I think the Leben CS600 is a worthy piece -- but that gets me into a separate phone stage in my starting setup -- still not sure I'm quite ready to go there... I know the "looks" are not the "sound', but I the retro look matters a bit to me for my starting project.. Already I may end with a mapleshade stand "industrial" looking to sit the TT and amp etc upon..
so far the acutal listening is been with "tubes" -- I going now to listen some more -- and they will swap in some SS amps
I just cannot really find a place yet to actually "hear" a luxman or leben even when I move -- I find nothing drivable within a day...
although it would be a secondary project -- I may well get a set of the smaller Harbeths or Audio Notes to listen to in the bed room setup -- maybe run from the same integrated amp in some way -- "b" speakers or via the pre out to a small amp with speaker -- again it would be a potential secondary project after the primary is done depending on what I-AMP I end up with... |
steventoney, you're welcome to come hear mine. Still a long drive, I'm another 1½ hours past Portland. Nothing fancy, and not an ideal room, but would probably still give you an idea.
L.
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builder3 -- thanks
I may do that once I get a place and settle a bit - combine with trip west to visit some shops and listem more. This is about your Luxman 590AX?
what speakers do you use with it?
I'm still not opposed to used - keeping eye on the website, but I do need to move and get a place first.. |
Yes, an L-590AX, which is the version prior to the newest model. My speakers are the Paradigm S6’s, which are now discontinued.
One thing that I think I mentioned earlier, the 590 isn’t low-powered. Luxman’s literature is misleading, the amp is rated at 30W/channel into 8 ohms, but it actually switches from Class A at that point, and puts out around 90W/channel. Power isn’t really a concern.
If you get to Portland, one shop worth stopping at is Echo Audio. Nice gear and great people.
L.
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builder3 - others
Are there any real differences -- improvements or problems of the newer 590AXII versus the older 590AX? what did they change that makes the new one most or less desirable?
Another question -- if I decide to try a tube amp -- say a Leben CS600 or a Line Magnetic 518A or other with a model of devore speakers -- BTW they are showing a new speaker this week - Gibbon Super Nine -- what are some suggestions for a phono stage between 500-1500 dollars -- if I end with a I-AMP without a phono stage
I’m still leaning to the Luxman -- but before buying -- I’m still learning and will try to get to some other places to listen directly and hear..
thanks |
steventoney, I can't tell you what changes were made between the AX and the AXII. I have read that the L-590AX incorporates a larger power supply over the earlier model, which was maybe the L-590AII. I've never seen an L-590axII for sale on the secondary market, I think they're only about a year old. My amp is identical to the one that's currently listed here on Audiogon for $5200. Even though they show the paperwork showing that it was purchased very recently, the newer version was also available at that time. The few places that show them for sale often have both, with no discount for the earlier model. Well, after I rambled a bit, I looked around and found this link from 'A Higher Note', which used to be the US distributor. The differences in the newest version are noted in the description. https://onahighernote.com/shop/integrated-amps/luxman-l-590ax-pure-class-a-ii-integrated-amp/Here's the page from the same website describing the earlier L-590ax. https://onahighernote.com/shop/integrated-amps/l-590ax-2/There you have it. Take care, L. |
Here's my advice.....if you already have a system that plays CD's do that. All the music you want to listen to is on CD. Hire a teacher and take violin, flute, sax etc. lessons. When you know how music works, you'll appreciate those CD's even more. When I was doing my advanced degrees in music, I was shocked that so many of my profs. had low quality (in audiophile terms) little systems. Go to live concerts, Keep busy in your retirement.
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I plan to keep busy -- this project is just one of things I willspend time at.. I’ll not be doing music lessons - but I got a laugh from that ;-)
please don’t spoil my fun -- LOL |
build.... thanks for the links..
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glad to help, plus, I learned something myself.
One thing that hasn't come up - this thing is heavy. It's 62#. A rack with an MDF shelf isn't going to cut it. Hell, the shipping box weighs more than some amps, it's 3 layers of very heavy cardboard, and is 20# alone.......
L.
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I think, all the equipment that you consider will give you a good sound. Whether you go with tubes or solid state is a dilemma, hard to decide when you can't compare side by side. If you need a stand alone phono stage, as a general recommendation I suggest tube phono with both tube and solid state integrated. Should be electrically and musically matched, of course. You don't want to save $1k on a phono stage, believe me, or your vinyl endeavour will fail. Phono stage is very very important. Though not familiar with it, it gets an excellent rating here among some members - Allnic 1201, the least expensive Allnic. You can get it from Albert Porter, a member and dealer, for about $2.7 new. Since you like Audio Note/DeVore sound this should be an excellent choice. There is also Manley Chinook for $2.4k new. It is different.
Another point. Good sound doesn't start with the equipment, it starts with the wall current. When you rent an appartment you will see that the current is very dirty and possibly the voltage is very unstable. I live in an apartment too, and without my PS Audio Power Plant Premier regenerator the system is unlistenable most of the time. There are now P5 and P10 regenerators that you might want to consider. The retail price is relatively high but you can get them for less. |
Also, to a degree the regenerator will work as a motor controller for your turntable motor. |
By the way, 62 pounds is not a problem for good MDF. Salamander is rated at 125 pounds per shelf, I think. |
I have a salamander synergy setup for my HT setup.. I’m looking at mapleshade for a stand and vibration platform on top for this project |
I have a 50 lb. integrated on a Salamander shelf for over ten years. No problems here. |
Depends on the configuration, I guess. I don't generally use the words "good" and "MDF" in the same sentence. It's basically glorified cardboard, although I'm sure it has uses.
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there are cheap MDF and not so cheap MDF or engineered products - some of latter are far from cardboard... but a great deal of stands sold are pretty cheap card board like products
The salamander shelves are quite strong -- the triple wide - single high I use for main HT has 110lbs of plasma TV on top now - previous TV was another plasma that was 150lbs -- one of the 5 shelves I use in the setup carries a 60lbs plus 2200 VA sinewave UPS
but I’ll be doing a much stronger Mapleshade stand for the TT - AMP setup for the new project -- It is like the salamander archetype style only much more robust and they have a nice isolation platform I can use on top for the TT
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inna
thanks for the input -- I'll keep learning -- you have very expensive taste.... I may get there over time in some upgrade -- but want a moderate start for new first steps back in this world.. partly why I'm leaning to a integrate with a ok phone stage to start -- and learn - audition separate stages later -- if I wish to try other cartridge -- tonearms TT beyond the clearaudio I starting with
I have been looking at power cable - interconnects - speaker wire for a "balanced" start in that area for some "good" - 'ok" cable -- again this is an areas -- I can upgrade and try new things over time to see if I can tell a difference from A and B choices
the power conditioner piece is another learning area -- I have started reading about
thanks all for input -- moving van comes tomorrow -- I should be on the road to Spokane by Thursday
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I know what MDF is, I've used miles of it. The material itself doesn't vary to any great degree. Like everything, it has it's pros and cons. If the supports are adequately designed, it's fine. Presumably with a high quality rack, this should be the case. With many items, it's just the opposite.
L.
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For your cabling, you might want to take a look at DH Labs.
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anyone hear the devore gibbon super nine that debuts at the RMAF this week per tjeir website?? if so thoughts...............compared to gibbon x - the O/93 - O96 |
@steventoney
Was hoping myself for some others to comment on the Super Nine vs. the Gibbon X. |
Steven, I might have an expensive taste but I don't have a lot of funds and do my best not to waist them. But sometimes you just have to pay the price or not buy right now and wait. Here is Audio Note integrated with phono. I know nothing about it but perhaps somebody does. If you choose Audio Note speakers and want to try tubes this may be one of the possibilities. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-signature-2017-09-21-integrateds |
inna - thanks - I appreciate what you and others say -- so it all helps with learning and final choices
the AN - OTO is indeed a nice SET amp -- would go well with AN speakers as you note -- it would need well chosen speakers to go with it's 10 watts -- it too has a great phone stage
again -- all thanks for input and discuss -- it is moving van day and it is raining for the first day in weeks here in northern VA
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As for a solid base I have used a 4-foot piece of cement sewer pipe stood on end as a base, painted it white which has no aual effect but considerable visual.
It will hold your turntable stable in space and time.
Barry Thornton |
