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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
tuberist's avatar
tuberist
951 posts
 

Good advice from Elliot

hgeifman
2,113 posts
 

Is the Luxman 3600 tube amp really 50 years old and modified?  For your first experience with tube amps, I suggest something newer that can be checked if something breaks.  As was stated above, a 50 year old modified tube amp could be an issue  

I am not familiar with Wilson Benesch Square 2 speakers but believe 30wpc is not nearly enough power.  Please do not rush your decision and do more research.  

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

A better choice would be a recent Prima Luna with 4 6550's per channel giving 100 watts. I'd pass on the Luxman!

pooch2's avatar
pooch2 OP
74 posts
 

Some strong arguments against buying something so old and perhaps unreliable. I also appreciate owners of Luxman's who have suggested the are a solid performer and reliable.  I have considered many of the suggested options including some old kit type tube amps from the 50's (dynaco) but I have a limited budget for this project and will likely continue with my research and my journey down the tube rabbit hole. Just a note that the tube amp will be used as a option to my existing system which I am very happy with, as I noted in the intro includes a tube preamp (AR LS 25 Mark II),  2 Class A mono amps 80 watts per amp. (Schiit Aegir's), into the Wilson Benesch Speakers which I believe are rated around 86 db sensitivity. I have talked with a number of tube amp folks who love there low watt per channel oriental tube amps, so given my preferred listening levels of low to medium volume I am not too concerned about a high watt tube amp. 

Thanks to all for your comments and input.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

I have a limited budget for this project

Check out Van Alstine 

 

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