LUXMAN is one of the few audio brands that’s actually been in this business even longer than I have—and that’s saying something! I’ve always associated LUXMAN with absolute excellence. Not the lowest price, but the best sound, which is exactly what matters most. After all, if you’re considering a stereo preamplifier, you already understand that performance and musicality come first.
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LUXMAN C-10X Control Amplifier

The LUXMAN C-10X is a flagship control amplifier engineered to make high-end systems feel effortlessly lifelike—delivering a deep, spacious soundstage, exceptionally low noise, and the kind of micro-detail that brings recordings to life. At its core is LUXMAN’s latest LIFES amplifier feedback engine paired with the newest LECUA-EX electronically controlled attenuator, creating a fully balanced, three-dimensionally laid out signal path designed for purity, speed, and realism. Beyond its reference-grade preamp performance, the C-10X is built to serve as the command center of serious audio systems, with flexible output mode selection (unbalanced, balanced, or bi-amp), precise channel/balance tools, and input level offset to keep every source perfectly matched. Add in refined tone controls, a volume-linked loudness function, an external pre-input for AV integration, and a premium aluminum RA-20 remote, and the C-10X becomes a no-compromise preamplifier for listeners who want maximum musical immersion with maximum system control.

The LUXMAN C-10X is part of ListenUp's LUXMAN Preamplifier Collection.

What It's Good At:

• Creating an ultra-quiet, highly realistic presentation with a wide, deep soundstage and vivid imaging
• Driving power amplifiers with confidence via fully balanced architecture and high-performance gain structure
• Delivering precision volume control with minimal sonic degradation thanks to LECUA-EX’s resistor-step design
• Fine-tuning real-world listening with balance trim, input level matching, and bi-amp output level adjustments
• Offering musical flexibility via tone controls, loudness compensation, and Line Straight purity mode
• Integrating cleanly into advanced systems with balanced phase switching, AV/external pre input, and trigger/control ports

LUXMAN C-10X Full Specifications:

• Product type: Control amplifier / preamplifier (flagship model)
• Amplification feedback circuit: LIFES 1.0
• Volume control: LECUA-EX
• Input sensitivity / Input impedance:
  • Unbalanced: 180mV / 45kΩ
  • Balanced: 180mV / 90kΩ
• Output / Input impedance (output):
  • Unbalanced: rating 1V / 90Ω, max. 14.1V
  • Balanced: rating 1V / 180Ω, max. 28.7V
• Frequency response:
  • 20Hz to 20kHz (+0, within -0.1dB)
  • 5Hz to 110kHz (+0, within -3.0dB)
• Total harmonic distortion:
  • Unbalanced: 0.005% (20Hz to 20kHz)
  • Balanced: 0.003% (20Hz to 20kHz)
• S/N ratio (IHF-A):
  • Unbalanced: 129dB
  • Balanced: 132dB
• Tone control range (max. change amount):
  • BASS: ±8dB at 100Hz
  • TREBLE: ±8dB at 10kHz
• Output mode selection: Unbalanced / Balanced / Bi-amp
• Balanced phase switching: Supported (balanced phase preset; reversible phase can be switched via remote)
• Channel preset functions:
  • Balanced phase setting
  • Input level offset setting
  • Bi-amp output level setting
• Input offset function (per input): 0 to -6dB (per input terminal)
• Balance adjustment range: L: -6dB to R: -6dB
• Bi-amp output level adjustment: ±6dB for each system
• Volume shift resolution: 0.5dB steps
• Volume control steps / range: 192 discrete steps, 0 to 95.5dB
• External pre-amplifier input: Yes (external pre-input terminal)
• Listening/processing modes & functions: Line Straight, Loudness, Volume up/down, Mute
• Display features: Fluorescent display with dimmer; remote zoom display (up to 4× size)
• Remote control functions:
  • Operation, Dimmer, Input selector
  • Output mode (Unbalanced, Balanced, Bi-amp)
  • Balanced phase switching
  • Channel preset (Balanced phase setting, Input level offset setting, Bi-amp output level setting)
  • External pre-amplifier input
  • Line Straight, Loudness, Volume up/down, Mute
  • Zoom display
• Rear-panel inputs (analog):
  • Line input terminals: 3 pairs RCA (1, 2, 3)
  • Balanced input terminals: 3 pairs XLR (1, 2, 3)
  • External pre-amplifier input terminals: RCA L/R
• Rear-panel outputs (analog):
  • Line output terminals: 2 pairs RCA (1, 2)
  • Balanced output terminals: 2 pairs XLR (1, 2)
• Other rear-panel connections:
  • Signal ground terminal
  • Control input / output terminal (3.5mm monaural mini jack)
  • Trigger input (12V trigger input)
  • Trigger outputs: 2 outputs (12V/0.1A max total; 3.5mm monaural mini jack)
  • AC inlet
  • Main power switch
• Power consumption: 40W, 2.6W (standby)
• External dimensions: 440(W) × 130(H) × 434(D) mm
  • Depth includes front-side knob of 16mm and rear-side terminal of 15mm
• Net weight: 19.8kg (main unit)
• Accessories: Remote control (RA-20), Power cable

LUXMAN C-10X Q&A:

What is the LUXMAN C-10X, and what role does it play in a hi-fi system?

The C-10X is a flagship control amplifier (preamplifier) that manages source selection, volume, and system control while providing an extremely low-noise, high-resolution signal to your power amplifier.

Does the C-10X support balanced XLR connections?

Yes. It provides three balanced XLR input pairs and two balanced XLR output pairs, along with balanced phase switching for system compatibility.

How many analog inputs and outputs does the C-10X have?

It includes three RCA line input pairs, three XLR balanced input pairs, an external pre-input (RCA L/R), two RCA line output pairs, and two XLR balanced output pairs.

What is LECUA-EX, and why does it matter?

LECUA-EX is LUXMAN’s electronically controlled attenuator that switches precision resistors rather than using a traditional variable pot, helping preserve clarity and channel balance across the volume range.

Can the C-10X be used in a bi-amp system?

Yes. It offers an output mode for bi-amp operation and provides per-system level adjustment so you can fine-tune balance between amplifier channels.

Does it have tone controls, and can they be bypassed?

Yes. It includes bass and treble controls (±8dB) and a Line Straight mode that bypasses tone shaping when you want the most direct signal path.

Can I integrate the C-10X with a home theater setup?

Yes. The external pre-amplifier input allows direct connection to an AV amplifier’s pre-out for smoother system integration.

Does it include trigger connections for powering other gear on/off?

Yes. It includes a 12V trigger input and two trigger outputs (12V/0.1A max total) for coordinated power control with compatible components.

LUXMAN C-10X Downloads:

LUXMAN C-10X Catalog