Anyone heard the New Luxman gear?

I tried the Stereo 800 model and found it to be by far the best SS amp I'd ever listened with--and I've listened with many expensive models. The 800A demonstrated tremendous control, weight and linearity on my Maxx 2's, yet also delivered beautiful tone and pitch differentiation in the upper octaves. It was decidedly un-solid state like in the midrange and had incredible front-to-back image and sound focus, layering instruments in exact positions within the sound-field. Overall, one of the most complete performing amps in all areas that I have ever heard. Worth a listen.

I own and love my ARC 210's, but if I could have a dream SS amp too, this would be it.

Regards,

Grant
Shunyata Research

How much is this Stereo 800 model? Grant, that is quite a testimony to the sound quality of this amp.

Gregg

I believe they are $16k US retail, which is on the lower end price wise compared to the many amps I've had through my room these past years. Of course, my impressions are only from use in my own system--Maxx 2/Ref3/CD7. As always YMMV.

Anyone know how much the solid state integrated amps go for?

FWIW, I demo'd three pairs of ~$3K speakers at a retailer recently. The amp used for all 3 was a Luxman integrated (model #?) with big meters. I heard a Devore Gibbon 8, Audio Physic something or other, and Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand. I didn't like any of the speakers, to my great surprise. Could it have been the amp? All three sounded thin and lightweight, the Gibbon 8s sounded almost like the mid/woofer was disconnected, the AP sounded less thin, but still had a mid and high range emphasis, and the Mozarts sounded fuller, but tizzy in the treble. Imaging on all 3 was good, but soundstage was just fair. None of these speakers allowed me to connect to the music.

Maybe it was the speakers, or the Luxman amp. CD players were a one-box Esoteric and a Musical Fidellity A5.

It could have been the CD - Pixies' "Doolittle." It's what I happened to have with me for this impromptu audition. However, on my cheap Sony portable player and JVC cans, the CD sounded fairly good.

I will certainly revisit the VAs, and maybe the APs, but I will try a different amp next time.