Before Asking for Repair Service ············································································ 16
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VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uC
Precautions
Installation place
Install this unit in a location where good ventilation and heat
radiation are assured. Especially, installation of this unit where
direct sunlight is present, where the temperature rises exces-
sively high such as close to a heater, or where it is humid
or dusty may cause a malfunction even if heat is efficiently
released. Therefore, do not install this unit in such places.
Ventilation holes
The ventilation holes of this product must not be blocked
because this unit is a vacuum tube amplifier and generates
considerable heat. If the amplifier is installed on a rack or the
like, secure ample space for cooling and leave the door open.
Do not pile up other things on the amplifier and never put
articles on it. Failure to observe this may cause a malfunction.
Note:
For heat dispersal, do not install this equipment in a confined
space such as a book case or similar unit.
* Note
**
*
The sound is not generated shortly after
the power supply is turned on.
This amplifier is equipped with a time muting circuit in order
to separate the output circuit. Therefore, no sound will be
generated shortly after the power supply is turned on.
If the volume control is set to a high sound level before the
time muting circuit is canceled, a large sound is suddenly
generated. Please be advised that the volume control shall be
set to a low level at first and adjusted after the sound comes
out of the speakers.
Batteries
Warning:
Batteries used for the remote control shall not be exposed
to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
Repair and adjustment
When repairs and adjustments are needed, please consult
with the dealer where you bought the unit.
Cleaning
For cleaning, use a piece of soft cloth to wipe the unit such as
cleaning cloth. When the dirt is hard to remove, use a small
amount of neutral detergent to wipe, and then wipe the unit
with dry cloth. Do not use a solvent like benzine or thinner
because such a substance can damage the exterior.
Wall
Precautions in connecting with other
components
When connecting this unit to input devices such as a CD
player, an SACD player, an analog record player , a tuner,
and a recorder, be sure to turn off the power of this unit and
all other connected devices.
Failure to observe this may generate a strong noise resulting
in speaker damage or cause a malfunction.
The pin-plug to be inserted in each input terminal of this unit
shall be pushed in firmly. If the grounding terminal is inade-
quately connected, noises including hum may be generated,
resulting in an adverse S/N ratio.
Safety caution
Caution
This unit is heavy. Be careful when unpacking, carrying, and
installation.
This unit is a vacuum tube control amplifier. In the state of the
unit in operation, the main body gets hot. Be careful not to
touch it with your bare skin. For safety, do not use this product
in a place where children or unchained animals are present.
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Features of This Unit
Design of using vacuum tubes for all
amplification circuits
All the amplification circuits consist of vacuum tubes (ECC83S
x 3 pieces and ECC82 x 5 pieces) that are manufactured by
JJ Electronic in Slovak Republic.
Wooden case
A traditional square-shaped wooden case is used.
SRPP structure for all stages
This unit has the structure of SRPP (Shunt Regulated Push
Pull) in all of the phono amplifier, tone control unit, and flat
amplifier to achieve low-impedance transmission.
MC transformer
As many as four MC step-up transformers with high sound
quality are equipped to enjoy genuine analog record play-
back. Independence among MC impedance HIGH, MC
impedance LOW, left, and right respectively has achieved
richly expressive sound that can be produced only by boost-
ing with a transformer.
Low cut, monaural
This unit has a low cut switch to suppress woofer fluctuation
caused by a warped analog record and a monaural switch
that is useful at monaural record playback.
Tone control
This unit is also equipped with the bass/treble tone control
function that can select the turnover frequency from three
positions to allow the tone quality to be finely adjusted.
Input/output for recorder
One line of the input/output terminals for recorder that are
connectable to a tape deck or other devices is equipped.
Two lines of line output
This unit has two lines of output terminals that are useful for
wiring in the bi-amplifier structure in which two power amplifi-
ers are used. (two lines always output)
Balanced input terminal
One line of the balanced type input terminal using the XLR
connector is equipped.
A dedicated balanced input transformer is equipped.
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VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uC
High S/N transmission environment
We have achieved signal transmission with high S/N ratio by
using a toroidal power transformer with low-level magnetic
flux leakage and choke-integrated shield case.
Shield chassis
A shield type omnidirectional metal chassis that is resistant to
external noise is used.
High sound quality relay
Highly reliable design in which signal switch is conducted with
use of an audio-specific relay is provided.
Custom-made parts
LUXMAN’s original custom-made parts are used for achiev-
ing high sound quality.
Wide pitch RCA terminals
Wide pitch RCA terminals are used to allow large-sized RCA
cables to be connected.
Remote control
An aluminum remote control is supplied to enable users to
adjust the sound volume from the listening position.
Highly reliable design
Prolonged life and highly reliable design have been achieved
by providing operating conditions of vacuum tubes with some
allowance.
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Names and Functions
3610111312
1415161718
7854
1 2
9
Front panel
1. Operation switch (OPERATION)
Toggles the power on and off.
When wiring or connection is performed, be sure to turn off
this switch. When turning on the power switch again after
turning the unit off, wait for more than one minute.
(It takes more than 30 seconds for the time mute to be reset
again.)
2. Low frequency selector switch
(FREQUENCY/Hz)
Selects a turnover frequency of the tone control for bass
from 150 Hz, 300 Hz, and 600 Hz.
For example, when 150Hz is selected, the frequencies of
150Hz and lower can be adjusted by the tone control for
bass.
3. High frequency selector switch
(FREQUENCY/Hz)
Selects a turnover frequency of the tone control for treble
from 1.5 kHz, 3 kHz, and 6 kHz.
For example, when 1.5 kHz is selected, the frequencies of
1.5 kHz and higher can be adjusted by the tone control for
treble.
4. Tone defeat switch (TONE DEFEAT)
Bypasses the tone control circuit.
OFF: Setting the switch to this position activates the
tone controls and enables the user to adjust
preferred tonal balance.
ON: Setting the switch to this position bypasses the
tone control circuit. At this time, operating the
tone control will not change the tonal balance.
5. Low cut switch (LOW CUT)
Toggles the low-frequency cutoff function on and off.
OFF: Provides the normal state.
ON: Cuts low frequencies below 30Hz at a –6dB/
octave slope.
* This is useful when the woofers of speakers vibrate due to
the warped record during record playback.
6. Mode switch (MODE)
Changes the output mode.
MONO: Mixes the signals from right and left channels.
STEREO: Provides normal stereophonic playback.
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VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uC
7. Monitor switch (MONITOR)
Selects the monitor input terminal (MONITOR) on the rear
panel.
ON: Enables to play back the data from the recorder.
OFF: Enables to play back the data from the source
selected with the input selector.
8. MC impedance switch
(MC IMPEDANCE)
When the cartridge selector (16) is set to MC, the input
impedance can be selected with this MC impedance switch.
Select a position in accordance with the compatible input
impedance specified in the operating instructions of the
cartridge, or select HIGH or LOW in accordance with your
taste.
MC IMPEDANCE switchHIGHLOW
Impedance100 Ω30 Ω
13. Sound volume indicator
Indicates the sound volume level.
This indicator blinks during the muting time immediately
after turning on the power and at activating the mute func-
tion using the main unit or remote control.
14. Balance control (BALANCE)
Adjusts the balance of sound volume between right and left
channels. Rotating the control counterclockwise gradually
cuts the volume of the right channel, rotating the control
clockwise gradually cuts the volume of the left channel. This
knob shall be set to the center position under normal condi-
tions, and rotated to make adjustment if necessary.
15. Mute button (MUTE)
Temporarily mutes the sound. Pressing this button activates
the mute function and blinks the sound volume indicator
resulting in no sound generated. Pressing this button again
to cancel the mute function allows sound to be generated.
9. Input selector
Selects an input device from the devices such as a CD
player, an SACD player, and a tuner connected to each
input terminal.
This selector has five positions consisting of PHONO, LINE-1,
LINE-2, LINE-3, and BAL LINE that correspond to each input
terminal on the rear panel. To select an input source, set the
selector to the position of the input source to be played back.
10. Pilot light
Turns orange when the power is turned on.
11. Volume control (VOLUME)
Adjusts the sound volume.
Sound is not generated when this control is rotated counter-
clockwise to the end. The sound volume gradually becomes
higher as the control is rotated clockwise.
12. Remote sensor (R)
Receives signals from the accessory remote control. Do not
block the front of the photo receiver.
16. Cartridge selector switch (CARTRIDGE)
Changes the gain level of the equalizer amplifier (amplifier
circuit required to play an analog record).
MC: Selects the MC (moving coil) type cartridge of
low output voltage.
MM: Selects the MM (moving magnet) type cartridge
of high output voltage.
17. Tone control for treble (TREBLE)
Controls the frequency characteristics of the high-fre-
quency range. When this switch is set in the center posi-
tion, flat frequency characteristics is obtained. Rotating the
knob clockwise makes the high frequency range enhanced,
and rotating the knob counterclockwise makes the high fre-
quency range attenuated.
18. Tone control for bass (BASS)
Controls the frequency characteristics of the low-frequency
range. When this knob is set to the center position, flat fre-
quency characteristic is obtained. Rotating the knob clock-
wise makes the low frequency range enhanced, and rotat-
ing the knob counterclockwise makes the low frequency
range attenuated.
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Names and Functions
19 20222423252621
27
Rear panel
19. Signal ground terminal
(SIGNAL GROUND)
Is a ground terminal for devices to be connected to this
unit. These terminals are used to reduce noises when other
devices are connected, and are connected to an analog
player or a tone arm. This terminal is designed not for safety.
20. Phono input terminal (PHONO)
Is an input terminal to connect RCA pin-plug cables from an
analog record player or a tone arm.
Do not connect a CD player or other devices whose output
level is high to this terminal. Normal playback cannot be
provided due to sound crack.
Some analog players have internal phono equalizers. If that
is the case, turn off the equalizer amplifier within the player.
21. Line input terminals
(LINE-1, LINE-2, and LINE-3)
Are used for signal inputs from a CD/DVD player, an SACD
player, a tuner, a video deck, a TV, and other such devices.
22. Record output terminals (REC OUT)
Are used to transmit output signals for recording onto the
recorder. These terminals are connected to the line input
terminal of the recorder.
The input signal selected with the input selector is out-
putted.
Do not insert a shortpin plug into these terminals.
No sound will be generated.
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VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uC
23. Monitor input terminals (MONITOR)
Are used to connect output terminals for playback of a
recorder.
These terminals are connected to the line output terminals
of a recorder.
When the monitor switch is set to on, these terminals are
selected regardless of the position of the input selector.
24. Balanced input terminals/INPUTS
(BAL LINE)
Are the balanced type input terminals of the LINE level for
an XLR connector.
This unit uses the balanced input system with use of a
transformer.
Be aware that the maximum input level at the balanced
input is 2.5 V and therefore sound signals may be distorted
if a device with larger output level is connected.
* If the device is LUXMAN’s product (such as CD player),
no problem occurs. Refer to the operating instructions
for the device to be used for further information.
27. AC inlet (AC IN)
Connects the accessory power cable. The power shall be
supplied from a household wall socket.
25. Phase inverters (PHASE)
Change the phase when the balance input terminal is used.
The phase shall be corresponding to the phase of the input
device.
NORMAL position ① GROUND
② COLD (–)
③ HOT (+)
INVERT position ① GROUND
② HOT (+)
③ COLD (–)
26. Line output terminals/OUTPUTS
(LINE-1 and LINE-2)
Are used to provide output this unit. Two lines, LINE-1 and
LINE-2, are provided, and same signals will be output from
both lines. (Both are always on.)
While using one side of the line output terminal, do not
insert a shortpin plug to the other line output terminal. No
sound will be generated.
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Connections
CD PLAYER
ANALOG PLAYER
CD/SACD PLAYER
RECORDER
8
POWER AMPLIFIER
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VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uC
Before connecting
Before connecting other devices, connect the jack side of the
accessory power cable to the AC inlet of this unit.
Before connection is made, turn off the main power switch
of this unit and the power of all other connected devices to
prevent accidents due to noises generated unexpectedly.
How to connect power supply
Use the accessory power cable and insert the AC plug in the
outlet on the wall in the room where the unit is installed.
How to connect CD player, SACD player,
tuner, or other devices
Connect between the output terminals of a CD player, an
SACD player, a tuner, or other such input devices and any
of LINE-1, LINE-2, LINE-3, and BAL LINE input terminals of
this unit with 2 (R and L) pin-plug cables or balanced cables.
How to connect analog record player
Connect between the output terminals of an analog player
and the PHONO terminals of this unit with 2 (R and L) pin-
plug cables.
For some types of players, the ground wire from the phono
motor or the tone arm should be connected to the ground
terminal of this unit.
The phono equalizer section of this unit supports both the
MM (moving magnet) type cartridge and MC (moving coil)
type cartridge. Select the position of the cartridge selector
(CARTRIDGE) according to the type of the cartridge to be
used. Select an MC position closest to the impedance of the
cartridge to be used by referring to the table below.
CARTRIDGE selector
switch
MC IMPEDANCE
switch
Impedance47 kΩ100 Ω30 Ω
MMMC
–HIGHLOW
The output from an analog record player equipped with a
phono equalizer or from an independent phono equalizer
shall be connected to the line input terminals of this unit.
* During playback using an analog player, hum noises (boon
noise) may be generated regardless of the sound of the
record.
Most of the time, the noise gets mixed from the tone arm
section of the analog player. Check the installed position of
the analog player and rearrange the cabling route if required.
Extra caution is required for the MC cartridge, since the out-
put voltage is low.
* If the sound of the analog player is distorted, it is likely that
the appropriate stylus pressure is not applied to the car-
tridge.
Make adjustment referring to the operating instructions of
the analog player and the cartridge.
If the player is equipped with an anti-skating function, its
adjustment is also required.
* The sound may distorted due to dust adhered to the stylus.
In such a case, clean the stylus carefully with an available
cleaner.
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Connections
CD PLAYER
ANALOG PLAYER
CD/SACD PLAYER
RECORDER
10
POWER AMPLIFIER
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VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uC
How to connect recorder
1. Connection to MONITOR terminal (playback)
Connect between the line output terminals (LINE OUT) of a
recorder and the MONITOR terminals of this unit with pinplug
cables in consideration of L and R. When the MONITOR
switch on the front panel is turned on, the playback of the
recorder is possible.
2. Connection to REC OUT terminal (recording)
When the sound source from various input devices con-
nected to the PHONO, LINE, or other terminals of this unit
is played back, the signals are provided to the REC OUT
terminal.
Connection between the REC OUT terminal of this unit and
the line input terminals (LINE IN) of the recorder with pinplug
cables is required for recording on the recorder. After the
connection, you can enjoy listening to the sound from the
speaker system and record the sound at the same time.
These output signals for recording are not affected by the
control functions such as the volume control and tone con-
trol functions.
How to connect a power amplifier
Connect between the input terminal of an output device such
as a power amplifier and a line output terminals(either LINE-1
or LINE-2) of this unit with a pin-plug cable.
At this moment, exercise extra care not to conduct wrong
connection between the right and left channels. If the right
and left channels are connected reversely, the localization of
sound images is deteriorated, thus failing in normal stereo
playback.
If the grounding of the pin-plug cables is inadequately con-
nected, noises including hum may be generated, resulting in
an adverse S/N ratio. Surely insert the connection plug.
When the input source to be recorded needs not to be
changed, be careful not to operate the input selector espe-
cially during recording with use of the recorder connected
to the REC OUT terminal.
Do not insert short pin plugs into the REC OUT terminal.
No sound will be generated.
Be aware that the playback sound volume may become
lower or no sound may be generated if a CD recorder, a
tape recorder, or other recorders are connected, which
extremely decrease the impedances of their line input ter-
minals or cause short circuits on their line input terminals
when the power is turned off.
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Operations
Before operation
1. Ensure that the connections are correctly performed.
(Normal playback cannot be achieved with wrong connec-
tions of R and L.)
2. When the power is toggled between on and off or the
input selector is changed over, set the volume control to
the minimum position in advance.
Playback procedure
1. Press the operation switch to turn on the switch after
ensuring that the volume control is set to the minimum
position.
2. Select a source to be reproduced with the input selector
or monitor switch.
3. Adjust the sound level with the volume control.
4. Operate the tone defeat switch, balance control, or tone
control according to the source to be played back.
How to operate tone defeat switch
(TONE DEFEAT)
The tone defeat switch is used to play back with the shortest
signaling route to prioritize the purity of the source selected
with the input selector. When this switch is set to on, the
bass and treble levels are not changed even if the tone con-
trol (BASS and TREBLE) is operated.
How to operate tone control
(TONE CONTROL)
This unit has the tone control function for the low-frequency
and high-frequency ranges.
The low-frequency tone control is a function to adjust the
tone range lower than the selected one with the selector
switch (FREQUENCY/Hz for low-frequency).
The tone control is set to flat frequency characteristics at
the center position. Rotating the control clockwise makes
the low-frequency range enhanced, and rotating the control
counterclockwise makes the low-frequency range attenu-
ated.
The high-frequency tone control is a function to adjust the
tone range higher than the selected one with the selector
switch (FREQUENCY/Hz for high-frequency).
The tone control is set to flat frequency characteristics at
the center position. Rotating the control clockwise makes
the high-frequency range enhanced, and rotating the control
counterclockwise makes the high-frequency range attenu-
ated.
For both the low-frequency and high-frequency ranges, the
right and left channels interlockingly function.
When the tone defeat switch is set to on, the bass and
treble levels are not changed even if the tone control is
operated.
How to operate balance control
(BALANCE)
The balance control allows users to adjust the balance of
sound volume between right and left channels.
When balance adjustment is not required, the balance control
is set to the center position.
How to record a source
1. Select a source to be recorded with the input selector.
2. Play the source to be recorded and set the recorder to the
recording state.
Operation of the tone control or balance control does not
affect the recording signals.
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VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uC
How to Use Remote Control
29
28
approx. 5 meters
Remote control (RA-19)
28. Volume (VOLUME i, o)
Adjusts the sound volume of the control amplifier. The but-
ton i increases the sound volume, while the button o
decreases the sound volume.
29. Mute (MUTE)
Temporarily mutes the sound. Activation of the mute func-
tion causes the volume indicator on the main unit to blink,
and no sound is generated. Pressing this button again to
cancel the mute function allows sound to be generated.
Remote control
The remote control shall be aimed at the remote sensor of
this unit within the specified angle range shown in the illus-
tration.
30°30°
Effective distance:
Dry cell
[How to load dry cells]
1. Put your finger on the battery cover claw on the rear of the
remote control, and slide the cover downward to open it.
2. Put 2 AAA batteries in the battery case as shown in the illus-
tration.
3. Close the battery cover.
* When the batteries start to lose power, the effective dis-
tance becomes shorter or the unit does not function even
though the switch is pressed. In such a case, both of the
batteries should be replaced with new ones at the same
time.
* If the remote control is not used for a long time, the batter-
ies should be removed from the case.
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Block Diagram
monitor swmode swinput selector sw
ECC82ECC83SECC83S
ECC82
LINE-1 OUT
LINE-2 OUT
tone defeat sw
low cut sw
ECC82
cartridge sw
MC impedance sw
mute
BASS
frequency/Hz
+B
TONE CONTROL AMPFLAT AMP
TREBLE
150/300/600Hz1.5k/3k/6kHz
on
tone defeat
MM
MC-H
PHONO
LINE1
MC
MC-L
LINE2
LINE3
BAL LINE
RIAA
EQ AMP
main volume
100KAA
balance
100KMN
monitor
input
MODE
selector
stereo mono
LOW CUT
VR LEDMUTE SW
WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT
+B
CH
Power Transformer
LED PL
REG
REG
14
MM, MC-H, MC-L
RY
PHASE INVERT
INV.
12
3
FuseOperation SW
Page 17
VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uC
Specifications
Total harmonic distortion0.006 % (1 kHz, 1 V/50 kΩ)
PHONO (MC-HIGH) : 0.3 mV/100 Ω
PHONO (MC-LOW) : 0.08 mV/30 Ω
LINE : 190 mV/50 kΩ
MONITOR : 190 mV/50 kΩ
BAL LINE : 190 mV/20 kΩ
S/N ratioPHONO (MM) : 68 dB or more (A weighted, 2.0 mV input)
PHONO (MC-HIGH) : 63 dB or more (A weighted, 0.3 mV input)
PHONO (MC-LOW) : 60 dB or more (A weighted, 0.08 mV input)
LINE : 100 dB or more (A weighted, input short)
BAL LINE : 100 dB or more (A weighted, input short)
Frequency responsePHONO (MM) : 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (±0.5 dB, tone defeat on)
PHONO (MC-HIGH) : 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (±0.5 dB, tone defeat on)
PHONO (MC-LOW) : 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (±0.5 dB, tone defeat on)
LINE : 10 Hz - 70,000 Hz (within –3 dB, tone defeat on)
BAL LINE : 10 Hz - 70,000 Hz (within –3 dB, tone defeat on)
Tone controlBASS (150 Hz) : ±8.0 dB at 50 Hz
BASS (300 Hz) : ±8.0 dB at 100 Hz
BASS (600 Hz) : ±8.0 dB at 200 Hz
TREBLE (1.5 kHz) : ±8.0 dB at 5 kHz
TREBLE (3 kHz) : ±8.0 dB at 10 kHz
TREBLE (6 kHz) : ±8.0 dB at 20 kHz
Low cut30 Hz (–6 dB/oct.)
Input
Recording input/output1 line for each of recording output and monitor input
1 line of phono (MM/MC HIGH/MC LOW supported), 3 lines of line,
1 line of balanced line
Output2 Lines
[Front panel]
• Operation switch • Volume control
• Mute button • Balance control
• Input selector • Low frequency selector switch
• Cartridge selector (MM/MC)
Supplied functions
CircuitSRPP
Vacuum tube used3×ECC83S, 5×ECC82
Accessories
Power supply
Power consumption35 W
Max. external dimensions440 (W) x 169 (H) x 307 (D) mm