Luxman MB-3045 (1968–1970)
The MB-3045 is the vacuum tube power amplifier that sat at the top of Luxman's lineup at the end of the 1960s. It was produced from 1968 to 1970. It was generally regarded as the contemporary equal of the McIntosh MC-275 or Marantz 8B, and together with the C-1000 preamplifier it formed Luxman's reference system of that era.
It's a stereo amplifier rated at 50W per channel into 8Ω (70W into 4Ω). Four EL34 output tubes run in an ultralinear connection, with 12AX7, 12AU7, and 6AU6 tubes in the driver stage. Frequency response is specified at 20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB, with THD below 0.5% at rated output. The build is distinctive: a chrome-plated chassis with a glass-covered top panel, thick copper bus bars, and ceramic tube sockets considered unique to Luxman. The original price was $625 in the US market, or ¥98,000 in Japan.
Audio (April 1976, p.23) ran a full-page advertisement that framed the MB-3045's tube design as a deliberate engineering choice rather than retrograde thinking, arguing that tubes still solved certain amplifier problems better than semiconductors — a notable stance for a Japanese manufacturer introducing a tube amp to the US market in the semiconductor-dominated year of 1976.
The MB-3045 was a stereo power amplifier, though many owners run them as monoblocks, one per channel. It is still highly collectible and rare on the open market, appearing less often than comparable McIntosh or Marantz models. Pairs in excellent condition trade around $8,500 as of 2025. Owners consistently note a rich, warm midrange and a detailed, sturdy sound. They also note the weight, which is considerable.
Known specs:
- Output: 50W + 50W at 8Ω; 70W into 4Ω
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz ±0.5dB
- THD: less than 0.5% at rated output
- Input sensitivity: 0.5V for rated output
- S/N ratio: better than 98dB
- Output tubes: 4 × EL34 (ultralinear)
- Driver tubes: 12AX7, 12AU7, 6AU6
- Dimensions: 440mm W × 182mm H × 400mm D
- Original price: $625 (US); ¥98,000 (Japan)
A few practical notes for owners. The binding posts and RCA jacks aren't compatible with modern banana plugs and need adapters. Coupling capacitors are a known failure point at this age. The bias circuit is sensitive enough that a technician familiar with the design should handle adjustments. Tube replacements are still available, though original electronic components are not.
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