Adding tube sound to my SS system

If you’re using the loudness feature on the Luxman 100% of the time then that’s an issue IMO, and I doubt the ESS DAC in the Lumin is doing you any favors either.  In fact, I’d suggest doing a trial of the new LTA Aero DAC as that could potentially be transformative on its own, and their trial option makes it easy.  Past that, maybe a hybrid integrated like a Unison Research Unico would be a good option as it’ll likely put more flesh on the bone musically, and you can roll input tubes to tailor the sound to your liking.  Just a couple ideas FWIW, and best of luck. 

I like the idea of the LTA Aero DAC a lot, but the no digital volume control through Roon or Tidal via my iPhone is a deal breaker for me. I know digital volume control isn’t ideal, but supposedly the Leedh on the LUMIN is pretty solid. 

I find the topic very interesting . Myself grew up on vacuum tube amps and was not until the 80s where SS amps started to sound respectable ,for most had great detail but on the cold side . Also one always are or where in the mindset that you need a 80lb amplifier Huge transformer and 100s thousands of UF capacitance .

I have had a big Coda amp , Now I have on trial a small  GanFet amplifier,

or monoblocks  with totally proprietary custom made modules, and also a unique power supply ,instead of a Big LPS power supply and many inductors and loaded with capacitance to keep up with the power supply ,this PS automatically adjusts  with frequency response at a faster rate and much smaller ,think of a stun gun ,it maybe small but packs a heck of a punch .I am giving them 2 weeks of runin time to complement  one of my New dacs . Now the Mrs is starting to except the concept I can now get some new Audio toys !!

I have migrated slowly over the decades to all tubes. Seduced one component at a time. I now have all Audio Research equipment. I find Luxman to be overly trebly with a bit of a bass kick and very lean midrange. The missing midrange takes away the rhythm and pace… the seductive musical part while delivering imaging and transparency.

I find Audio Research gives the musical natural midrange and the detailed / transparency. Listen to an Audio Research I-50. I instantly fall into the music listening to the I-50. Your speakers are efficient enough (90) to be well powered by the 50. Tubes sound much more powerful than solid state. Even if you choose to go up on the ARC line up the I-50 will give you a taste.

If you choose to go one component at a time do preamp first then amp. 

https://tmraudio.com/components/preamplifiers/modwright-analog-bridge-tube-buffer/