Luxman
Luxman SQ-38u Integrated Amplifier
Best tube amplifier for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a warm, vintage aesthetic.
Experience the legendary sound of the Luxman SQ-38u, a modern take on a classic vacuum tube integrated amplifier. It delivers a rich, holographic, and tonally sweet tube sound, enhanced by a high-quality tube-driven headphone amplifier and a versatile phono stage. Its robust build, tactile controls, and retro design offer a premium feel and intuitive operation. This amplifier masterfully blends heritage styling with contemporary performance, providing a deeply satisfying connection to your music. The USA version operates on 120V and includes original packaging and accessories, making it an ideal choice for discerning audiophiles.
$3995.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
37
/ 1684
#37 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-52%
Below average
Tube Complement
34127127
/ Four EL , four AXs, three AUs
Who it's for
- Vinyl collectors needing a versatile, high-quality integrated phono stage
- Audiophiles seeking a rich, warm, and musical listening experience
- Design lovers who appreciate premium craftsmanship and vintage aesthetics
Who should skip it
- Owners of low-sensitivity speakers in large listening environments
- Listeners wanting a low-maintenance, set-and-forget audio system
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level high-fidelity equipment
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Delivers the classic, holographic warmth that defines premium tube amplification.
Phono Versatility
Integrated stage handles MM and MC cartridges with impressive sonic clarity.
Build Integrity
Robust construction and tactile metal controls offer a truly premium experience.
Headphone Performance
Dedicated tube-driven output provides a rich, intimate listening experience for headphones.
Tone Shaping
Traditional controls allow for precise, intuitive adjustments to your audio profile.
Power Efficiency
Thirty watts per channel suits high-sensitivity speakers but lacks massive headroom.
Key Specs
Tube Complement
Four EL 34, four 12AX7s, three 12AU7s
Dimensions
15.7" W x 7.7" H x 12.2" D
Weight
44 lbs
Power Output
30W per channel
Inputs
5 pairs RCA
Outputs
Pre-Out/Main-In, Rec Out/Monitor, 2 sets Speaker Binding Posts
Features
Built-in phono stage (MM, MC-low, MC-high), Tone Controls (Bass, Treble), Low Cut Filter, Mono/Stereo, Tape Monitor, Headphone Jack, Remote Control (Volume, Mute)
Power Supply
120V (USA version)
Features
- Distinctive warm and holographic tube sound
- High-performance tube headphone amplifier
- Versatile phono stage for MM and MC cartridges
- Traditional tone controls for sound shaping
- Premium build with tactile metal controls
- Retro design with wood case
- Low noise floor for pure audio
- Includes remote for volume and mute
What customers say
The Luxman SQ-38u is widely regarded as a modern engineering masterpiece, earning exceptionally high praise. Reviewers consistently highlight its warm, lush, and detailed soundstage, capturing quintessential tube magic that makes listening deeply engaging and fatigue free. Vinyl enthusiasts particularly value the superb, reference quality built in phono stage. Beyond the captivating sonic performance, the build quality receives universal acclaim. Its robust construction, beautiful wood casing, and tactile controls evoke timeless luxury and reliability, honoring Luxman’s heritage. While the price is premium and power output modest, the SQ-38u is viewed as an excellent long term value for those seeking a classic, musically engaging integrated amplifier.
Know before you buy
The SQ-38u delivers a classic, warm, and holographic tube sound. It is characterized by a rich midrange and a sweet, non-fatiguing top end that provides a deeply immersive listening experience.
Yes, the integrated phono stage is highly versatile and supports MM, MC-low, and MC-high cartridges, allowing you to connect a wide variety of turntables without needing an external preamp.
Yes, the SQ-38u features a high-performance, tube-driven headphone amplifier. This ensures that your headphones benefit from the same warm, detailed sonic characteristics as your main speaker setup.
The amplifier provides 30 watts per channel. While this is modest compared to solid-state designs, the EL34 tubes offer a robust sound that performs best with speakers of average to high sensitivity.
The included remote control is designed specifically for volume adjustment and muting. Tone controls, input selection, and other sound-shaping features are handled manually via the tactile controls on the front panel.
Like all vacuum tube equipment, you will eventually need to replace the tubes as they age to maintain optimal performance. The SQ-38u uses a standard complement of EL34, 12AX7, and 12AU7 tubes, which are widely available for purchase.
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