Luxman CL-1000
Luxman’s flagship tube preamplifier combines silky transparency with reference-level detail, preserving explosive dynamics, orchestral scale and convincingly intimate imaging. HiFi News found its configurable MM/MC phono stage exceptionally quiet, while comprehensive analogue controls, balanced connectivity and tactile build make the CL-1000 a richly equipped route to graceful, holographic sound.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
93/100
Features Connectivity
91/100
Value for Money
94/100
Pros
Combines reference-grade detail, neutrality and coherence with a graceful, non-analytical tonal character.
Produces expansive, holographic imaging while retaining convincing club-like intimacy on small ensembles.
Configurable MM/MC phono section offers suitable gain and headroom across cartridges and was found exceptionally quiet.
Extensive analogue facilities and substantial, tactile build quality enhance long-term usability.
Cons
No remote control is provided.
Balanced and single-ended outputs cannot be used simultaneously.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
The CL-1000 is described as exceptionally open, coherent and graceful, combining reference-level detail with a notably silky presentation. It also appears to preserve both orchestral scale and intimate acoustic space, without sacrificing force on more demanding material.
Transparency Resolution
96/100
Hi-Fi News calls the CL-1000's detail, neutrality and coherence "reference-grade." Its openness and transparency were sufficiently revealing to expose recording edits, while the phono section was reported to be exceptionally quiet.
Tonal Balance Musicality
95/100
The reviewer repeatedly characterises the sound as graceful and "silky," rather than overtly analytical or mechanical. This tube preamp is praised for combining neutrality with an easy, fluid character that encouraged long listening sessions.
Dynamics
95/100
The CL-1000 reportedly handled the explosive attack of "Polythene Pam" with military-march force, yet remained gentle and fluid on "Because." Its ability with massed strings and large orchestras was singled out as particularly impressive, suggesting strong scale and composure.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
Hi-Fi News describes the presentation as a "holographic spatial event." On small-ensemble jazz, it recreated the close, club-like intimacy needed to make the recording feel convincing rather than merely wide.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
The 24.4kg CL-1000 is described as looking every bit the part, with controls that offer tangible tactile satisfaction in use. The reviewer also groups its build quality with its stellar performance and unusually strong perceived quality among high-end alternatives.
Features Connectivity
91/100
Connectivity is extensive: one balanced line input, three RCA line inputs, configurable MM and MC phono operation, plus dual RCA and XLR output sets. Useful facilities include selectable tone-control turnover points, line-straight bypass, low-cut filter, polarity inversion, mono/stereo selection, balance control and transformer demagnetisation.
Value for Money
94/100
At approximately $25,990-$27,995, the CL-1000 is firmly a luxury-component purchase, but Hi-Fi News considers its perceived value unusually strong for this market. The review says it combines stellar sonic performance and build quality in a way that eludes much of the high-end competition.
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Specifications
- Input sensitivity
- LINE / BAL.LINE：180 mV / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩEXT-IN (PHONO) MM 100 kΩ (38 dB)：2.2 mV / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ MM 50 kΩ (38 dB)：2.2 mV / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ MM 33 kΩ (38 dB)：2.2 mV / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ MC-H 1 kΩ (57 dB)：0.26 mV / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ MC-M 40 Ω (57 dB)：0.26 mV / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ MC-L 10 Ω (66 dB)：87 μV / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ
- Input impedance
- LINE：90 kΩ / 1 kHzBAL.LINE：70 kΩ / 1 kHzEXT-IN (PHONO) MM：100 kΩ, 50 kΩ, 33 kΩ MC：1 kΩ, 40 Ω, 10 Ω
- Output impedance
- LINE / BAL.LINE ： 1 kΩ / 1 kHz
- Frequency response
- LINE / BAL.LINE：+0.3, -0 dB / 1 V output, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, load 50 kΩEXT-IN (PHONO)：±0.3 dB / 1 V output, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, load 50 kΩ
- Total harmonic distortion
- LINE / BAL.LINE：0.016 % / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩEXT-IN (PHONO) MM：0.3 % / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ MC (H, M)：0.3 % / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ MC (L)：0.5 % / 1 V output, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ
- S/N ratio
- LINE / BAL.LINE：120 dB (IHF-A) / distortion 1%, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩEXT-IN (PHONO) MM：108 dB (IHF-A) / distortion 1%, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ MC (H, M)：92 dB (IHF-A) / distortion 1%, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ MC (L)：83 dB (IHF-A) / distortion 1%, 1 kHz, load 50 kΩ
- Tone control
- Max. amount of change：±8 dBBass turnover frequency：150 Hz, 300 Hz, 600 HzTreble turnover frequency：1.5 kHz, 3 kHz, 6 kHz
- Low cut
- 30 Hz (-6 dB / oct.)
- Circuiting system
- 2-step amplification P-K NF type,tone control P-G NF type,phono equalizer NF type
- Vacuum tube used
- E88CC (manufactured by JJ Electronic / reliable tube) x 6
- Power supply
- 230 V～(50 Hz)/115 V～ (60 Hz)
- Power consumption
- 52 W
- Dimensions
- 460 (W) x 166 (H) x 454 (D) mm(including 13.5 mm front knob and 14.5 mm rear terminals)
- Net weight
- 24.4kg (main unit)
- Accessories
- Power cable
Manufacturer's Description — Luxman
Introducing the LECUTA transformer coupled attenuator
The heart of any preamplifier is the volume control. If not executed properly, this key circuit element can cause left/right channel imbalances and introduce subtle but tangible distortions at low volume. For this reason, LUXMAN created our acclaimed LECUA attenuator system. Now we’ve refined the concept with LECUTA, the Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Transformer Attenuator.The front panel volume control is actually a 34-step rotary switch that triggers 34 relays located totally outside the signal path. The relays activate 34 taps on matching left and right transformers. It is these taps that adjust the volume in carefully calibrated steps. Because transformer cores can influence sound quality, we selected FINEMET® core material from Hitachi Metals, Ltd. This has a unique nanocrystal structure for high saturation flux density, high relative permeability and low core loss. So you’ll enjoy rich, detailed, uncompromising sound even at low volume.※FINEMET is a registered trademark of Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
Classic design
In a design reminiscent of our classic C-1000, the front panel uses the latest precision machining to superpose three thick aluminum layers into one massive, anti-resonant assembly. The aluminum provides a graceful counterpoint to the cabinet, which we cover in natural walnut with a rosewood gloss finish.
Robust vibration countermeasures
External vibration is the enemy of vacuum tube reproduction. For this reason, LUXMAN engineers built an extremely rigid box chassis reinforced by internal partitions. For added protection, brackets which hold circuit boards are isolated from the main chassis by special rubber dampers. The result is supple, nuanced music reproduction.
Alloy terminals and cast iron feet
No detail was too small for LUXMAN engineers to consider. The RCA input and output terminals consist of an alloy that combines the conductivity of copper with the durability of brass. We also matched the massive, anti-resonant chassis to iron isolator feet. These feature a density gradient that diffuses shelf-borne vibration.
JJ Electronic E88CC dual triode vacuum tubes
Through countless hours of listening, LUXMAN evaluated the sonic characteristics of every circuit element. We adopted two-stage P-K NF amplification. The balanced inputs incorporate super permalloy core transformers. Next, the attenuator driver amplifier achieves 6 dB of gain thanks to a JJ Electronic E88CC dual triode vacuum tube. We selected the E88CC for superb reliability, extremely low noise, attractive dynamics and a densely detailed midrange. After LECUTA volume adjustment, the output stage incorporates a second E88CC and independent left/right super permalloy output transformers.We couple the stages with our own oil capacitors, which greatly improve audio quality. And to minimize the potential degradation caused by resistors in the signal path, the Line Straight mode completely bypasses the tone controls. So audio reproduction is energetic, yet effortless.
Vinyl playback with MM/MC phono preamp
For exceptional analog reproduction, the CL-1000 accommodates both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges with an audiophile-grade phono preamplifier. Six-position switches on the rear panel enable you to optimize impedance and capacitance.
Super permalloy input / output transformers
Transformers can have a profound impact on vacuum tube sound quality. We chose independent left and right output transformers with high-permeability super permalloy cores. And we applied the same grade of transformers to the independent left and right balanced inputs. The result? Reproduction of outstanding musicality.
Exceptionally stable power supply
When the music reaches a dynamic climax, the power supply must be ready. That’s why we incorporated a highly stable, extremely potent power supply. A large power transformer plus independent left- and right-channel filter capacitors provide immediate power. You get instant dynamic response, excellent left/right separation and high reliability.
Articulator function
Our deep experience in signal path transformers has alerted us to a significant downside: residual magnetic fields in the cores. For this reason, the CL-1000 oscillates and demagnetizes the transformer cores every time you turn the power on. For an even higher degree of sonic purity, you can perform manual demagnetization using the Articulator switch.
Custom capacitors
Because coupling capacitors influence the sound, we use the LUXMAN oil-impregnated capacitors originally developed for our MQ-300 vacuum tube amplifier. These help deliver rich, satisfying music reproduction. In addition, our original low-profile electrolytic capacitors can handle high current despite their small size.
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- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Analog Emporium - GEM Dandy — in-store — Memphis, Tennessee, United States (website)
- Analog Matters — online and in-store — Ormond Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Arizona Hi-Fi — in-store — Phoenix, Arizona, United States (website)
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