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Luxman CL34: How does it compare today?

I've always been a fan of the Luxman sound. I own the SQ-N10, L-80V, and L-450. I've been toying around with going into a system of vintage Luxman separates using the CL34 tube preamp and the M-300 amplifier. The thing is, I'd love to hear from some folks who really know about this preamp and may have even had it. 

I see it occasionally selling for around $1600, but I'm wondering, is it worth that price if it's never been serviced (even if it looks like it's in fantastic shape)? The blue book lists it around 950 as of a few years ago, but nobody is selling it that low anymore. 

How does it compare with other tube pre's within the 1-2k price range? 

Have you done extensive tube rolling with it? If so, what were your results?

blisshifi

Showing 1 response by blisshifi

blisshifi's avatar
blisshifi OP
1,241 posts
 
@zipost and @br3098, thanks so much for your responses as I've learned something new today about sound quality improvement through stepped attenuators. I'm curious though, why are stepped better than the regular rotary pots, is it because it is more of an explicit switch that regulates voltage better?

And yeah, I'm aware of the amount of work that might have to go into replacing some of the components. I've done quite a bit of that to get it where I want.

Good to know about the tube rolling. I've had great experiences rolling my SQ-N10.

Seeing that you guys have both had experience, would you recommend any newer tube preamps in the $1000-$2000 price range that would outdo the CL34?
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