Luxman MQ-88uC
Luxman’s MQ-88uC pairs harmonic richness with unexpectedly firm control, giving cello and voices a vivid, naturally weighted presence. In the Quad ESL-57 system assessed by Dong Fong Audio, its image focus, bandwidth and assured drive made this triode-connected KT88 amplifier an especially compelling match for revealing loudspeakers.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
75/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Rich, natural midrange tone with especially persuasive cello reproduction and harmonic bloom.
Strong image focus and controlled, well-resolved playback with Quad ESL-57 electrostatics.
Excellent damping and bandwidth extension support assured dynamics rather than soft, sluggish tube sound.
Cons
Orchestral soundstage depth and front-to-back layering were less expansive than the Linear Tube Audio comparator.
Its 25W-per-channel output makes careful speaker sensitivity and load matching important.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
In the reviewed Quad ESL-57 system, the MQ-88uC delivered unusually convincing cello tone, strong image focus, and notably controlled playback. Its principal spatial limitation was orchestral depth, which was described as less layered and more front-to-back compressed than the Linear Tube Audio comparator.
Transparency Resolution
88/100
The reviewer found that a favourite recording of Bach’s cello suites had never sounded better, crediting the Luxman’s damping factor and bandwidth extension. This suggests a clean, well-resolved presentation in the reviewed system, although there is limited commentary on fine treble detail outside that context.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
Cello was reproduced with “superb harmonic bloom,” while its majesty and image focus were especially persuasive. The listening report points to a richly natural, musically engaging midrange, though the review also notes limitations at the frequency extremes of the Quad-based setup.
Dynamics
90/100
The MQ-88uC performed extremely well with refurbished Quad ESL-57 electrostatics, a pairing the reviewer considered noteworthy. Excellent damping and bandwidth extension were credited with helping a solo cello recording sound its best, indicating assured control rather than a soft or sluggish tube presentation.
Soundstage Imaging
83/100
Image focus was a clear strength on the solo-cello recording. On orchestral material, however, the reviewer found depth perspective somewhat compressed and layering less complete than through the Linear Tube Audio ZOTL Ultralinear amplifier.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
75/100
The MQ-88uC is a triode-connected KT88 design specified for 25W per channel into 4, 8, or 16 ohms, with a 16.1kg chassis and broad stated frequency response. The review provides little direct commentary on casework, internal layout, reliability, or long-term ownership quality.
Value for Money
85/100
At the reviewed $5,995 price, the Luxman delivered a particularly satisfying result with Quad ESL-57 speakers and earned strong listening praise. The review does not directly compare its price or value proposition with competing power amplifiers.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Rated output
- 25W + 25W (4Ω, 8Ω, 16Ω)
- Input sensitivity
- 890mV/25W
- input impedance
- 32kΩ
- Frequency response
- 20Hz to 20kHz (+0, -0.5dB)10Hz to 100kHz (+0, -3.0dB)
- Total harmonic distortion
- 0.1% (1kHz/1W)0.5% (20Hz to 20kHz/1W)
- S/N ratio (IHF-A)
- 105dB
- Circuit
- Driver: Mullard, Output tubes: Triode connection
- Vacuum tubes
- ECC83S×2, ECC82×2, KT88×4
- Power supply
- 230V~(50Hz)/115V~(60Hz)
- Power consumption
- 170W, 140W (under no signal)
- External dimensions
- 440(W) x 184(H) x 230(D) mm17mm front panel knob of and 28mm rear panelterminals are included in the depth measurement
- Net weight
- 16.1kg (main unit)
- Accessories
- Power cable
- Speaker terminal Supported Y-lug terminal dimension
- Width of part a: 14.5mm or lessWidth of part b: 7.5mm or more*Connection may be difficultdepending on the shape of the Y-lug terminal.
Manufacturer's Description — Luxman
LUXMAN's vacuum tube amplifier legacy
Since the launch of our SQ-5A vacuum tube integrated amplifier in 1961, we have continued making vacuum tube amps without a break. We have produced many models that are highly valued as signature models and satisfied music lovers are enjoying them to this day, even several decades after their release. The CL-38uC and MQ-88uC combine LUXMAN's history of producing fine vacuum tube products and the traditional wisdom and skills gained along the way.
The essence of high-end products:selected high quality components
Due to their relatively simple circuitry, vacuum tube amplifiers are greatly affected by the quality of individual components, hence we utilize LUXMAN's own high-quality transformers and blocking capacitors. Further customization comes in the form of Nichicon made, high voltage, metalized polypropylene film coupling capacitors, which have been introduced for their supple, natural tone. Improved audio quality has been realized by shortening the internal wiring.
Reviving designs from the golden era of vacuum tube amplifiers
The CL-38uC control amplifier and the MQ-88uC power amplifier are based on the latest technology and design, but the exterior styling evokes a classic image from the heyday of vacuum tube audio products. The CL-38uC is modeled on the CL-35, released in 1970, and the MQ-88uC is modeled on the MQ-60, released in 1969. A classic front panel design should be functional, but also beautiful, achieved by careful selection of knobs and lever switches. Listeners can appreciate such traditional design features, with their nostalgic flavor, whilst enjoying these contemporary, high performance audio products.
Long life and reliable design
Each CL-38uC control amplifier and MQ-88uC power amplifier undergoes a final performance check after a 48 hour aging process following assembly. We have selected JJ Electronic (Slovakia) vacuum tubes for these models as they are renowned for their reliability, long life and the ease with which they operate at vacuum tube amplifier voltages and heat dissipation conditions.
JJ Electronic KT88 output tubes
The KT-88 output tubes used in the MQ-88uC, made by JJ Electronic, are known for their power and rich sound quality. The triode configuration employed achieves longer vacuum tube life and a highly transparent timbre that vacuum tube amps are known for. The paralleled first stage feeds a driver stage featuring performance proven Mullard circuitry. For the final stage, we have adopted a Mullard compatible push pull configuration to achieve an output power of 25 Watts per channel at 4, 8 and 16 ohm with very low distortion.
Independent speaker terminals for 4, 8 and 16 ohm speakers
The MQ-88uC has independent 4, 8 and 16 ohm speaker terminals to better match with and bring out the best abilities of any kind of speakers, allowing powerful music reproduction with very low distortion. The unit features a variable input (volume adjustable) mode in which the signal bypasses the input section, connecting a source device, such as a CD player, directly to the output section.
Output transformers and power supply
Output transformers play an important role in determining the sound quality and performance of a vacuum tube amp. LUXMAN’s classic amplifier products featured OY15 type output transformers with die-cast aluminum housings. These have been redesigned and reproduced with the original shape. The power supply section features a highly stable El type power transformer in tandem with custom designed blocking capacitors yielding steadfast sound quality and excellent drivability.
New exterior finish
The main chassis of the MQ-88uC has a dark brown finish, different to the black finish of the MQ-88u. We feel this finish better matches our products with wooden exterior cases. The hairline finished aluminum top panel and matt black aluminum die-cast power transformer housings make for a harmonious match, fine quality and beauty being important to our designs.
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- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
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- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
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