Luxman CL-1000 Control Amplifier

At LUXMAN, we don’t consider a technology “advanced” unless it advances your ability to delight in music. That principle reaches its highest expression in the CL-1000, our flagship vacuum tube control amplifier.
Successor to the classic C-1000 released in 1975, the CL-1000 pairs beautifully with the acclaimed MQ-300 vacuum tube stereo power amplifier. Both reflect LUXMAN’s singular expertise in vacuum tube audio. In the 1960s, when the audio industry moved en masse into transistor amplifiers, LUXMAN recognized the ineffable beauty of the tube music reproduction. And we’ve continued to build tube components without interruption.
While the CL-1000 salutes the past, it also embodies the best of today with a major step forward in sonic clarity: the transformer-assisted volume control we call LECUTA (Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Transformer Attenuator). In addition, super permalloy core output transformers contribute to a vivid sound stage. Covered in natural walnut with a rosewood gloss finish, the cabinet lends a touch of warmth and refinement. All told, the CL-1000 brings advanced technology and musical refinement together in harmony.

Introducing the LECUTA transformer coupled attenuator

The heart of any preamplifier is the volume control. If not executed properly, this key circuit element can cause left/right channel imbalances and introduce subtle but tangible distortions at low volume. For this reason, LUXMAN created our acclaimed LECUA attenuator system. Now we’ve refined the concept with LECUTA, the Luxman Electronically Controlled Ultimate Transformer Attenuator.
The front panel volume control is actually a 34-step rotary switch that triggers 34 relays located totally outside the signal path. The relays activate 34 taps on matching left and right transformers. It is these taps that adjust the volume in carefully calibrated steps. Because transformer cores can influence sound quality, we selected FINEMET® core material from Hitachi Metals, Ltd. This has a unique nanocrystal structure for high saturation flux density, high relative permeability and low core loss. So you’ll enjoy rich, detailed, uncompromising sound even at low volume.
※FINEMET is a registered trademark of Hitachi Metals, Ltd.

Classic design

In a design reminiscent of our classic C-1000, the front panel uses the latest precision machining to superpose three thick aluminum layers into one massive, anti-resonant assembly. The aluminum provides a graceful counterpoint to the cabinet, which we cover in natural walnut with a rosewood gloss finish.