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Luxman LX33 Integrated Tube Amp. YEAH? NAY?

Perhaps the Russian Tube Preamp disaster will lead to this different solution:  All Tubes in one shot.

Luxman Vintage LX33 Integrated Tube Amp for: Small Office system:  TT (MM); R2R Tape (line); Computer (line).

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154051395889?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=533...

YEAH? NAY?

30 wpc Enough Power? I think so. I would go Luxman pre-out to self-powered sub's line-in first, then sub line-out to LX33 Main In: so the LX33 and Wharfdale 225's (low 87 sensitivity) would not need to produce low bass.

This LX33 and other Luxman's are Shallow Depth. They fit on top of my 3 shelf high bookcase, next to my Vertical TT and Vertical R2R deck (nicest no-bend operational height I ever had). 

 The Fisher Mono Blocks are also 30 wpc. (35 wpc if I want to get EL37's, no thanks, I'd rather eat).

Not the wood look like the Russian preamp or even nicer Luxman Preamp 35iii,

https://www.ebay.com/itm/114787565164

but the LX33 Brushed Metal finish next to the Grey Mistubishi LT-5V are compatible.

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS881US881&sxsrf=ALeKk03Mu5EWCTaCuJ5PL6NdqzYO0QqJNg:...

thanks as always for your help,

Elliott




elliottbnewcombjr
elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,529 posts
 
LX33: ALL tubes are readily available, power tube is 6CA7, from the tubestore:

"Other common substitutes for EL34 vacuum tubes are 6CA7 and KT77 tubes. Although not identical, they are close enough to be considered direct substitutes in almost any instance. The EL34, 6CA7 and KT77 also have similar pin outs. Be sure to check out our EL34 / 6CA7 / KT77 tube reviews page for more information regarding the sound qualities of these tubes.

Many of the EL34, 6CA7 and KT77 tubes listed here also have customer tube reviews. We also indicate top sellers for the EL34 tube type".


lewm
13,168 posts
 
If you feel you must make this purchase, and I agree with Russ that it may not be a good idea, then you ought to buy a step down transformer dedicated only to this unit. A preamplifier/amplifier will draw more current than a turntable, and you will need a heftier step down transformer than whatever you probably use for your turntable. Japanese equipment will usually tell you on the back side near the power cord how many watts the unit draws. Take that number and multiply it by two and that should be the rating of your step down transformer, at a minimum.
jperry
2,453 posts
 
@elliottbnewcombjr 

You could probably use a transformer, but I wouldn’t. Maybe my OCD showing through.

I bought two that were US voltage. Kept one and a friend wanted the other one. It is a very good (IMO) vintage tube preamp. Not as good as the current production CL-38uC, which I also own.  The US voltage ones are out there and show up from time to time. I also have the plug in SUT for this. The Luxman SUT is very hard to find, but the Sansui a-603 SUT is a plug in replacement and findable.

You might want to do a little more research on Luxman. They made great gear for a long time, but had some bad times in the 1980’s if I recall correctly. Currently they are making great gear.

Good luck with your search.

Jim Perry
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Why don’t you look for new LUX like SQ-N100 integrated?
You could find it used for the same price.

I sold one to a friend and it’s very nice for the price (under $1500) with MM phono stage, remote control, headphone amp and super cool design.
elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,529 posts
 
chakster

thanks for the idea if money was tight an apparently good one as you would think,

there are no sq100’s currently available except far foreign lands, and not much less than this sq-150, $1,960 + $90. shipping no tax.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649734717-luxman-sq-n150-integrated-tube-amplifier/

the other one is more $2,250 + $100. ship, probably pay tax, not sure. Advantage: worked on by Audio Classics. I just dropped my mx110z there, met Ryan, and wrote him about this unit last evening. 117 v version.

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649730439-luxman-sq-150-integrated-tube-amplifier-w-mcmm-pho...

Having sq-150’s MC option appeals to me (their MC setting fits my AT33ptgII well enough I think).

I may someday use this 10 wpc with my extremely efficient 16 ohm horns in my main system, use the Cayin elsewhere or sell it.

Unfortunately Luxman’s bias adjusters are also internal, at least it is lighter to move around.
..............................

I have patience to wait for what I buy, but I want to end the search (the fun becomes misery for me) and buy something soon.
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