I have owned the 509u integrated for a few years, purchased used for $4,000. I really love the neutral sound with a nice bump in bass. Mine is rated at 120 wpc but read somewhere it tests at 168 wpc, very conservatively rated and is dead quite. I like the features on mine, tone/balance control, mono, class A headphone jack, style (I have the VU meters), great phono (MM/MC) and multiple inputs with XLR.
The best thing I like is the 'separate' function button for external functionality. At first, I used this for an external tube buffer (i tube2), great results. Press the button and it runs via the buffer, press again and it bypasses the eternal component. Then I swapped the tube buffer with minidsp DDRC24 with Dirac Room correction (2.2), this was the game changer. I can room correct for 2 floor speakers (ESS AMT 1b) and it crosses over with 2 subwoofers (I think it adjusts the phase on each too). I don't think most integrated amps have this feature?
Look at the prices for used quality Luxman units (not when they were on the cheap in 80's). They hold their value very well, similar to the used price of a Honda Accord. To me, that says a lot. They have great Japanese build quality and people hold onto them, I know I will. I have a McCormack DNA 0.5 gold power amp in my other listening area and I love it too (much less expensive used). I have a hum in the DNA and need it fixed but I am willing to bet my Luxman will never need service.
The best thing I like is the 'separate' function button for external functionality. At first, I used this for an external tube buffer (i tube2), great results. Press the button and it runs via the buffer, press again and it bypasses the eternal component. Then I swapped the tube buffer with minidsp DDRC24 with Dirac Room correction (2.2), this was the game changer. I can room correct for 2 floor speakers (ESS AMT 1b) and it crosses over with 2 subwoofers (I think it adjusts the phase on each too). I don't think most integrated amps have this feature?
Look at the prices for used quality Luxman units (not when they were on the cheap in 80's). They hold their value very well, similar to the used price of a Honda Accord. To me, that says a lot. They have great Japanese build quality and people hold onto them, I know I will. I have a McCormack DNA 0.5 gold power amp in my other listening area and I love it too (much less expensive used). I have a hum in the DNA and need it fixed but I am willing to bet my Luxman will never need service.