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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
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
Chas

A friend told me that the 38 is now for sale on musicdirect.com. Don't know them as a retailer, but they are showing both the amp and CD player. They also show my N100 combo. It is roughly 35 to 40% higher than what I paid in Japan.
byegolly
140 posts
 
..and the calliope plays as the merry-go-round turns round and round.
nolitan
865 posts
 
has anyone heard both the 505u and the 550A (20w class A) ?
is the 550A just as powerful as the 505 U?
I'm thinking of trying the Luxman route with my harbeths.
thanks for the inputs.
jabas's avatar
jabas
15 posts
 
I've heard both the 505u and the 550IIa on Harbeths. I went through lots of amps, seperates and integrateds ... I own Hl5s, and I liked the 550a best, for all music... It had to do with the detail and clarity and that illusion of speed with class A. The 550 is more upfront ... and has no problem driving the Hl5s on even deep soul and heavy rock 'n' roll. The 505u is really something, tho. It's down to personal preference. I've heard the 505u amp hold its own against big mono-blocked rogues driving Harbeth 40.1s, which the 550 couldn't handle.
nolitan
865 posts
 
Jabas

Yes, thanks for the reply.
I do plan to use the 550A for the SHL5s which i also have.

Great! Looks like its a good match with the SHL5s.

Noli
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