Luxman C 300 (1980)
A high-end stereo control center from Luxman, released in December 1980, featuring advanced circuitry and precision construction.
Overview
The Luxman C-300 is a stereo control center produced by Japanese manufacturer Luxman, released in December 1980. It was designed as a high-fidelity preamplifier with dual MM/MC phono inputs, advanced tone controls, and a dual-mono power supply architecture. The unit was intended to pair with the M-300 amplifier, forming a flagship-class audio combination before Luxman's Alpine takeover. It was recognized in Stereo Sound's "Best Product" section in late 1981.
Specifications
| Model Rating Type | Duo Beta plusX Stereo Control Center |
| Output voltage | Pre Out : standard 1 v, up to 20 v; Rec Out : Standard 140 mv, Max 20 v |
| Output impedance | Pre Out : 47 Ω; Rec Out : 100 Ω |
| Harmonic distortion factor (20 Hz to 20 kHz) | Phono MM/MC : 0.005% or less (Rec Out : 140 mV); Tuner, AUX : 0.005% or less (Pre Out : 1 v); Monitor1, 2 : 0.005% or less (Rec Out : 1 v) |
| Intermodulation distortion factor (60 hz : 7 khz = 4 : 1) | Phono MM/MC : 0.002% or less (Rec Out : 140 mV); Tuner, AUX : 0.002% or less (Pre Out : 1 v); Monitor1, 2 : 0.002% or less (Pre Out : 1 v) |
| Frequency characteristic | Phono : 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.2 dB; Tuner, AUX : 0.5 hz to 140 khz -0.5 db; Monitor1 and 2 : 0.5 Hz to 140 kHz -0.5 dB |
| Input Sensitivity (Pre Out : 1 v) | Phono MC:0.09mV; Phono MM:2.0mV; Tuner, AUX : 140 mv; Monitor1 and 2 : 140 mv |
| Input impedance | Phono MC : high 100 Ω, low 50 Ω; Phono MM : 50k Ω; Tuner, AUX : 55k Ω; Monitor1, 2 : 55k Ω |
| SN ratio (IHF-A correction, input short) | Phono MC : -148dB/V (input equivalent noise); Phono MM:80dB; Tuner, AUX : 100 dB; Monitor1, 2 : 100 dB |
| Tone control | Turnover frequency shift type (for high and low frequencies) |
| Subsonic filter | 7 Hz (Twin T Type) |
| Attachment | MC impedance switching (high, low); MM/MCdirect impedance switching; Tone bypass switch; Rec Out switch; Tape monitor 2 systems (1, 2); Tape Dubbing (1 → 2, 2 → 1); Line phase sensor |
| Power supply voltage | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 25W |
| AC outlet | Switched : 2 systems, total450W; Unswitched : 1 line, 500W |
Design
The Luxman C-300 uses the Duo-Beta plusX circuit, designed to maintain sound quality by minimizing excess negative feedback. The phono equalizer and flat amplifier stages use cascode bootstrap inputs with high-Gm low-noise dual FETs and current mirror loads. The MC head amplifier features a direct-coupled FET parallel input and Class A pure complementary push-pull output. The power supply is fully dual-mono, with independent transformer windings, rectifiers, and constant voltage circuits for left and right channels. High-quality film capacitors are used throughout, with small Styrofoam capacitors in parallel for improved performance. The chassis avoids magnetic materials near circuitry to prevent distortion, and input/output terminals are gold-plated. The volume control is a continuously variable precision detent type with an aluminum die-cast case, and oxygen-free copper 500-core shielded cable is used internally. The unit includes a line-phase sensor and a passive twin T-type subsonic filter. A natural wood cabinet with aluminum foil backing provides additional shielding.
Context
The Luxman C-300 was positioned below the C-5000A in price, offering nearly half the cost while maintaining high-end construction and performance. It was part of what some sources refer to as the "New Laboratory Series" and was one of the last Luxman models produced before the Alpine takeover. It was designed to be paired with the M-300 Class A power amplifier. The unit was featured in Stereo Sound's "Best Product" section in the winter of 1981.
Market
The Luxman C-300 has become a sought-after collector's item among vintage Japanese audio enthusiasts. Units are often restored with full recapping and servicing before resale. One listing on Carousell.sg was priced at S$1,580.
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