LUXMAN SQ301 (1967)
A solid-state pre-main amplifier released in July 1967, succeeding the SQ77T with advanced transistor circuitry and modular expandability.
Overview
The LUXMAN SQ301 is a pre-main amplifier developed as a successor to the SQ77T and released in July 1967. Built around a quasi complimentary service SEPP-OTL circuit, it combines a high-fidelity preamplifier and power amplifier in one chassis. The unit supports a range of analog sources, including dual phono inputs with selectable impedance on Phono2, and features Luxman’s proprietary LUX System NF Type tone controls for precise frequency shaping. It was originally priced at ¥69,000 and weighs 13.6 kg, reflecting its substantial construction and component count.
Specifications
| Power Amplifier Unit Continuous output | 35W + 35W (16 Ω) |
| Power Amplifier Unit Continuous output | 50W + 50W (8 Ω) |
| Music power | 60W + 60W (8 Ω) |
| Distortion factor | 0.1% or Less (30W/16 Ω, 40W/8 Ω) |
| Frequency characteristic | 10 Hz to 50 kHz -1dB |
| Input impedance | 30k Ω or more |
| Input sensitivity | 730 mv (20W/16 Ω) |
| Damping factor | 80, 10, 2, Variable (16 Ω, 1 kHz) |
| Residual noise | 1 mV or less |
| Preamplifier Section Frequency characteristic | 20 Hz to 20 kHz -1dB |
| Preamplifier Section Distortion factor | Within 0.1% (1 V, 1 kHz) |
| Preamplifier Section Output voltage | Pre out:730mV Rec out:70mV Reconnector : 30 mV |
| Preamplifier Section Output impedance | Pre out : 100 Ω or less Rec out : 1k Ω Re-connector : 75k Ω |
| Input Sensitivity (Output 750 mv) | Tape(9.5cm):1.8mV Tape(19cm):2mV Phono1, 2 : 2 mV Aux1:110mV Aux2:750mV Tape monitor:200mV Re-connector : 200 mv |
| Input impedance | Tape (9.5 cm) : 100k Ω Tape (19 cm) : 100k Ω Phono1 : 50k Ω Phono2 : 30k Ω, 50k Ω, 100k Ω Aux1 : 50k Ω Aux2 : 100k Ω Tape monitor : 100k Ω Re-connector : 100k Ω |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | Tape head : 60 dB or more Phono : 60 dB or more Aux : 75 dB or more |
| Equalizer | Tape head : NARTB (9.5 cm, 19 cm) Phono:RIAA |
| Tone control | LUX System NF Type Treble : 2 kHz, 4 kHz, Defeat Bass : 200 Hz, 400 Hz, Defeat |
| Filter | High Cut : 5 kHz, 9 kHz, 6dB/oct. Low-cut : 120 Hz, 6dB/oct. Low boost 120 Hz, 6dB/oct. |
| Filter for 3D (High Pass / Low Pass Min) | Cutoff frequency : 110 Hz Cutoff characteristics : 12dB/oct. Output impedance : 100 Ω |
| Semiconductor used | Transistors (29 pcs) : B170008 (B170007) x4 Pieces 2N4036x2 Pieces 2SC485x2 Pieces 2SC627x2 Pieces 2SC373x3 Pieces 2SC369x16 Pieces Diode / SCR (9 pcs) : 2 x DS-13 1S558x4 Pieces 1S188FMx2 Pieces 1 x 2SF656 (SCR) |
| Power consumption | No signal : 35W Maximum output : 200W |
| External dimensions | Width 476x Height 180x Depth 275 mm |
| Weight | 13.6kg |
Design
The SQ301 uses a quasi complimentary service SEPP-OTL circuit and features power transistors B170008 manufactured by BENDIX in the US, the same type used in its predecessor SQ77T. The driver stage employs silicon transistors made by RCA. It includes a damping factor switching function with three selectable levels and a protection circuit using an SCR that activates during speaker terminal short circuits. A dedicated filter circuit enables 3D audio playback when paired with a low-band power amplifier and matching filter. The rear panel includes a socket for 6400 series step-up transformers, with the 6422S recommended as standard. The Phono2 input offers switchable input impedance.
Market
Listings in 2026 show prices ranging from $252 to €349, with one unit listed at ¥134,545 on HiFi Shark. A non-working unit was described as having power but no output from speaker terminals.
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