-38uC Q&A:

Is the CL-38uC a preamp or a power amplifier?

The CL-38uC is a vacuum tube control amplifier (preamplifier) designed to manage sources, phono playback, and volume control before sending signal to a power amplifier or active speakers.

Does it include a built-in phono stage for turntables?

Yes. It includes a genuine phono equalizer that supports MM cartridges and MC cartridges with dedicated step-up transformer support.

What MC cartridge options does it support?

It supports MC high (0.3mV/100Ω) and MC low (0.08mV/30Ω), each with independent MC transformers, selectable via the MC impedance lever switch.

Does the CL-38uC have balanced (XLR) inputs?

Yes. It adds transformer-equipped balanced inputs to improve compatibility with high-end sources and system layouts.

Is there anything to watch out for with the balanced inputs?

Yes. The balanced inputs have a maximum input level equivalent to 2.5V; connecting a device with a higher output voltage may cause distortion.

Can I adjust bass and treble on this preamp?

Yes. It includes tone controls (±8dB) with selectable turnover frequencies—Bass: 150/300/600Hz and Treble: 1.5k/3k/6kHz—for precise, musical tuning.

Does it have a low-cut filter for rumble or unwanted bass?

Yes. The low-cut is set at 30Hz (-6dB/oct.), helping reduce turntable rumble and very low-frequency buildup.

What tubes does the CL-38uC use?

The tube complement is ECC83S × 3 and ECC82 × 5, chosen to support its SRPP circuit design and overall sonic performance.

LUXMAN CL-38uC Downloads:

LUXMAN CL-38uC Catalog