2. amps-preamps
  3. 1253333734

Luxman L505u . . . why not?

I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on one of these--an upgrade from my Rotel receiver. Before I do, I'd like some perspective from the learned A'gon community. First, will it be a significant upgrade from the Rotel? What kind of sonic improvements can I expect? Second, why shouldn't I buy from Audiocubes II? http://www.audiocubes2.com/brand/Luxman/product/Luxman_L-505u_Integrated_Amplifier.html
I know On a Higher Note is the official U.S. distributer, but my budget pushes me towards the less expensive purchase option. Third, regardless of where I purchase it from, it will need a transformer to boost the power to 220. I don't know anything about the possible effects this might have on sound and performance of the component--can anybody speak to this? Is it possible to have the piece modified to accept the U.S. 110 current? I want the piece because it meets my requirements for an integrated: it's at least 100W, it has speaker A/B (I've got speakers in the kitchen and the main living room), it's got a great phono section (I play 50% records, 50% CDs), and it's got a headphone amp. Those are the features I want in an integrated. Any advice, suggestions, dissuasions will be appreciated.

Danny
rosedanny
rgs92
974 posts
 
Has anyone with the Luxman integrated amps tried the feature that lets you use it simply as a power amp, using your own preamp?

I have a nice tubed preamp and think that's a nice feature, as for just another pair of interconnects, I can choose between my own tubed preamp path and the Luxman on its own just by flipping a switch.
The best of both worlds. (Good for the terminally undecided like me, and the feeling that I can tailor the Luxman's sound by tube rolling.)
renjy651
74 posts
 
Rgs92

Yes the Luxman 505u will work great with Sonus Faber. http//audioaficionado.org/sonus-faber/6495-sonus-faber-luxman.html

I use to own both Luxman L505u and Luxman L507u. Luxman 505u has a very good premap. I was running a Levinson 331 amp with Luxman L505u preamp out with great results.
rgs92
974 posts
 
Thank Renjy-- I'm going to try out the 507u.
olp88
19 posts
 
Hey Deaf in left eye, I beg to differ about Luxmans rep being ruined by Alpine after 1984. If i am not mistaken, the great M-05 105 watt per channel class A amp was made from 1984 to 1988. In fact, there is a professional reviewer who posts and says it is one of the best amplifiers he ever heard. I agree. I have one with a set of infinity Rennaisance 90s and an Ear 864 pre. It is quite outstanding in all respects.
nagoya
10 posts
 
In Japan, the Luxman 505uX has just been released. I'm not sure what the difference is between this and the plain L-505u, however. Thanks!
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