2. amps-preamps
  3. 1253333734

Luxman L505u . . . why not?

I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on one of these--an upgrade from my Rotel receiver. Before I do, I'd like some perspective from the learned A'gon community. First, will it be a significant upgrade from the Rotel? What kind of sonic improvements can I expect? Second, why shouldn't I buy from Audiocubes II? http://www.audiocubes2.com/brand/Luxman/product/Luxman_L-505u_Integrated_Amplifier.html
I know On a Higher Note is the official U.S. distributer, but my budget pushes me towards the less expensive purchase option. Third, regardless of where I purchase it from, it will need a transformer to boost the power to 220. I don't know anything about the possible effects this might have on sound and performance of the component--can anybody speak to this? Is it possible to have the piece modified to accept the U.S. 110 current? I want the piece because it meets my requirements for an integrated: it's at least 100W, it has speaker A/B (I've got speakers in the kitchen and the main living room), it's got a great phono section (I play 50% records, 50% CDs), and it's got a headphone amp. Those are the features I want in an integrated. Any advice, suggestions, dissuasions will be appreciated.

Danny
rosedanny
toronto416
133 posts
 
The 509u is rated at 120 wpc into 8 Ohms, doubling to 240 wpc into 4 Ohms. It is Luxman's most robust class AB integrated amplifier.

The 507u is rated a little less at 110 wpc into 8 Ohms, and it does not quite double (to 200 wpc) into 4 Ohms.

The 505u is rated at 100 wpc into 8 Ohms, and 140 wpc into 4 Ohms.

These amps differ in the size of their power supplies, capacitance, and other elecronic differences that I do not understand.

The 507u sits somewhere in between the 509u and the 505u, which suggests that integrated amps are important in the Japanese market, and the 507u is probably filling a gap to compete with other manufacturers at that particular price/performance point.

Regards,

Mark
jbsl43
13 posts
 
When I bought my Luxman L-505f back at the begining of 2004 I almost got the L-507f but just out of my price range.

For the money the L-505f was a great int amp and if I had the money I would go ahead and get the L-505u. I had to sell the L-505f so now I may just keep everything I got and save for the next two years and see what else Luxman may come up with.

One of the things I liked about the L-505f was I used the preamp with a tube amp I had or use a tube preamp with the 505f amp section or just used it as a int amp.

Also the tone controls were outstanding!! They could not make a bad recording perfect but I have too many bad recordings and the tone controls allowed me to adjust the treble and bass just enough to make the bad recordings much more bearable. As always this is my opinion of equipment I have had in my system.
renjy651
73 posts
 
There is no comparison between the Luxman L509U and the L505U. The L509U is the best sounding integrated amp I have EVER heard. The reason for this is that the L509U and the L590 and cd-player D 08 and DU 80 use gold-plated circuitry. In the late 80's when I was working as an electronic tech in a military-defense company where computers for submarines were manufactured, we used thick-film ceramic substrates printed with gold-plated circuitry and seperated by dielectric materials. This same process is used by Luxman. No one else in the industry is using this ultimate standard. This same optimum standard is used only in the manufacturing of military and cardiac pacemaker products. This same process is also proven in research to enhance sound quality, and minimize vibration and radiation - making Luxman second-to-none. So my advice, based on experience, is the L509U simply can not be beaten by any rival. Of course, this is why it costs $10K. When I inspected my Luxman 505U, I discovered that the parts are all custom-made Japanese-produced parts. The 509U and the DU 80 or D 08 cd-player is the ultimate system on the planet. This is my personal opinion. Thanks.
paulyh
8 posts
 
I have bought a 507u directly from japan, along with a step down transformer from kashimura. I have not received them yet, because I was not at home when the delivery man came yesterday and today. Unfortunately I can not get them sooner then monday the 28th, because of the christmas days.

But when I have them I will certainly let you know how this amplifier in combination with the transformer sounds. I can compare this sound to my previous accuphase e408 and a l505u that I had for 2 months.

I will tell you my experiences in a few weeks. And as for the 509u..........i have not heard this one, but from reviews I completely agree with renjy651
toronto416
133 posts
 
Choosing between the two top Luxman integrateds (590Aii and 509u) is not easy. They both cost about the same (10K), but one is 30 wpc pure class A (590Aii) and the the other 120 wpc class AB (509u).

Though I have seen more positive comments about the 590Aii and the purported sonic superiority of pure calss A amps, has anyone actually compared them? Are they really that different?

If you had a choice, which one would you buy?

Regards,

Mark
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