Luxman tonality

@builder3 - hope you are doing well.  Still loving the L-590AX?

Compared to 509, the 590AXII tilts towards warm, but only by a smidgen. After living with it for a few months now, I would say the 590AXII is fairly neutral with just a hint of warmth. And as Eric said, the extension on both ends is really amazing.

I would agree with this post by Arafiq. Similarly I find the L-590AXII to sound very close to neutral, leaning slightly toward warmth. I have owned many amps in the past which include some costlier pre/power combinations and the Luxman L-590AXII is the first high quality integrated which I can live with for life. It may not be a Vitus, Gryphon or other uber-amps costing up to $30,000 but the quality really shows.

The Luxman L-590AXII sounds smooth, warm and natural whilst displaying good detail and a refined and nuanced delivery. The treble is smooth, detailed and illuminating without sounding bright or etched while the bass is very satisfying, showing good definition and detail. Basically a balanced reproduction across the frequency spectrum. I don't have experience with the L-509X but looking at your response I feel the L-590AXII Class A will better fit my Marten Duke 2 and listening preferences.

I’m not so sure that the top luxman integrated amps aren’t in the league of the more expensive brands mentioned. a blind listening test would prove very interesting IMO. Forget the prices and just listen. 

@4425

I’ve had a chance to listen to Luxman side by side with D’Agostino separates. These two are so much in the same sound family of sound quality.

However, no matter how much I like them there will be those who are going to be happier with something else. I think surveying Ayre and Pass along with Luxman will help clarify your tastes and needs.

For me personally, I really like Ayre, but it is not at all the same sound. If I had a chance of buying Ayre or Luxman’s best I’d be really torn. There are also a sizeable number of people who once they hear Pass cannot be separated from it. 

The good news is this:  No matter what I personally like I am 100% sure if you listen to these three you'll come up with your own winner.

well i lied. i think that the agostino progression integrated has the best mids that i’ve heard in an amp to include an ARC tube amp. however i need luxman’s treble control due to some high frequency hearing loss. yes i’d rather have the dag with a treble control but it’s not in the cards. 
i’m happy with my 509 and it’s about 1/2 the price.