Finding a Power Amplifier for Luxman C-900U

@ghdprentice 100% agree with your assessment of the M900u;

Had that amp with the C900u, on numerous occasions over the years with Dynaudio Confidence 30, Focal Sopra No2, Dynaudio Confidence 50. Bass was constipated and dry in all cases and in different rooms. Excellent detail and soundstage but my Pass Labs XA30.5 actually sounded way more engaging and enjoyable. Could have been poor speaker synergy, not sure;

Had a Pass X350.8 with the bigger Dyns and it was excellent.

I would highly recommended a Pass Labs X250.8 with Magico A3; You might also want to consider Coda; I think the Pass labs bass and midband is richer and warmer than Simaudio and have a suspicion the Moon amps will be a touch thin with the sealed magico.

You are welcome @ darknight8586. Check out Terry London's review.

SPL Performer s1200 stereo amplifier by Terry London (stereotimes.com)

Also, I think that having a background in professional audio is a plus when branching out to home audio. The experience and technology gained in producing robust equipment with less noise to stand up to professional use can be transferred to home audio.

Hi @grk, I know that S1200 was released after the M1000, but don't know about the improvement. And thank for you clarification about the fan.

Hi @darkknight8586 

I'm not sure why you are concerned about fan noise? I only hear it for the first few seconds (to blow dust off the electronics) when the amp is turned on. After that no fan noise!  Why would that be a problem? I suppose it could turn on during  loud listening sessions powering inefficient speakers, but the db level of the music would be so high as to drown any fan noise. My S1200 never even gets warm when played for hours. Of course, I don't music at head banging levels. :  )

Also, the S1200 is supposed to sound better than the monos. 

Hi @audiotroy well I’m very considering the AW180 right now, I can purchase it under $5000 in my place. For the spec, they are super with the capable of driving any hard speaker down to 1 ohm. But in real life, the monoblock is pretty small with that power, so could you share with me some inside about it? Is it worth to bring to EC AW180 to my component. 

Hi @grk I have a great deal of used SPL M1000, but my concern with them is that they are relative new in hi-fi world (famous in studio) and the FAN 😂

Electros are fabulous go get rhose 180

My understanding is Magico has use Luxman in several of their high-end audio show set ups, as the two are reputed to make magic together (pun intended).  So I would also suggest trying the m900u.  I currently use the c900u with a pair of m900u (in monoblock) driving Tannoy Legacy Argen, to very nice results.  

Personally I would go with the Pass XA.60.5. It is a very warm and natural sounding amp. With Magico and a Luxman preamp you are headed in a very detailed and maybe too analytical direction. To keep the music in the system, I would recommend the Pass XA.

I have heard the Luxman M-900U… wow… that is not musical in any way, lots of detail and sterile bass. Not a good combination.

The natural pair for C900U would be the M900U especially if you can find one for $6000. 
 

I used a C-900u with a SPL Performer S1200 driving DeVore Super 9 speakers and they paired very nicely! It's well within your budget, especially now that they have a new distribution system.

It also paired well with a Sugden FBA-800 amp.

The M900u is the matching amp for it.  The synergy was created for it.

I would pair that luxman preamp with the luxman m900u amplifier. Magico speakers love power and sound somewhat warm, if not a bit dark. Luxman amp would be a good match.
If you want Pass amps, the X250.8 would do the trick. The Pass XA60.5 are Class A and are warm sounding which may be too much of a good thing with the already warm sounding Magico A3, but would be very nice with the Focals. Also, at that level I’d be pairing same brand preamp and amp(s).

Another good option for the A3 is the Simaudio Moon 760a. It also runs much cooler than the Pass amps. 

Decide what speakers you will be using before you make your power amp decision.

https://www.sugdenaudio.com/spa-4-stereo-power-amplifier

Used should be around your price and yes Class A is very nice.

Have anyone try the Electrocompaniet AW180? I have a chance to purchase it around $4000

Seems that a Luxman would be a logical choice.

Nice system.  I had the A3s with the Luxman C900/M900 combo.  I had also tried these speakers with Primaluna monoblocks running 150 w/ch as well as a Rowland Continuum 2 (class D amplifier).  The Primaluna did not drive these speakers to my satisfaction, it was sort of limp, not a great transient response.  The Rowland was a bit boring, good detail but not great overall.  The Luxman was really good, but I never felt like I was getting the best out of the speakers.  I had a well damped room (probably too much so) that may have been part of the problem.  The highs of the Magico always seemed a bit muted.  My dealer recommended best amps for these speakers either Diavalet or Gryphon.  Depending on your room, you may want an amp with more Jump factor - like the Moon.  I would recommend contacting Mike at Sun Coast audio, they have a lot of experience with Luxman and Magico, explain what kind of sound you are looking for.  They are not my dealer but have always been helpful when I have asked for info.  Good luck!