Classic tube power amplification, refined for modern systems
The Luxman MQ-88uC is Luxman’s modern interpretation of a classic vacuum-tube power amplifier.
It is designed for music lovers who value tonal richness, natural dynamics and long-term listening pleasure — without sacrificing stability or reliability.
At Authentic High End, the MQ-88uC is appreciated as a power amplifier that combines traditional tube virtues with contemporary engineering discipline.
Positioning Within Luxman
The MQ-88uC belongs to Luxman’s Heritage / Neo-Classic lineage.
It draws inspiration from Luxman’s historic tube amplifiers while benefiting from:
modern power supply design
improved component tolerances
contemporary safety and reliability standards
Rather than chasing reference-level output power, the MQ-88uC focuses on musical integrity and tonal authenticity.
Design Philosophy: Tubes as Musical Instruments
Luxman uses vacuum tubes not for nostalgia, but for their ability to convey:
harmonic completeness
natural dynamics
emotional nuance
The MQ-88uC is built around a push-pull output stage using KT88 power tubes, chosen for their balance of power, control and musical expression. Luxman operates these tubes conservatively, ensuring:
Push-Pull KT88 Output Stage
The push-pull KT88 configuration allows the MQ-88uC to:
deliver confident drive with good control
maintain low distortion for a tube design
preserve musical flow and tonal balance
This topology gives the amplifier enough authority for a wide range of loudspeakers, while retaining the openness and warmth that tube enthusiasts value.
Listening Experience
The Luxman MQ-88uC sounds:
harmonically rich without excess warmth
dynamically expressive
fluid and natural in the midrange
relaxed and non-fatiguing
Vocals, strings and acoustic instruments benefit from a strong sense of presence and texture, while rhythm and timing remain coherent and engaging.
It is an amplifier that encourages immersive, emotionally connected listening, rather than analytical evaluation.
Build Quality & Craftsmanship
True to Luxman tradition, the MQ-88uC is built with care and restraint:
brushed silver aluminium front panel
exposed vacuum tubes with clear, purposeful layout
robust chassis construction
high-quality output transformers designed by Luxman
Everything about the amplifier communicates longevity and seriousness, not trend-driven design.
System Integration
The MQ-88uC is designed to be paired with:
high-quality preamplifiers (tube or solid-state)
sensitive to moderately demanding loudspeakers
systems where musical flow and tone are priorities
At Authentic High End, we often recommend the MQ-88uC to listeners who want to explore tube power amplification while retaining control and reliability.
Why We Selected the MQ-88uC at Authentic High End
We selected the MQ-88uC because it represents Luxman’s ability to honour tradition without being trapped by it.
It delivers genuine tube musicality in a form that is:
For many music lovers, it is an ideal entry into — or return to — high-quality tube power amplification.
Discover more...
Classic tube power amplification, refined for modern systems
The Luxman MQ-88uC is Luxman’s modern interpretation of a classic vacuum-tube power amplifier.
It is designed for music lovers who value tonal richness, natural dynamics and long-term listening pleasure — without sacrificing stability or reliability.
At Authentic High End, the MQ-88uC is appreciated as a power amplifier that combines traditional tube virtues with contemporary engineering discipline.
Positioning Within Luxman
The MQ-88uC belongs to Luxman’s Heritage / Neo-Classic lineage.
It draws inspiration from Luxman’s historic tube amplifiers while benefiting from:
modern power supply design
improved component tolerances
contemporary safety and reliability standards
Rather than chasing reference-level output power, the MQ-88uC focuses on musical integrity and tonal authenticity.
Design Philosophy: Tubes as Musical Instruments
Luxman uses vacuum tubes not for nostalgia, but for their ability to convey:
harmonic completeness
natural dynamics
emotional nuance
The MQ-88uC is built around a push-pull output stage using KT88 power tubes, chosen for their balance of power, control and musical expression. Luxman operates these tubes conservatively, ensuring:
Push-Pull KT88 Output Stage
The push-pull KT88 configuration allows the MQ-88uC to:
deliver confident drive with good control
maintain low distortion for a tube design
preserve musical flow and tonal balance
This topology gives the amplifier enough authority for a wide range of loudspeakers, while retaining the openness and warmth that tube enthusiasts value.
Listening Experience
The Luxman MQ-88uC sounds:
harmonically rich without excess warmth
dynamically expressive
fluid and natural in the midrange
relaxed and non-fatiguing
Vocals, strings and acoustic instruments benefit from a strong sense of presence and texture, while rhythm and timing remain coherent and engaging.
It is an amplifier that encourages immersive, emotionally connected listening, rather than analytical evaluation.
Build Quality & Craftsmanship
True to Luxman tradition, the MQ-88uC is built with care and restraint:
brushed silver aluminium front panel
exposed vacuum tubes with clear, purposeful layout
robust chassis construction
high-quality output transformers designed by Luxman
Everything about the amplifier communicates longevity and seriousness, not trend-driven design.
System Integration
The MQ-88uC is designed to be paired with:
high-quality preamplifiers (tube or solid-state)
sensitive to moderately demanding loudspeakers
systems where musical flow and tone are priorities
At Authentic High End, we often recommend the MQ-88uC to listeners who want to explore tube power amplification while retaining control and reliability.
Why We Selected the MQ-88uC at Authentic High End
We selected the MQ-88uC because it represents Luxman’s ability to honour tradition without being trapped by it.
It delivers genuine tube musicality in a form that is:
For many music lovers, it is an ideal entry into — or return to — high-quality tube power amplification.
Discover more...
