Vintage Luxman SS integrateds? Please educate me


I’d love a new L-509x, but that’s not in the cards right now.  Meanwhile, some vintage Luxman gear seems to go for peanuts.  I am curious to hear some thoughts on older Luxman models, the good and the bad, and how they stack up to current gear.  Thanks in advance!
sforrey
I had a Duo Beta Luxman integrated that I bought at GoodWill for $25! Big and heavy! On the way home I accidentally dropped it! Plugged in, it went into protection mode. I regret leaving it behind when I moved. It was probably repairable! Looked and felt like an expensive unit!

any of the due beta  stuff from the late 70's to mid 80's are excellent. The  L530,L540 L550,L560 all Class A, and probably the best of the early 80's Luxman's and the direct predecessors of the current class A designs, if you can find one. I find the Luxman's that were the best are usually the ones with out the tuners aka receivers, their integrated and separates are very good for the 70-80's.   Stay clear of the late 80's stuff unless you know what your buying as its hit and miss as the quality dropped after Alpine bought them in 86 (i believe 86 is right) some is good as it was a left over design others not so much.

thevintageknob  will have a ton of information.

I ran a L560 Pure class A 50wpc and it was fantastic I think there is still some pictures on my profile (I should have kept it grr). you can find one of the L 530-L560 amps for around $1000-$1500 and they are worth it.

always factor in a re-cap in your vintage buy that way you will not be disappointed with the sound and when it enviably fails .

Some other options off the top of my head in that same quality bracket to think about are Accuphase, Marantz, Sansui, Threshold etc.

If you can get a hold of a Luxman R-117 stereo receiver you will be in for a big treat.  Plenty to drive most "demanding" speakers, warm velvety midrange, great low end punch and dynamic headroom off the charts.

Can't find one for a reasonable amount, then also look for an R-115.  Same sound just less power.


Bill