Luxman CL-38uSE User manual

VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER
CL-38uSE
Owner`s Manual

Contents
Precautions ············································································································· 1
Names and Functions······························································································ 2
Connections ············································································································ 6
Operations············································································································· 10
How to Use Remote Control·················································································· 11
Block Diagram······································································································· 12
Specifications ········································································································ 13
Before Asking for Repair Services·········································································· 14

VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uSE
1
Precautions
Installation place
Install this unit in a location where good ventilation and heat
radiation is assured.
Do not install it where the temperature is high such as in
direct sunlight, or where it is dusty or humid, as this could
result in damage to this unit despite proper heat radiation.
Ventilation holes
The ventilation holes of this product must not be blocked
because this unit is a vacuum tube amplifier and generates
considerable heat. If the amplifier is installed on a rack or
the like, secure ample space for cooling and leave the door
open. Do not pile up other things on the amplifier and never
put articles on it. Failure to observe this may cause a mal-
function.
Note:
For heat dispersal, do not install this equipment in a con-
fined space such as a book case or similar unit.
*Note
Wall
* *
*
Precautions in connecting with other
components
When connecting this unit with a CD/DVD player, tuner,
or another input unit, turn off the power switches of this
unit and all other connected units. Otherwise, a very strong
noise may be generated and destroy the speakers.
In the worst case, this can cause equipment malfunction.
The pin-plug to be inserted in each input terminal of this
unit shall be pushed in firmly. If the grounding terminal is
inadequately connected, noises including hum may be gen-
erated, resulting in an adverse S/N ratio.
The sound is not generated shortly after
the power supply is turned on.
This amplifier is equipped with a time muting circuit in order
to separate the output circuit.
Therefore, no sound will be generated shortly after the pow-
er supply is turned on. If the volume control is moved to a
high sound level before the time muting circuit is canceled,
a large sound is suddenly generated. We therefore advise
initially setting the volume control at a low level. After that,
you may move the volume control to your favorite sound
level after the initial sound has come out of the speakers.
Batteries
Caution:
Batteries used for the remote control shall not be exposed
to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
Repair and adjustment
When repairs and adjustments are needed, please consult
with the dealer where you bought the unit.
Cleaning
For cleaning, use a piece of soft cloth to wipe the unit such
as cleaning cloth. When the dirt is hard to remove, use a
small amount of neutral detergent to wipe, and then wipe
the unit with dry cloth. Do not use a solvent like benzine or
thinner because such a substance can damage the exterior.
Safety caution
Caution
This unit is a vacuum tube control amplifier. Be careful not to
touch this product with your bare hand because it gets hot
when the power is on. For safety, do not use this product in a
place where children or unchained animals are present.

2
Names and Functions
1. Power switch (OPERATION)
Toggles the power on and off. When wiring or connection
is performed, be sure to turn off this switch. When turning
on the power switch again after turning the unit off, wait for
more than one minute.
(It takes more than 30 seconds for the time mute to be reset
again.)
2. Low frequency selector switch
(frequency / Hz)
Toggles to select frequencies from 150 Hz, 300 Hz, 600Hz.
For example, when 150 Hz is selected, the frequencies of
150 Hz and lower can be adjusted by the tone control for
bass.
3. High frequency selector switch
(frequency / Hz)
Toggles to select frequencies from 1.5 kHz, 3 kHz, 6kHz.
For example, when 1.5 kHz is selected, the frequencies of
1.5 kHz and higher can be adjusted by the tone control for
treble.
4. Tone defeat switch (tone defeat)
Toggles to bypass or activate tone controls.
off: Setting the switch to this position activates the tone
controls and enables the user to adjust preferred
tonal balance.
on: Setting the switch to this position bypasses the
tone control circuit. At this time, operating the tone
control will not change the tonal balance.
5. Low cut switch (low cut)
Toggles the low frequency cutoff function on and off.
off: Provides the normal state.
on: Cuts low frequencies below 30 Hz at a –6 dB/oc-
tave slope.
* This is useful when the woofers of speakers vibrate due to
the warped record during record playback.
6. Mode selection switch (mode)
Changes the output mode.
mono: Mixes the signals from right and left channels.
stereo: Provides normal stereophonic reproduction.
3 6 9 10 1211
1314151617
754
1 2 8
Front panel

VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uSE
3
7. Monitor switch (monitor)
Selects the monitor input terminal (MONITOR) on the rear
panel.
on: Enables to reproduce the data from the recorder.
off: Enables to reproduce the data from the source se-
lected with the input selector.
8. Input selector
Selects an input device such as a CD/DVD player or a tuner
connected to each input terminal. This selector has 5 posi-
tions consisting of PHONO, CD, LINE-1, LINE-2, and LINE-
3 that correspond to each input terminal on the rear panel.
To select an input source, set the indicator to the position of
the source to be reproduced.
9. Pilot light
Turns orange when the power is turned on.
10. Volume control (VOLUME)
Adjusts the sound volume.
Sound is not generated when this control is rotated coun-
terclockwise to the end. The sound volume gradually be-
comes higher as the control is rotated clockwise.
11. Remote sensor (R)
Receives signals from the accessory remote control. Do not
block the front of the photo receiver.
12. Sound volume indicator
Indicates the sound volume level.
This indicator blinks during the muting time immediately af-
ter turning on the power and at activating the mute function
using the main unit or remote control.
13. Balance control (balance)
Adjusts the balance of sound volume between right and left
channels. Rotating this knob counterclockwise makes the
left sound volume enhanced, and rotating the knob clock-
wise makes the right sound volume enhanced. This knob
shall be set to the center position under normal conditions,
and rotated to make adjustment if necessary.
14. Mute button (mute)
Temporarily mutes the sound. Pressing this button activates
the mute function and the sound volume indicator blinks.
No sound is generated. Pressing this button again to cancel
the mute function allows sound to be generated.
15. Cartridge selector (cartridge)
For analog record playback, the input selector should be
set to PHONO, and adjusting the input impedance of the
amplifier may be required depending on the impedance of
the cartridge to be used.
The input impedance of the amplifier is selectable with the
cartridge selector.
The selectable positions are MM, MC high, and MC low.
Select a position in accordance with the input impedance
specified in the owner's manual of the cartridge or to your
taste.
Cartridge selector MM MC high MC low
Impedance 47 kΩ 100 Ω 30 Ω
16. Tone control for treble (treble)
Controls the frequency characteristics in the high frequency
range. When this switch is set in the center position, flat
frequency characteristics is obtained.
Rotating the knob clockwise makes the high frequency
range enhanced, and rotating the knob counterclockwise
makes the high frequency range attenuated.
17. Tone control for bass (bass)
Controls the characteristics in the low frequency range.
When this knob is set to the center position, flat frequency
characteristic is obtained.
Rotating the knob clockwise makes the low frequency
range enhanced, and rotating the knob counterclockwise
makes the low frequency range attenuated.

4
Names and Functions
18. Signal ground terminal
(SIGNAL GROUND)
Is a ground terminal for devices to be connected to this unit.
This terminal is used to reduce noise when other devices
are connected, and should be connected to an analog play-
er or a tone arm. This terminal is not designed for safety.
19. Phono input terminal (PHONO)
Is an RCA input terminal to connect an analog player.
Some record players have internal phono equalizers. If that
is the case, turn off the equalizer amplifier within the play-
er.
Do not connect a CD player or other devices whose output
level is high to this terminal. Normal playback cannot be
provided due to sound crack.
20. Line input terminals
(CD, LINE-1, LINE-2, LINE-3)
Are used for high-level signal inputs from a CD/DVD player,
a SACD player, a tuner, a video deck, a TV, and other such
devices. These input terminals offer the same functions.
21. Record output terminals (REC OUT)
Are used to transmit output signals for recording onto the
recorder. These terminals are connected to the line input
terminal of the recorder. The input signal selected with the
input selector is outputted.
Do not insert shortpin plugs into REC OUT. No sound will
be generated.
18 19 21 22 2320
24
Rear panel

VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uSE
5
22. Monitor input terminals (MONITOR)
Are used to reproduce the line output from the recorder.
These terminals are connected to the output terminal of the
recorder.
23. Line output terminals (LINE-1, LINE-2)
These terminals take out the output of this unit. Two lines,
LINE-1 and LINE-2, are provided, and same signals will be
output from both lines. (Both are always on.)
While using one side of the line output terminals, do not
insert shortpin plugs to the other line output terminals. No
sound will be generated.
24. AC inlet (AC IN)
Connects the accessory power cable. The power shall be
supplied from a household wall socket.

6
Connections
RECORDER
POWER AMPLIFIER
CD PLAYER
CD/SACD PLAYER
ANALOG PLAYER

VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uSE
7
Before Connecting
Before connecting other devices, connect the accessory
power cable to the AC inlet of this CL-38uSE control am-
plifire.
When connecting, turn off the power supply of this unit and
the power supplies of auxiliary devices to prevent unex-
pected accidents that may be caused by noise.
How to connect power supply
Use the accessory power cable and insert the AC plug in
the outlet on the wall in the room where the unit is installed.
How to connect a CD player, SACD player,
tuner, or other devices
Connect the output terminal of a device such as a CD player
and the line input terminals (CD, LINE-1, LINE-2, or LINE-3)
of the CL-38uSE control amplifier with 2 (R and L) pin-plug
cables.
For LINE-1, LINE-2, and LINE-3 input terminals, connection
in the same fashion as the CD input terminal provides the
same playback.
How to connect an analog player
Connect the output terminal of the analog player and the
PHONO terminals of this unit with 2 (R and L) pin-plug ca-
bles.
For some types of players, the ground wire from the phono
motor or the tone arm should be connected to the ground
terminal of this unit.
The phono equalizer section of this unit supports both the
MM (moving magnet) type cartridge and MC (moving coil)
type cartridge. Select the position of the cartridge selector
according to the type of the cartridge to be used. There are
low and high positions for MC. Select the position of the
impedance closest to the value of the cartridge to be used.
Cartridge selector MM MC high MC low
Impedance 47 kΩ 100 Ω 30 Ω
The output from an analog player equipped with a phono
equalizer or from an independent phono equalizer shall be
connected to the line input terminals of this unit.
* During playback using an analog player, hum noises (boon
noise) may be generated regardless of the sound of the
record. Most of the time, the noise gets mixed from the
tone arm section of the record player. Check the installed
position of the record player and rearrange the cabling
route if required.
Extra caution is required for the MC cartridge, since the
output voltage is low.
* If the sound of the alalog player is distorted, it is likely that
the appropriate stylus pressure is not applied to the car-
tridge. Make adjustment referring to the operating instruc-
tions of the record player and the cartridge.
If the player is equipped with an anti-skating function, its
adjustment is also required.
* The sound may distorted due to dust adhered to the sty-
lus.
In such a case, clean the stylus carefully with an available
cleaner.

8
Connections
RECORDER
POWER AMPLIFIER
CD PLAYER
CD/SACD PLAYER
ANALOG PLAYER

VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uSE
9
How to connect a recorder
1. Connection to MONITOR terminals (playback)
Connect the line output terminal (LINE OUT) of a recorder
and the MONITOR terminals of this unit with pin-plug cables
in consideration of R and L.
When the monitor switch on the front panel is turned on,
the playback of the recorder is possible.
2. Connection to REC OUT terminals (recording)
When the sound source from the various input devices is
played back, such as the PHONO or LINE terminals of this
unit, the signals are also provided to the REC OUT terminal.
Connection between the REC OUT terminal of this unit and
the line input terminals (LINE IN) of the recorder with pin-
plug cables is required for recording on the recorder. You
can enjoy listening to the sound from the speaker system
and record the sound at the same time.
These output signals for recording are not affected by the
control functions such as the volume control and tone con-
trol functions.
Do not insert shortpin plugs into REC OUT. No sound will
be generated.
When a CD recorder, tape recorder, or other devices are
connected, be aware that the playback sound volume be-
comes low or no sound is generated if the device decreas-
es the impedance of the line input terminals of the recorder
extremely or causes short-circuit on the line input termi-
nals when the recording switch is set to on.
How to connect a power amplifier
Connect between the input terminal of an output device
such as a power amplifier and a line output terminals (ei-
ther LINE-1 or LINE-2) of this unit with a pin-plug cable.
At this moment, exercise extra care not to conduct wrong
connection between the right and left channels. If the right
and left channels are connected reversely, the localization
of sound images is deteriorated, thus failing in normal ste-
reo playback.
If the grounding of the pin-plug cables is inadequately con-
nected, noises including hum may be generated, resulting
in an adverse S/N ratio. Surely insert the connection plug.

10
Before operation
1. Ensure that the connections are correctly performed.
(Normal playback cannot be achieved with wrong con-
nections of R and L.)
2. When the power is toggled between on and off or the
input selector is changed over, set the volume control to
the minimum position in advance.
Playback procedure
1. Press the power switch after ensuring that the volume
control is set to the minimum position.
2. Select a source to be reproduced with the input selector.
3. Adjust the sound level with the volume control.
4. Operate the tone defeat switch, balance control, or tone
control according to the reproduced source.
How to operate tone defeat
The tone defeat switch is used to play back with the short-
est signaling route to prioritize the purity of the source se-
lected with the input selector. When this switch is set to on,
the tone control circuit is bypassed.
How to operate balance control
The balance control allows users to adjust the balance of
sound volume between right and left channels.
When balance adjustment is not required, the balance con-
trol is set to the center position.
How to operate tone control
This unit has the tone control function for the low frequency
and high frequency ranges.
The low frequency tone control (bass) is a function to adjust
the tone range lower than the selected one with the se-
lector switch (for low frequency). The tone control is set to
flat frequency characteristic at the center position. Rotating
the control clockwise makes the low frequency range en-
hanced, and rotating the control counterclockwise makes
the low frequency range attenuated.
The high frequency tone control (treble) is a function to ad-
just the tone range higher than the selected one with the se-
lector switch (for high frequency). The tone control is set to
flat frequency characteristic at the center position. Rotating
the control clockwise makes the high frequency range en-
hanced, and rotating the control counterclockwise makes
the high frequency range attenuated.
For both the low frequency and high frequency ranges, the
right and left channels interlockingly function.
When the tone defeat switch is set to on, the tone control
does not function.
How to record a source
1. Select a source to be recorded with the input selector.
2. Play the source to be recorded and set the recorder to
the recording state.
Operation of the tone control or balance control does not
affect the recording signals.
Operations

VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uSE
11
How to Use Remote Control
Remote control RA-18
26
25
25. Volume (VOLUME i, o)
Adjusts the sound volume of the control amplifier. The but-
ton iincreases the sound volume, while the button o de-
creases the sound volume.
26. Mute (MUTE)
Temporarily mutes the sound. Activation of the mute func-
tion causes the volume indicator on the main unit to blink,
and no sound is generated. Pressing this button again to
cancel the mute function allows sound to be generated.
Remote control
The remote control shall be aimed at the remote sensor (R)
of this unit within the specified angle range shown in the
illustration below.
30° 30°
Effective distance:
approx. 5 meters
Dry cell battery
[How to load dry cells]
1. Put your finger on the battery cover claw located behind
the remote control. The battery cover can be opened by
sliding it downwards.
2. Put 2 AAA batteries in the battery case as shown in the
illustration.
3. Close the battery cover.
* When the batteries start to lose power, the effective dis-
tance becomes shorter or the unit does not function even
though the switch is pressed. In such a case, both of the
batteries shall be replaced with new ones at the same
time.
* If the remote control is not used for a long time, the batter-
ies shall be removed from the case.

12
Block Diagram
CD phono
100KAA
balanceVR 100KMN
main volume
PHONO CD LINE1 LINE2 LINE3
monitor swmode swinput selector sw
ECC802SECC803SECC803S ECC802S
LINE OUT
tone defeat sw
line 1
line 2
line3 REC
input selector
low cut sw
LED PL
EQ AMP
PMALORTNOCENOTFLAT AMP
Power Transformer
LOW CUT
tone defeat
on
BASS 100KB
TREBLE 50KB
frequency/Hz
150/300/600Hz1.5k/3k/6kHz
ECC802S
+B
VR LED MUTE SW
WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT
REG
+B
RIAA
MODE
stereo mono
mute
RY
MM, MC-H, MC-L
phono MM, MC-H, MC-L sw
MM
MC-H
MC-L
monitor
OUT
Fuse Operation SW
REG
monitor
CHOKE

VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uSE
13
Specifications
Total harmonic distortion 0.006 % (1 kHz, 1 V/50 kΩ)
0.06 % (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 1 V/50 kΩ)
Input sensitivity/input impedance PHONO (MM) : 2.0 mV/47 kΩ
PHONO (MC-high) : 0.3 mV/100 Ω
PHONO (MC-low) : 0.08 mV/30 Ω
LINE : 190 mV/50 kΩ
RECORDER : 190 mV/50 kΩ
Maximum output voltage LINE-OUT : 19 V (THD 0.1 %, Load 50 kΩ)
S/N ratio PHONO (MM) : 70 dB or more (IHF-A correction, 2.0 mV input)
PHONO (MC-high) : 68 dB or more (IHF-A correction, 0.3 mV input)
PHONO (MC-low) : 65 dB or more (IHF-A correction, 0.08 mV input)
LINE : 100 dB or more (IHF-A weighted, input short)
Frequency response PHONO (MM) : 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (±0.5 dB, tone defeat on)
PHONO (MC-high) : 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (±0.5 dB, tone defeat on)
PHONO (MC-low) : 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (±0.5 dB, tone defeat on)
LINE : 10 Hz to 70,000 Hz (within –3 dB, tone defeat on)
Tone control BASS (150 Hz) : ±8.0 dB at 50 Hz
BASS (300 Hz) : ±8.0 dB at 100 Hz
BASS (600 Hz) : ±8.0 dB at 200 Hz
TREBLE (1.5 kHz) : ±8.0 dB at 5 kHz
TREBLE (3 kHz) : ±8.0 dB at 10 kHz
TREBLE (6 kHz) : ±8.0 dB at 20 kHz
Low cut 30 Hz (–6 dB/oct.)
Input 1 phono line (MM/MC high/MC low supported) and 4 lines
Recording input/output 1 line for each of recording output and monitor input
Output 2 Lines
Supplied functions
[Front panel]
• Power switch • Sound volume • Mute
• Balance • Input selector
• Turnover frequency selector switch
• Cartridge selector (MM/MC high/MC low)
• Tone control • Low cut • Mode
• Monitor
[Rear panel]
• Input/output terminals • Signal ground terminal • AC inlet
[Remote control function]
• Sound volume (up/down) • Mute
Circuit SRPP
Vacuum tube used 3×ECC803S, 5×ECC802S
Accessories
• Remote control RA-18 • Power cable
• Terminal protection cap • Owner’s Manual
• Safety cautions • 2 pieces of “AAA” batteries
Power supply 230 V 〜(50 Hz)
Power consumption 35 W
Max. external dimensions 402 (W) x 169 (H) x 307 (D) mm
Weight 13.5 kg (main unit)
* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

14
Before Asking for Repair Services
While the unit is used, an unusual phenomenon may be confused as a malfunction for a certain reason. Prior to asking our official
sole distributor of your country for repair services, please check the table below and read the operating instructions for the subsidiary
devices. If the cause of the malfunction cannot be identified, please contact your dealer. When we have once accepted your request
for repair services, inspection fees and traveling expenses may be claimed even though the unit is found to be normal.
Problem Cause Solution
No power is supplied even
though the power switch is
pressed ON.
• The power plug is disconnected from the
wall outlet, or it is not completely inserted.
• Insert the power plug in the wall outlet com-
pletely.
• The power plug is disconnected from the
AC inlet, or it is not inserted completely.
• Securely insert the power plug in the AC in-
let completely.
No sound is generated.
(Both L and R)
• The volume control is set at the minimum
level.
• Rotate the volume control clockwise to ad-
just the sound volume.
• The volume is muted. • Cancel the MUTE mode.
• The input selector is not set to the source
position to be played back.
• Set the input selector correctly.
• Cable connections are incomplete. • Make cable connections securely.
• The output level of the input device is set to
the minimum position.
• Adjust the output level.
No sound comes out from one
side.
• The connecting cable is not connected on
one side only.
• Make cable connections securely.
Humming sound (boon or zzz
noise) is generated.
• The ground side of the pin-plug cable has
no contact with the terminal.
• Make connections securely so that the
ground side of the pin-plug cable makes
contact with the terminal.
• The ground wire of the record player is not
connected.
• Connect the ground wire of the record play-
er to the SIGNAL GND terminal.
• Connections or mounting conditions are in-
complete between the cartridge and shell,
or between the shell and tone arm of the
record player.
• Connect (or mount) the cartridge, shell, and
tone arm securely.
• The connecting cables are too close to the
power cable.
• Keep the connecting cables away from the
power cable.
• Induction noise is picked up from a power
transformer of another device.
• Install it distant from other devices.

VACUUM TUBE CONTROL AMPLIFIER CL-38uSE
15
MEMO

16
MEMO

LUXMAN CORPORATION, JAPAN
AG00987E53A
Printed in Japan
1-3-1 Shinyokohama, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 222-0033, Japan