Luxman CL-1000 MM/MC Phono/Line Preamplifier

Covered in natural walnut with a rosewood gloss finish, the cabinet lends a touch of warmth and refinement. All told, the CL-1000 brings advanced technology and musical refinement together in harmony.

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 the acclaimed LECUA attenuator system. Now they’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, Luxman 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.

Classic design
In a design reminiscent of the 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. They 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. They 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. They 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.
LUXMAN couple the stages with their 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. LUXMAN chose independent left and right output transformers with high-permeability super permalloy cores. And they 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 LUXMAN 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
LUXMAN’s deep experience in signal path transformers has alerted them 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, only LUXMAN oil-impregnated capacitors originally developed for their MQ-300 vacuum tube amplifier, are used. These help deliver rich, satisfying music reproduction. In addition, their original low-profile electrolytic capacitors can handle high current despite their small size.

Specifications
Input Sensitivity 

LINE/BAL.LINE:
180mV/1V out, 1kHz, load 50kΩ

EXT-IN (PHONO):
MM 100kΩ(38dB)：2.2mV/1V out, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
MM 50kΩ(38dB)：2.2mV/1V out, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
MM 33kΩ(38dB)：2.2mV/1V out, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
MC-H 1kΩ(57dB):0.26mV/1V out, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
MC-M 40Ω(57dB):0.26mV/1V out, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
MC-L 10Ω(66dB):87μV/1V out, 1kHz, load 50kΩ

Input Impedance 

LINE:90kΩ/1kHz
BAL.LINE:70 kΩ/1kHz
EXT-IN (PHONO)
MM:100kΩ, 50kΩ, 33kΩ
MC:1kΩ, 40Ω, 10Ω

Output Impedance 

LINE/BAL.LINE： 1kΩ/1kHz

Frequency Response 

LINE/BAL.LINE:
0.016%/1V output, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
EXT-IN (PHONO)
MM:0.3%/1V output, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
MC(H, M):0.3%/1V out, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
MC(L):0.5%/1V out, 1kHz, load 50kΩ

S/N Ratio 

LINE/BAL.LINE:
120dB (IHF-A)/dist. 1%, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
EXT-IN (PHONO)
MM:108dB (IHF-A)/dist. 1%, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
MC(H, M):92dB (IHF-A)/dist. 1%, 1kHz, load 50kΩ
MC(L):83dB (IHF-A)/dist. 1%, 1kHz, load 50kΩ

Tone Control 

Max. amount of change:±8dB
Bass turnover freq.:150Hz, 300Hz, 600Hz
Treble turnover freq.:1.5kHz, 3kHz, 6kHz
Low Cut 30Hz (-6dB/oct.)

Circuiting System 

2-step amplification P-K NF type
tone control P-G NF type
phono equaliser NF type
Vacuum Tube 

E88CC (man. by JJ Electronic) x6
Power Supply 

230V～(50 Hz)/115V～ (60 Hz)
Power Consumption 

52 W

Dimensions 

460 (W) x 166 (H) x 454 (D) mm

Net Weight 

24.4kg (main unit)

Accessories 

Power Cable