Luxman SQ-38D (1998)
A limited-edition reissue of a classic tube amplifier, updated for modern use with EL84 output tubes and extra inputs.
Overview
The Luxman SQ-38D is a reprint of a vintage tube integrated amplifier. It came out in November 1998 as a tribute to Luxman's SQ-38 series from the 1960s. The design is updated for modern use, with more output power and a fifth line input. It uses vacuum tubes throughout, including dedicated tube stages for the phono amplifier and tone control. Only 500 units were made, and collectors of Japanese high-fidelity gear look for them.
Specifications
| Rated output | 12W + 12W (1 kHz, 8 Ω) |
| Input sensitivity Aux | 220mV |
| Input sensitivity Monitor | 440mV |
| Input sensitivity Phono1 | 0.15mV |
| Input sensitivity Phono2 | 4mV |
| Total harmonic distortion factor | 0.2% (1 kHz, 1W) |
| Tone control Bass | ± 8 dB (100 Hz) |
| Tone control Treble | ± 8 dB (10 kHz) |
| Signal-to-noise ratio Phono1/2 | 60dB |
| Signal-to-noise ratio Aux | 62dB |
| Equalizer | RIAA |
| Power supply voltage | 100 VAC, 50Hz/60Hz |
| Power consumption | 90W |
| External dimensions | Width 470 x Height 175 x Depth 275 mm |
| Weight | 15.0kg |
Design
The SQ-38D uses an OY-type output transformer first developed in 1964, drawing on over 30 years of Luxman's transformer experience. The signal path is all tubes. 12AU7s sit in the first and driver stages, and 6BQ5 (EL84) tubes handle the output. The tone control circuit is built around a 12AX7, and the phono amplifier is fully tube-based. A transformer-based MC booster circuit supports moving coil cartridges.
Context
The SQ-38D reprint revives a representative model from Luxman's long-running SQ-38 series, which began in the 1960s. The original 1964 version used 6RA8 tubes and made 10W + 10W. The 1998 reprint switches to 6BQ5/EL84 tubes for 12W + 12W, and it works better with modern speakers and sources. It keeps the original's core design and adds the fifth line input.
Market
The SQ-38D reprint was a limited run of 500 units, and it has been listed at prices up to $4,100. The original 1964 SQ-38 is considered rarer and more valuable.
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