Luxman LX-380 Integrated Valve Amplifier

Description

LX-380
Capturing the era of the ‘38’ – the aspiration of a new vacuum tube amplifier

The LX-380 represents a new era in golden ‘38’ series vacuum tube integrated amplifiers from LUXMAN. Providing an exceptionally deep resonance of sound sources of various ages and genres, the LX-380 combines LECUA* - a computerized attenuator which carefully reproduces the dynamism of each performance - with a power amplifier circuit that expresses the rich musicality of the 6L6GC output tube. Housed in a wooden case that is reminiscent of the 28 series, the LX-380 appeals to a new generation with a winning combination of cutting edge technology and traditional know-how. *LECUA is an abbreviation of Luxman Electric Controlled Ultimate Attenuator.

Vacuum tube 6L6G output configuration
The LX-380 is equipped with the 6L6GC beam power tube that has a reputation for high quality, stability and a delicate, soft tonal quality. The rated output of 20W+20W that is sufficient for a domestic sound system is achieved through the combination of a powerful, flexible Mullard type driver stage with a push pull structure final stage. This adopts a fixed bias type to maintain a constant grid voltage. The auditory drive force that is created by a vacuum tube amplifier is not easily quantified. This and a dense, mellow tonal quality have been achieved comfortably in the design of the LX-380 not with a high-power specification but by building in a margin in the vacuum tube and peripherals. The combination of experience and original design knowledge results in longevity of enjoyment of this product with long term peace of mind.

Classical knob layout and wooden case
The elegant exterior in a natural veneer finish in a full sized (440mm) square wooden case is reminiscent of the original classic layout that consists of a combination of knob and lever switches made of machined aluminium and resin.

The first ever vacuum tube amplifier to feature LECUA
The LX-380 is the first vacuum tube amplifier to feature LECUA, the proprietary computerized control attenuator from LUXMAN that enables the sound to be adjusted smoothly with minimal deterioration using an 88-step method. The LX-380 uses the same high sound quality semiconductor circuit that has been successfully proven in integrated amplifiers such as the L-590AX.

Expandability options
The LX-380 is equipped with an electronically controlled tone control function (bass/treble) for delicate adjustments to the tonal quality per the sound source and listening environment, with 3 selectable turnover frequency positions. The loudness mode interlocks with the sound volume to enable the correction of bass and treble ranges depending on human hearing characteristics.

Fully fledged phono amplifier circuit
Due to their profound sound quality, analog records are now becoming popular again and the LX-380 is therefore equipped with a high sound quality semiconductor structured phono amplifier circuit that is compatible with MM/MC types. This circuit derives from the concept of the LUXMAN integrated amplifier and allows users to enjoy genuine analog record playback without adding an extra dedicated phono amplifier. A subsonic switch is provided on the front panel to suppress any woofer fluctuation that is caused by low frequency signals from warped records as well as a monaural switch to activate L channel or R channel with the same signal at monaural record playback. Such detailed design and functionality enable the full enjoyment of analog playback.

Future proof separate amplifier structure
The pre/main amplifier circuits can be separated by a switch enabling the bi-amplifier structure in which a power amplifier can be added and the surround sound environment enhanced using an AV amplifier. The LX-380 is designed so that it can be expanded as part of a system for future upgrades and has a headphone output for private sound enjoyment.

Large speaker terminals for 2 systems
The rear panel of the LX-380 is equipped with 18mm pitch gold plated RCA terminals to support high grade line cables with large plugs and speaker terminals (2 lines) in inline layout, and are compatible with Y lugs to connect easily with extra thick speaker cables.

Longevity of design
The LX-380 has been designed to be durable with sufficient margin built in for operating voltage and heat radiation from the vacuum tube.