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I am considering a luxman 3600 tube amp as my first adventure into tube amplifiers?

I am considering a Luxman 3600 tube amp for my first adventure into tube amplifiers. The amp. has been modified to use KT88 tubes with a corresponding output of 30 Watts, a recent servicing and update of the 3600 to accommodate the KT88 tubes with a corresponding reduction from the original 50 to 30 watts. The unit has received approximately 80 hours of use since this service.  I have been assured by the seller that the $700.00 upgrade was performed by a an experienced service professional, which he has used many times, and has complete confidence in.  I was wondering what members experience has been with the Luxman 3600 and any comments they may have. I will be using the Luxman at low to moderate volume levels with a Acoustic Research Preamp. (LS 25II) and Wilson Benesch Square 2 speakers. I am purchasing the used unit without being able to test it with my existing system due to distance constraints. I must admit I am very excited about purchasing my first tube amplifier and experiencing the holographic sound people talk about.

128x128pooch2
tablejockey
3,795 posts
 

Unusual choice for a 1st tube amp.

Look like something for the vintage fan. If you decided on it, you can still find the original tubes it was designed for. Research suggests it's a simple mod to switch it back to original.

LUXMAN 8045G Vacuum Tube 4 Set | eBay

The only thing I'd be concerned about is access to the schematic for a tech when needed.

It's probably a great sounding amp. I'd pair it with the period appropriate pre. Get a cool FM tube tuner and period turntable. Finish with a pair of horns.

If you can't do it that way, get something current.

curtdr
348 posts
 

I gave up on vintage, other than my Epi 100 speakers which remain and will remain, once I did a heads up comparison with even modest new amps... the vintage stuff went right out the door, as pretty as it all was.

vinnypiano
4 posts
 

I have enjoyed the Weytech Sapphire monoblocks for 10 years! Even with "inefficient" 90db/spl ADS 1290L speakers (Updated crossovers and drivers). Rated at 18 watts rms but amps have switchable impedance from 2-4 OR 8-16 ohms.  Plenty of volume and sweet sound from these S.E.T. 300B amps!  I offer these for sale.  Designer and Canadian creator Rogert Hebert passed away and his equipment is legend!  Look up the six moons review, Harry Pearson from Absolute sound gave this his golden ear award!

perkri
891 posts
 

As has been said above, I would be more concerned about synergy with your current speakers than buying a vintage tube amp. That, and the quality of the workmanship with the mod.

Vintage tube amps are really basic devices. Capacitors, resistors, transformers and chokes. There should be no unobtanium parts inside.

Service manuals and schematics are easy to find.

If you live in or near a major center, I would consider looking into what service facilitates exist near by should it need any TLC.

 

 

celtic66
1,616 posts
 

Perhaps I missed the price range, but these are wonderful.  And yes, I owned them for years.

 

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