The Luxman MQ-300 stereo single-ended power amplifier was released to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Luxman. The design and appearance of the amplifier is in many ways similar to the Luxman MB-300 model produced in 1984, with the only difference being that the device is designed as a power amplifier rather than monoblocks, and has some other differences in circuit design.
Luxman MQ-300 is a single-ended tube amplifier with a power of 8 W per channel, using a 300B triode in its design; this model directly uses two Japanese-made Takatsuki TA-300B tubes (and it is worth noting that these tubes are not much inferior in price to the iconic 300B manufactured by Western Electric). The amplifier’s appearance is impressive with its rigor and sophistication, and the massive anti-vibration all-metal chassis with piano lacquer wood inserts indicate that it belongs to premium audio components. The upper aluminum platform of the device is 12 millimeters thick and is occupied by electronic tubes: two 5AR4 kenotrons (rectifiers in the power supply), a pair of Japanese-made Takatsuki TA-300B direct-heated output triodes and four 6SN7GTB double triodes (2 per channel). There is also a power button there. Behind the lamps are three high-performance Luxman transformers (one power and two output), each of which is housed in a separate housing. The part of the upper platform on which the lamps are located is covered with a removable protective “cage”.
The amplifier does not have an OOS, and for more stable characteristics there is a system for automatically adjusting the quiescent current of the output lamps. Separately, it is worth mentioning the transformers specially designed for this model (the Luxman company has been famous for the quality of its transformers for decades) and the careful selection of parts, although the manufacturer does not yet provide accurate data on the latter.
The Luxman MQ-300’s switching is quite familiar: one unregulated unbalanced stereo input and speaker outputs, with separate output terminals for 4, 6 and 8 ohms. If you look at the current Luxman lineup, you can assume that the Luxman MQ-300 model will be combined with the Luxman CL-38u preamplifier as a stand-alone power amplifier, and as a pair for bi-amping, with a second amplifier of the same type, or with the Luxman MQ-88u amplifier. A preamp with two outputs allows for a variety of combinations.
The Luxman MQ-300 is assembled in a massive metal case (the amplifier weighs 29 kg) with lamps and transformers placed on the top panel. Like its predecessor Luxman MB-300, the body has wooden inserts.
Characteristics of Luxman MQ-300
Output power 2 x 8 W (4, 8, 16 Ohms)
Input sensitivity 490 mV (8 Ohms)
Input impedance 240 kOhm Frequency
range 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+ 0.3 dB, – 1.5 dB ); 10 Hz – 30 kHz (+ 0.3 dB, – 3 dB)
Harmonic distortion 1% (1 kHz, 8 Ohm, 1 W)
Signal-to-noise ratio 105 dB
Tube types used 2 x 5AR4 (Sovtek), 2 x Takatsuki TA -300B, 4 x 6SN7GTB (Tung-Sol)
Inputs linear RCA
Output to speaker systems 8 screw terminals
Output transformers Luxman (2 pcs.)
Power consumption 160 W
Power cable JPA-15000, conductor material: oxygen-free copper OFC of high purity
External protection elements of the upper platform of the case, removable lattice casing – “cage”
Dimensions (WxHxD) 460x237x340 mm
Weight 29 kg
