FS: KT88 tube amp
Clipdat
Posts: 12,933
It's this one:
(trying to avoid the hifishark bots)
Unit is functionally perfect, but does have some small cosmetic issues, I would describe it as a 7 or 8 out of 10. It is a limited edition - one of 100 units made total. Please see Art Dudley's Stereophile review.
The current "uc" non-limited edition model retails for $6k. I paid $3,900 for this amp in May. I was going to list it on USAM for $3,300-3,500 but I will sell it here to established members for $3k plus actual shipping costs.
Please PM me if interested, will provide additional information (tube compliment, etc) and photos of the minor imperfections for serious/interested buyers. Thanks.
Unit is functionally perfect, but does have some small cosmetic issues, I would describe it as a 7 or 8 out of 10. It is a limited edition - one of 100 units made total. Please see Art Dudley's Stereophile review.
The current "uc" non-limited edition model retails for $6k. I paid $3,900 for this amp in May. I was going to list it on USAM for $3,300-3,500 but I will sell it here to established members for $3k plus actual shipping costs.
Please PM me if interested, will provide additional information (tube compliment, etc) and photos of the minor imperfections for serious/interested buyers. Thanks.
Comments
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I think my price of half off Msrp is fair considering the slight marring, and the fact that it’s a limited edition of 100 total units.
But if you are interested and the price is the thing that’s holding you back, then please let me know via PM. Can do a $1k/month payment plan for trustworthy members. Thanks. -
Not much going on here so I guess I'll just start blabbing about this amp.
It is the quietest tube amp that I've personally used. There's no buzzing or humming that comes from the amplifier itself. Nor is there any hissing or hum heard through the speakers when nothing is playing, even with my ear right next to the tweeter. It's actually quieter than some solid state amps I've used! It's almost uncanny how quiet it is, especially for a tube amp.
This attribute extends to the sound quality and performance of the amp. It has incredible decay and a very black background. It offers solid state-like details and microdetails, but with a midrange warmth, clarity, and smoothness from the tubes. While on paper it's only rated at 25wpc, it sounds much much more powerful than that. Unless you have a gigantic room, I really can't see this not having enough power for your speakers. I would strongly wager that it can drive anything (within reason) to satisfying listening levels.
I tried this amp with the stock JJ 12au/ax small signal tubes as well as with NOS 12au7 Sylvania blackplates and Baldwin 12ax7s. Both sets of tubes sounded great. I will be including the NOS tubes in the sale. The stock Luxman branded power tubes are made by JJ, but I also purchased a brand new matched quad of JJ KT88 from Tube Depot because I wasn't sure how many hours were on the stock tubes.
It turns out the stock tubes test good with plenty of life left. But I thought the fresh tubes sounded a little better, and I've got the amp perfectly biased for them at exactly 480mv, so I will leave those installed in the amp for the new owner. Interestingly, the bias as it is set will read high after turn on, but once you leave it on for 3-4 hours it'll gradually come down. Once the amp is fully up to temp and stable it stays locked in at 480mv. I will also ship the stock Luxman tubes separately in a different box to the buyer.
Another interesting thing about this amp is that it has both a direct and a variable input. The variable input allows you to use the front panel volume knob and basically use it as a single-source integrated. Obviously no remote controlled volume when used this way, but might still be nice for an intimate vinyl-only office set up where you don't mind getting up anyway to adjust the volume with each record.
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Ya'll are already set on tube amps, or what's the deal here? Someone who hasn't discovered tubes yet should sell their SS amp and get this bad boy.
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This is a fine amplifier with an enviable pedigree. Lux(man) was and to some extent remains famed for their vacuum tube equipment. Like McIntosh*, Luxman never quite gave up on vacuum tube hifi components.
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* Lux was long known as "The McIntosh of Japan".
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Is this the US version?
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Sorry but two posts in 6 years isn’t an “established member” as mentioned in the op.
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But yes, it is the US version.
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Here's a bunch of photos I just took of it so you can see how it arrived from the previous owner.
You can see the slight marring on the top surface near the cage holes, the small scratch on the right rear output transformer cover. As well as the slight rub marks where the tube cage made contact with the rear covers during shipping. This is only visible with flashlight or a flash photo. You can also see that the factory box has seen better days. I will be locating a slightly larger box, so that it will be double boxed for safe shipping.
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Would trade for Line Magnetic LM-845IA.
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Would rather not have to ship this to TMR.
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I can’t believe there is no interest in this. I’d call it the Flea Market trifecta: Great piece of gear at a great price from a great sellerThings work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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Price drop to $2,900 shipped through the end of the week!
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I'm beginning to think the price isn't the issue here and there's just no interest.
I'd be willing to do $2,500 but you pay shipping. -
@Tony M It's time for your first tube amp.
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If you are willing to relax the membership criteria, we could talk. I have put up my amp/pre on sale, and am in the lookout for a Luxman (US version). This'll be my first tube amp.
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Gee what could go wrong?
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The amp is no longer available for sale. Thanks.
