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.

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Showing 4 responses by pooch2

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.

Thanks for those search options, I regularly do check these sites. My budget is moving all the time which is what usually happens to me, I start with one budget and by the time I do my research I realize it's not enough. Original budget was $1,000 to $1,500.00 Canadian eh!

Some interesting options, thanks I will have a look. I think "Photon 46" makes a valid argument about compatibility and impedance problems between speakers and the tube amp. unfortunately I don't have the ability to sample with used equipment unless there from my area. This would limit my search to new equipment that have a return policy. It makes me think of the gamble one takes in buying used equipment with shipping, not being what was advertised, incompatibility with your equipment, the whole process is a bit of a gamble.