agrippa29 posts01-20-2019 7:57pmMy
amp is a Luxman L-550AXII, but sadly I’m unsure how to explain the
differences between it and the many other amps I’ve owned. Fortunately
there’s no shortage of reviews to be had by googling, all of which are
pretty much raves.
Suffice it to say that it’s the best amp I’ve
owned, including gear that cost between two and 3 times as much. Being a
Class A device with only 20W (in Class A; it does of course transition
into Class A/B when pushed hard) speaker matching is something to keep
in mind and you wouldn’t want to pair it with, say, 83dB/4Ohm speakers.
uilder3141 posts01-21-2019 10:44pm
590AXII is 30W Class @ 8 ohms. Has the classic Class A sound with a nice
midrange bloom. Just note it runs out of steam pretty quickly so a
fairly efficient speaker is a must IMHO.
The
L-590AX is 30W/channel Class A into 8 ohms, then switches to A/B. It
will actually put out over 90W/channel into 8 ohms, and nearly 160 into 4
ohms.
I have looked on Luxman's website and have not found anything in the specs that states either the L-550AX or the L-590AX transitions to class A/B when driven beyond their 20W and 30W respectively. I have had a L-550AX in the past with Harbeths and found it lost dynamic when driven to higher volumes. |
valinar, go look at the link I posted in one of the first replies of the thread. My answer is based on measured performance of the amp. I’ve always wondered why Luxman wasn’t more forthcoming, it seems like they wanted only to focus on the class A output of the amp, disregarding the rest. Here you go, I found a review by the same people of the L-550AX, they measured it at 66W into 8 ohms, and 121W into 4 ohms. Take from it what you will I guess. http://www.navratilaudio.cz/novinky/Test%20L-550AX%20-%203%20str%E1nky.pdf |
My own remark was also the result of reading a review of the original L-550AX where measurements were made. I can’t for the life of me remember the site, but I do remember they stated an output of 78W when driven to the max.
It would have been nice to have the full skinny from Luxman, but obviously they want people to think of these amps as pure class A devices. Which isn’t a bad thing in my opinion, as people would likely buy them in order to pair them with less inefficient speakers if the max output was detailed, thereby quite possibly negating the whole point of owning a Class A amp.
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Thanks builder1 and agrippa.
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Funny this subject coming up. I just ordered the Luxman 507 UX-11. I was talked out of a Mcintosh MA8900 by the salesman. The guy said I would be happier running my Tannoy Sterling gold reference speakers with the Luxman. It seems that I've read or heard that Macintosh owners are trading in units for Luxman amps. Not sure why.
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I agree with many comments so far. I can add my own experience.
I fell back in love with high end audio when I heard the combination of a pair of Vivid K-1s and a Luxman 600a. For some reason, after several years of various lukewarm equipment demos, these made the music (and my senses) come alive and woke up the part of my brain that lusted after that feeling. I bought the speakers immediately because they were offered to me at a good price. To try to make it work within my already blown budget, I sought out a cheaper amplifier. I tried Unison research, Naim and a few others, but to no avail. All seemed to have a polite “hi fi” sound with the K-1s that felt relatively 2 dimensional (only partly talking soundstage here) compared to the way music was spilling (and occasionally erupting) out of the K-1s tethered to the 600a. (The source was an MSB analog DAC, used as pre-amp, btw) Eventually I asked my dealer to bring in a luxman integrated. I’m 99% sure it was the 550ax if memory serves. I would say that the integrated fell exactly half way between the two experiences. It was right at the entryway of Luxman’s magic, but not all the way through the door. I liked it, but it didn’t compel me the way the 600a did. It felt extremely competent with a taste of the liquidity, robustness, organic flow and slight warmth that Luxman class A accomplishes so well, but not the full meal. At this time I also brought in the Hegel integrated and I found it very dark in comparison with the Luxman integrated. I liked it, kinda, but not nearly as much as the Luxman sound. (Incidentally, the Hegel did such a better job driving my father’s difficult-to-drive ancient doenfors than the Luxman integrated that he bought the Hegel.)
The bank-breaking 600a purchase was starting to feel inevitable. But before I committed, I decided to look at a bunch of other options near its price range. These comparisons were extremely instructive. I tried the equivalent mid-level Ayre amp and found it very dry and thin, brittle almost. Really made me appreciate the flesh-on-the-bones meatiness that the Luxman class A gear brings. I then listened to some tube gear (Leben 1000 most notably) and realized that that 600a’s meatiness and slight is definitely why people refer to Luxman as being tube-like. That said, I’ve heard some tube gear completely outclass Luxman in this domain, but always at a cost of either some coloration or a thickness to the “air” that makes the meatiness almost claustrophobic to my ears. That’s when I appreciated how neutral and airy the Luxman sound was and the value that brought to the table. I then auditioned some Devialet monoblocks and again saw the Luxman outclassed in the parameters of neutrality and detail retrieval. But over time, I found the Devialet sound boring and I eventually stopped feeling compelled to listen to my system (kinda like trying to maintain a good convo with the buffest guy at the gym... doesn’t always work out, pardon the pun.) That experience made me really appreciate how “alive” (not necessarily “live”) the music felt through the K-1 and 600a and how fundamental that was to hitting the endorphin buttons in my brain. At the price point, nothing brought together the meatiness, airiness, neutrality and aliveness of the Luxman amp. I ended up buying it, then adding the c-600 preamp, then went monoblocked 600a’s, then graduated to c-900 and m-900 combo. You could say I fully drank the Luxman coolaid. I will say that the 900 series are a step down from the 600/800 full class A designs in terms of the meatiness of the mid range. But they bring something completely else to the table.
So my only recommendation to you before you pull the trigger on the integrated is to try and compare it to an older generation 600a (which can be had quite cheap on audiogon)... it might just get you all the way through the door of the Luxman experience for similar or fewer dollars.
those are as many comparisons as I have. Hope it’s helpful. Good luck on your journey.
josh
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Note: my father’s speakers were Spendors
frickin’ auto correct |
Check out the integrated amplifier ads. |
I have owned the 509u integrated for a few years, purchased used for $4,000. I really love the neutral sound with a nice bump in bass. Mine is rated at 120 wpc but read somewhere it tests at 168 wpc, very conservatively rated and is dead quite. I like the features on mine, tone/balance control, mono, class A headphone jack, style (I have the VU meters), great phono (MM/MC) and multiple inputs with XLR.
The best thing I like is the 'separate' function button for external functionality. At first, I used this for an external tube buffer (i tube2), great results. Press the button and it runs via the buffer, press again and it bypasses the eternal component. Then I swapped the tube buffer with minidsp DDRC24 with Dirac Room correction (2.2), this was the game changer. I can room correct for 2 floor speakers (ESS AMT 1b) and it crosses over with 2 subwoofers (I think it adjusts the phase on each too). I don't think most integrated amps have this feature?
Look at the prices for used quality Luxman units (not when they were on the cheap in 80's). They hold their value very well, similar to the used price of a Honda Accord. To me, that says a lot. They have great Japanese build quality and people hold onto them, I know I will. I have a McCormack DNA 0.5 gold power amp in my other listening area and I love it too (much less expensive used). I have a hum in the DNA and need it fixed but I am willing to bet my Luxman will never need service.
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Josh,
Thanks for your insightful post, sadly I'm really trying to reduce clutter, parts and cables. The need to simplify my listening experience is very real.
Not to mention the prices. While the 600 is a little more expensive than what I was thinking of for an integrated, I surely can't afford the 600 + a preamp, either financially or space.
Best,
E
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On A Higher Note was the US distributor. Luxman is handling the account. When Luxman took over many of the prices dropped some as much as $5000. What you see from On a Higher Note is his back stock. Good prices but you can't order new Luxman gear from him.
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@luxmancl38
Thanks for the update, since no one corrects old stories, I was going from what I had read online.
I hope there isn't an ugly backstory.
I thought I read that Accuphase was a lot more expensive in the US than in Japan due to their US distributor. Is this still true, or was I confusing it with Luxman?
E
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Erik,
what are you using for a front end?
J |
@joshfilm
Mytek Brooklyn DAC.
Best,
E
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@erik_squires It is Accuphase that is a lot more expensive in the US than Luxman. It used to be that Luxman was quite a bit more pricey than in Japan as well but following a change in the US distributor, the prices came down quite drastically. |
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Erik,
Have you ever tried using your Brooklyn DAC as a preamp? Or is that just the “+” model that has that feature?
i generally have preferred to have a preamp in the mix but have also had very successful results going direct from DAC/preamp to Amplifier (and specifically to the 600a, though I don’t want to beat a dead horse).
That said, I also downsized to an integrated, so I know where you are coming from.
Just worth exploring all options to maximize musical preeentation/enjoyment.
j |
joshfilm,
Would you mind elaborating on the difference between the 600a and the 900u amps? I am looking for vocals that sound natural and 3 dimensional without having to give up too much detail and neutrality. Are the 600a the amps that can do that? Please reply to me backchannel if you don't want to get too far off integrateds here. |
Have you ever tried using your Brooklyn DAC as a preamp? Or is that just the “+” model that has that feature?
I am doing that right now. I'm using monoblock Class D amplifiers with the Brooklyn as my DAC and preamp and source selector. Both the original and the + have this feature. I'm thinking of getting a 507ux as my L and R solution, and then an Anthem 5 channel receiver to do my movie switching and provide the extra 3 channels of amplification. The "separate" functionality would make this possible. Maybe, if I ever get back to 5.1. << sigh >> |
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@tomcy6 The link that @ yyzsantabarbara shared goes some way to describing it. It's a tough one to pin down. Let me try. Let me also say that your mileage may vary with different speakers and other system components. Thanks for also giving us a focus: i.e: vocals. The 600a is full and rich and warm, and delivers vocals with tremendous presence and texture. It is neutral by pretty much any standard, but favours midrange detail over high end detail. It is also occasionally a very little bit rough around the edges and needs to be well matched with speakers that don't have any tendency to be bright/harsh. Its mid range focus also means that in the high end, it is not the last word in refinement and in delivering the detail that contributes the sense of air air/atmosphere. So I would say that the vocals will be richly rendered and present, but you will not get every last aspect of the air surrounding the vocalist. The degree to which this is important is very much a matter of taste. In terms of bass, I found the 600a very capable with the right set up. The 900u is truly possibly the last word in SS refinement, beautifully addressing the high end detail that contributes to air and atmosphere without the slightest hint of harshness. In fact, the 900u is the most velvet smooth amp from top to bottom that I have ever heard, with an addictive tonal neutrality across the entire spectrum. It's perfect in a way. There is no doubt when you hear it that it's a much more expensive amplifier than the 600a. It is not unlike the difference between fine wool and cashmere. The presentation of vocals in the 900u is tonally spot on and surrounded by an angelic amount of air, but slightly less present and rich. I spent a lot of time trying to dial in that midrange presence (as well bass tautness) with the right choice of cables, and got 95% of the way there (I just described these cables in someone's recent post on the M900/c900, btw, if you are curious), but I have to admit there was always something I missed from the m600a, even though its almost impossible to go back after you've heard the m900's refinement. I never found a synergistic tube preamp that did the trick either (I tried Thoress & Shindo), but maybe that does exist. So let me put it this way... its going to depend on what your priority is between presence of the vocals and the air/space/atmosphere that surrounds them, between direct engagement and refinement. They are kinda two different was of getting the voice in the room with you. It's far from an "either / or," as they both do all things very well and the 900u does something special almost no other SS piece of gear does, but there is a clear difference in their approach. Where they are similar is in the way that they make sound feel like its pouring out of your speakers and filling your room. Luxman is really good at that. Sorry to fill the space in this thread with a slightly off topic (and way too long) description, but I actually don't know how to do back channel communication. Happy to learn. All the best, J |
@erik_squires
Wow, did I ever spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to make a direct DAC to amp connection work with a 5.1 receiver. The only good solution I found is from a gear manufacturer who posts a lot on these forums (Steve at Empirical Audio) who makes a beautiful passive switcher. But before I ever got to try it, I ended up being so impressed by how my stereo setup was delivering movies that I dropped the project of restoring my 5.1 setup altogether.................... for now... maybe one day... me too... I hear ya.
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Wow, did I ever spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to make a direct DAC to amp connection work with a 5.1 receiver I had it relatively easy. I used a Parasound P7, which is actually a really good 2 channel preamp which happens to have 7.1 channel input/outputs, fed by my Oppo BD player. That then fed my 5 amp channels, subwoofer. I used miniDSP for the center and sub only. When you make your own speakers and match them when you build them, you can pretty much do this. :) I approached the sub/satellite integration as if I was designing speakers, taking into account the measured accoustic offset, and interference patterns and wow. The final result was just mind blowing. Now I have 3 monoblocks, a DAC, a preamp still in a box, and 3 more class D modules looking for a case .... on top of the 6 speakers (5 of which I made). It’s a little crazy for an apartment! :) So, this is why it’s either just an Anthem 5.1 receiver OR a Luxman integrated + the Anthem later, and it’s STILL a lot simpler than putting the pieces back together I have now. :) Honestly a month ago I was pretty sure I was just going to give it all up for an Anthem, then I saw Luxman prices drop by a lot... :) A real part of the problem is I have a background in theater sound systems. I’m used to making it all work myself, and making things pretty and convenient for myself is actually not something I have prioritized in the past. Best, E |
Erik, I also have interest in the Luxman.gear. When you mention that you saw the Luxman prices drop a lot, where are you looking? |
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Hi Erik, I hope you don't mind that I just started another thread specifically on the L-507ux asking for what I think is a little more direct information on this particular integrated. Note that the US distributer per your link doesn't have any integrates for sale at this time
George. |
Erik, I'm sorry if it seems like I am at all derailing your thread, but you are very well acquainted with the A21 versus I have never heard a Parasound amp at all. I do have a nice tube preamp. Do you or anyone reading this have an opinion on how the A21 amplifier and the amplifier section of the L-507ux might compare in terms of sound quality? |
Responding to twoleftears' post: I had a hum in my AX550, still under warranty. It wasn't that loud, but not normal. I sent it in to the new USA distributor (Luxman USA). They did a fantastic job repairing the unit - great service from my perspective. It took about a month because they had to order a new transformer from Japan. But it gives some confidence in their service for something made outside the U.S., in my opinion.
As for sound, I was paring with Tannoy Turnberry. After reading this thread, I think it is funny (as Erik stated), that people have a hard time describing the sound, because I would too. The first thing that comes to mind is that it 'did nothing wrong', and possibly a bit dry (in a good way) sounding. Usually when people say it did nothing wrong (or 'committed no sins of commission'), you see this in reviews of lower priced equipment, and I always take it as an indicator of decent sounding gear that is also not going to win any awards. In contrast, in this case I would say it was the opposite for the Luxman, it does just about everything right, but otherwise just doesn't standout in any overt way. I loved it - only reason I moved on from mine was I did not consider the heat it put out (the 550 is class 'A') when I purchased it. Overall, I would say they have great detail, midrange, bass, presentation, musical flow... I have owned McIntosh Integrated (MA6900) though with different speakers and a different room and years apart (so take with grain of salt), so hard to compare. But I would say both have a different house sound (having owned other Mac gear in the past); the McIntosh more inner-midrange detail and fleshing out, perhaps better (or more bass); whereas the Luxman is top to bottom clear & neutral. For me the Luxman is more musical. |
Thanks joshfilm. You really provided a lot of information for me to think over. Unfortunately in this pursuit the only way to know for sure is to listen to the amp in your own system. It sounds like both the Luxmans are fine amps though. |
@erik_squires
That 5.1 build sounds pretty epic!
The only advice/experience that I can lend is that it is well worth putting the 5.1 away for a bit to aim for big gains in a stereo setup. I ended up listening to much more music and replaced much of my tv and film watching with long listening sessions. Secondly, its amazing how far a well setup stereo can go to delivering an immersive soundtrack experience. I too will likely get back to 5.1 (or more) one day, but the satisfaction of a few years spent in pure stereo have been life-(habit-)changing. There are workarounds to having a preamp, so explore until the music sounds great and makes you rush home every day a little faster to get back in the listening seat. That was the real result of getting it right. Fun times ahead.
J |
Luxman assistance needed please; Will a Luxman Integrated amp purchased from Japan which states "AC 100V 50Hz/60Hz" work correctly in the USA or is there a problem?
I'm guessing that because the unit is Japan 100V so I'd need to use with the step-down transformer, am I correct? |
@lak Yes, you will, unfortunately and it will be a big one, but even a 3,000 VA unit is under $200 https://amzn.to/2GgAWl2E |
I completely agree with Steve Huff's review of the Luxman 590-AXII. I purchased one last year to simplify my setup and have been totally pleased with the purchase.
I love the sound in my system and the looks!
I was able to sell off my separate amp, pre-amp and phono stage. These combined separates had a retail of $13500 without cables.
My separates were:
Zesto Audio Andros 1.0 Tube phono stage - $3500
Classè Sigma SSP 7.1 chl SS pre-amp / processor - $5500
Sanders Sound ESL Mark II SS amp - $4500
I have a pair of Martin Logan Montis speakers. I was fearful of going to the Luxman with only 60wpc into 4 ohms. The Sanders Sound amp had over 700wpc into 4 ohms. But the Montis have a step-up built into them and really don't need so much power. The Luxman seems to have power-a-plenty to drive them. Fears were dispelled, after a few minutes listening to the Luxman / Montis pairing.
It does get warmer than the Sanders Sound, which was really cool given its power rating. The Luxman also has a slight transformer noise, if you get really close to it. From normal listening distances, you cannot hear it.
While the phono stage built into the Luxman is wonderful, I felt that it was not a perfect match for my Ortofon Cadenza Black. The gain is just not sufficient. So, I added a Bob's Devices Sky 20 SUT between my VPI Classic 4 and the Luxman phono stage input. The Luxman is a delightful MM phono stage, which is what I now have it set to. I love this combination and the convenience of not having to turn something else on and letting it warm up (i.e. the Zesto Andros).
Thanks and kind regards,
Jason
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Hi @jasonsim
I'm curious what you feel the warm up time for the Luxman is.
Best,
E
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hmm...not sure I understand what you are asking. But I will try.
The Luxman is always in idle unless you unplug the cord. So pushing the power button on the unit just takes it out from idle and it's ready to go. It gets warm in about 30 minutes. Meaning that the heat coming from the vents is nearly peak in that time. However, other factors can alter this such as room temperature and how hard it is being pushed.
The heat is not such a big deal for me. I placed it on the top shelf and I have a 65in TV right above on the wall. Never has been an issue. But I don't leave it on all day either. |
The 590AXII that I have tried at home for the past week with my Spendor D9's warms up fairly quick. Even at peak though, the heat is really not bad at all. I can keep my hand on it so that may tell you something. It is a great sounding amp - one that I like over the 509X but that's me coming from a tube setup. |
Thanks so much for the replies, @jasonsim
It's not actually heat output I'm worried about so much as sound quality, I was trying to assess how long I would have to turn the unit on before it sounds its best.
Thank you,
Erik
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Erik, it sounds very good immediately, and the best after 20-30 minutes, I'd say.
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HI Erik. I'm not sure I'm trained enough to notice any perceivable different between just turning it on and after about an hour or so warm-up. The sound is great immediately.
When you take the unit out of idle, there is a 8 or so second period where nothing is audible, even if you have your source playing. The light on the unit blinks during this time. Maybe this is all the warm up needed. Perhaps a more seasoned Luxman fan can explain why this happens.
I have a Cambridge CXA80 integrated in another room and it can play immediately, after taking it out from idle. It has also been a wonderful and surprisingly good sounding (warm) amp. Amazing sound for the price. |
@builder3
@jasonsim
All good info,t hanks guys!
I have Class D and they need DAYS to warm up, but they idle at 7W each, so I don't mind leaving them on. I’ve also heard some tube gear which really does take 30-45 minutes to sound it’s best.
Oddly, the last piece I heard was an ARC tube integrated, and cold it sounds good, then awful, then finally really good again.
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jason, the delay when you first power up the unit is the protection circuit. Actually, they call it something else, but it's in the manual on page 1.
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@erik_squires
Hope all this helps! Let us know, if you decide to try a Luxman out.
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@erik_squires I recently acquired a new Luxman 507ux; So far I like it very much. Initially used with Focal Aria 948s, and now Green Mountain Callistos; very soon I will be taking delivery of new Dynaudio Contour 30's and look forward to that pairing.
The Luxman seems to do everything I expect from a well designed and engineered amplifier; This is my very first Luxman component. Without embellishing the details excessively; this is my assessment thus far;
Midrange/ vocal reproduction; superb for any amplifier, SS or Tube. Just seems right; vocals seem detached from electronics with no obvious colorations or imperfections;
Treble: very extended and sweet; harmonic overtones are rich and natural; metallic sounds metallic, reeds sound reedy; trumpets have excellent bite and texture; crash and ride cymbals sound real with excellent transients and decay..etc. zero issues with treble. Acoustic guitar is vibrant and appropriately steely or nylon-ish depending on the guitar; overall among the best I can remember hearing in my system over the years. The sparkle is there if it's on the recording.
Bass; deep, powerful, fast, energetic, 'round' but not overblown or ripe; this amp holds nothing back; if the speakers are up for it this amp will deliver the goods;
Imaging/sense of scale; similar to the treble comments; if it's in the recording this amp holds nothing back; image and soundfield will be rendered directly proportional to recording virtues; nothing more/nothing less.
Overall musicality and 'feel': I think this amp is pretty special and I like it a ton; I like everything about it; I have not yet discovered anything negative about it at all; I do sometimes over-react when getting new gear but I can tell that this amp is very likely a long term keeper; I think I would have to spend at least 2-3x more to get any very noticeable improvement in any category; I think at this level its more like just finding the thing that makes you forget the most about the equipment; there will be differences in amps for sure and no one can say what is more right; what's right for you is what you like and WANT to listen to.
Build quality; superb fit and finish; attention to detail is spot on. Just love the mechanical design and the feel of the controls. It feels bulletproof; super solid and chunky.
Playback Flexibility; I LOVE the OPTION to use tone controls. We all have music we love on crap recordings and that just needs a few dB of bass boost; This is HUGE value add for me. HUGE.
Warmup time: I could not hear any differences in starting from cold to on for days; my PL HP Dialogue on the other hand needed ~60 minutes to come on song. That really annoyed me. I just don't have that kind of time these days (kids, work, life, other priorities, etc). The amp is consistent and sounds awesome all the time.
Value; I did not pay full MSRP for this, but even at list price of $6,500 I don't think I could do any better by going the separates route; Hopefully it remains issue free and lasts well into the future; I look forward to listening time with it;
rest of system for reference:
SOURCE: Auralic Aries network player
USB Cable; Wireworld starlight 7 "red"
DAC: Meitner MA-1
INTERCONNECT: Cardas Golden Presence RCA
SPEAKER CABLE: Wireworld Silver Eclipse 6, 2M
If you have the chance to get one, I highly recommend it;
Cheers.
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so......on the beginning I will say that I own 509x and got it in the trade from twice the price Dartzeel LHC208.
I had following amps at home in my system before I finally settled down for L509x:
1. Nagra Classic Integrated
2. DartZeel LHC208
3. Hegel H160
4. Hegel H360
5. PassLab INT150
6. Hegel H20/P20
7. Luxman L550AX2
8 Luxman L590AX
9. Shindo Monbrison with Haut Brion
10. Line Magnetic LM219a
11. Sudden A21SE
12. Ars Sonum Filarmonia
13. Ars Sonum Gran-Filarmonia
I used to own DeVore Fidelity Orangutan 0/96 but finally settled on DeVore Super Nines as being best fit for my room and music taste.
Luxman D08u is used as a source and Audience Au24X cables across the whole system.
Ask me more specific question about 509x and I will do my best to answer it. |
@arturgorniak Nice set of amps that you have been through. Not surprising that the Luxman 509x topped your list. It is fantastic providing vibrant, dynamic, controlled sound but is also a great all rounder. An end game amp for a lot of people. |
@arturgorniak I was wondering about the sonic differences between the 507ux and the 509x...if you have ever compared them.
btw, a quick update: the 507ux is a wonderful wonderful match with Dynaudio Contour 30's; I just replaced the Focal Aria 948's with the Dyns and love the results.
I've got the DAC/AMP plugged into an Isotek Aquarius power conditioner.
Using a Silnote PC on the AMP.
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