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
Hi...Has anyone compared the Lux L505 with the Rogue Audio Cronus which has similar features. Very nice thread btw.
Is the Luxman 505u a good match for Sonus Faber speakers (like Cremona Auditors)? I prefer a little warmth for my popular music.
Has anyone with the Luxman integrated amps tried the feature that lets you use it simply as a power amp, using your own preamp?

I have a nice tubed preamp and think that's a nice feature, as for just another pair of interconnects, I can choose between my own tubed preamp path and the Luxman on its own just by flipping a switch.
The best of both worlds. (Good for the terminally undecided like me, and the feeling that I can tailor the Luxman's sound by tube rolling.)
Rgs92

Yes the Luxman 505u will work great with Sonus Faber. http//audioaficionado.org/sonus-faber/6495-sonus-faber-luxman.html

I use to own both Luxman L505u and Luxman L507u. Luxman 505u has a very good premap. I was running a Levinson 331 amp with Luxman L505u preamp out with great results.