Luxman
LUXMAN VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-1000
Best vacuum tube preamplifier for discerning analog audio enthusiasts.
Experience unparalleled musical refinement with the Luxman CL-1000 Control Amplifier, a flagship vacuum tube preamplifier for discerning audiophiles. It masterfully blends art and science, featuring Luxman’s advanced LECUTA system for precise volume control and flawless signal integrity. Six JJ Electronic E88CC tubes create a natural, warm soundstage. The exquisite hand-finished walnut cabinet with rosewood gloss and machined aluminum controls showcase exceptional craftsmanship. With comprehensive balanced and unbalanced inputs, plus a built-in MM/MC phono stage, it seamlessly integrates into any high-fidelity system, offering the purest analog performance.
$27995.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
36
/ 466
#36 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
+307%
Above average
Type
Vacuum tube control amplifier
/ Vacuum tube control amplifier
Who it's for
- Listeners demanding perfect channel balance and precise volume control
- Collectors valuing meticulous Japanese craftsmanship and long-term build reliability
- Audiophiles seeking authentic, warm, and highly detailed reference-grade sound
Who should skip it
- Novices seeking a simple, plug-and-play system integration experience
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for accessible high-end audio equipment
- Users preferring low-maintenance gear without heat or tube replacement
Performance breakdown
Sonic Warmth
Six premium vacuum tubes deliver a lush, organic soundstage.
Volume Precision
The LECUTA transformer system ensures flawless, step-perfect signal integrity.
Phono Versatility
Selectable impedance settings accommodate a wide range of high-end cartridges.
Build Craftsmanship
Hand-finished walnut and rosewood create a stunning, heirloom-quality aesthetic.
Signal Clarity
Super permalloy core transformers maintain exceptional purity across all frequencies.
System Integration
Comprehensive balanced and unbalanced connectivity handles complex audiophile setups with ease.
Key Specs
Type
Vacuum tube control amplifier
Volume control
LECUTA transformer-based attenuator with 34-step rotary switch
Tubes
6 × JJ Electronic E88CC
Inputs
Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA)
Phono inputs
MM and MC with selectable impedance settings
Frequency response
20Hz–20kHz (+0.3, -0dB)
Dimensions (W × H × D)
460 × 166 × 454 mm
Weight
24.4 kg
Features
- Flagship vacuum tube control amplifier
- Advanced LECUTA transformer-based volume control
- Six JJ Electronic E88CC tubes for warm sound
- Hand-finished walnut and rosewood cabinet
- Built-in MM/MC phono stage
- Balanced and unbalanced connectivity
- Exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design
- Super permalloy core output transformers
What customers say
The Luxman CL-1000 earns high praise for its exceptional sonic performance and masterful build quality. Owners consistently highlight its ability to deliver the classic warm Luxman sound blended with modern transparency and dynamic range. The amplifier creates music with a natural presence, featuring deep, controlled bass and smooth high frequencies, avoiding harshness. Reviewers frequently commend the precision of the LECUA 1000-1M volume control for its flawless balance and operational smoothness. Furthermore, the meticulous Japanese engineering and robust construction solidify its status as a reference grade component. While an investment, the CL-1000 is viewed as an heirloom piece that significantly elevates the listening experience.
Know before you buy
Yes, the CL-1000 features a built-in phono stage that supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. It also offers selectable impedance settings to ensure optimal matching with your specific turntable cartridge.
The LECUTA system uses a transformer-based attenuator with a 34-step rotary switch rather than a traditional resistor-based potentiometer. This design maintains signal integrity and channel balance across all volume levels, preventing the degradation often found in conventional controls.
Yes, the CL-1000 is equipped with both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs and outputs. This allows for flexible integration with a wide variety of high-end source components and power amplifiers.
The six JJ Electronic E88CC tubes provide a signature warm, natural, and highly detailed soundstage. This tube-based circuitry is designed to deliver the rich harmonic texture and musicality that vacuum tube enthusiasts prefer.
No, the CL-1000 is designed strictly as a high-fidelity control amplifier for speaker-based systems and does not include a dedicated headphone output.
Yes, the CL-1000 features a built-in subsonic filter that cuts frequencies below 30 Hz at a rate of 6 dB per octave. This helps manage low-frequency rumble and prevents unwanted speaker cone excursion when playing warped or older records.
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$27995