Luxman L-509x for B&W 803 D3

Thanks @erik_squires  this is very helpful!

The Luxman 900u you mention is a logical upgrade, but that would require me to also buy a preamp, which means a lot of money. I can use my DAC (MSB Discrete) to drive an amp directly (with no preamp), as I don't have analog stuff, but when I had separates in the past, I always preferred the preamp in the chain after the DAC.

@thyname What erik_squires described on a technical basis was what the dealer also told me was the reason the m900u sounded so much better.

I am set on buying the m900u and I am trending towards not getting the Luxman c900u that almost all m900u owners use. I am going to first test out a Benchmark LA4 preamp ($2500) with the m900u (30 day home trial).

Another option I was considering with a m900u was using the Simaudio 390 ($5300). It is a streamer, dac, and preamp. It is supposed to sound great.

I may even end up buying the 509X if I need to save some cash. I do not require a lot of power for this system. I bet you would be happy with the 509X if you did not visit A’Gon too often. You know having guys like me saying something else is so much better.

Thanks @yyzsantabarbara  good advice. I do realize that I need to stop looking at stuff. You are right

@thyname  You are looking to @yyzsantabarbara  for advice on "I need to stop looking at stuff" ???  😊

@david_ten  When I am a voice of reason then that is not too comforting.

However, in my defense I do not have a good system yet, my KEF LS50 + Peachtree Nova 150 is a bedroom system. I am here weaving, bobbing, and talking the audio jive so I can buy a good system and be done with. I think I have 600 posts this year alone and 200 posts in the past 19 years (I had a different account name way back). Guilty as charged.