McIntosh to Luxman?

As a current owner of McIntosh MX160 and MC8207 and former owner of a pair MC1.25kw mono blocks the answer for me is go with the Luxman.  Two years ago I decided to "see what else was out there" and demoed several amps from various manufacturer's.  I demoed Luxman, Audio Research,  Boulder and a few others.  Without a doubt the Luxman was significantly more musical and provided much more depth and detail than the McIntosh. You could hear music on the Luxman, in terms of detail, that you do not hear with the McIntosh. Research Ohms law and it will help provide more guidance about how the Luxman operates versus the McIntosh.  Because the Luxman goes lower in Ohms, especially with electrostats, you will be amazed at your improved soundstage and overall tonality.  Another thing because of how the Luxman is built you don't need as much watts per channel to drive the speakers.  At the time I had Martin Logan ESL15 electrostats and the Luxman combo "blew away" my Mac/Martin Logan combo in every way.  So, my vote is for the Luxman and don't look back.

Let us know what you decide to do.

This is their latest and best the 507Z  my friend bought  one and got a very fair deal 

from Perrotta Consultants  ,these new models have a better layout and sound even better weighs around56 pounds ,very well done ,retail $9500 but he got a nice deal.

I think he got the very good AQ Thunder power cord with it which retail  is over $1k together for under the retail price, if you needed a new top power cord.

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/49344/

I would try the Luxman, I bet you will keep it.

Return shipping Cost: it’s no loss, if you keep it, you have to send them the McIntosh. Keep the McIntosh, return the Luxman, Soooo it isn’t any more cost to try it.

I’ve got a Luxman, 10 wpc tube amp in my Office System. My 1st and only Luxman. Except for price, I wholeheartedly recommend it, and, over time, you forget the price. You are simply not aware of it, just the wonderful involving music.

It has built in MM/MC Phono, I’m using it’s MM with my AT440ml MM cartridge, also quite happy with that part of it. Just to say, I’m happy with all aspects of my Luxman.

https://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=33

https://www.stereophile.com/content/luxman-sq-n150-integrated-amplifier

Now playing my restored AR-2ax, sensitivity 91.5.

https://stereonomono.blogspot.com/2014/05/acoustic-research-ar-2ax.html

Previously played the least efficient 87db speakers I own, Wharfedale Diamond 225.

https://www.wharfedale.co.uk/diamond-225/

As reviewers say, it seems to have plenty of reserve power, yes it does, it drove the inefficient Wharfedale’s with more volume than I want/need. Perhaps ’extra power’ is true of the Luxman you are considering, I suspect so.

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I had McIntosh Mc2250 SS 250 wpc in main system when I was using my JSE Infinite Slope Model II’s, 4 way sensitivity 90db. I played with more volume in that larger space, and my current at the time 30 wpc tube amps seemed underpowered. I have to agree, it was more like a muscle car, impressive, yet not as invisibly involving.

I went back to highly efficient horns/15" woofer and switched back to tubes, sold the MC2250, don’t miss it one bit.

IF the Luxman had 16 ohm taps, like my Cayin A88T does (22 or 45 wpc) I am sure the Luxman could drive my main system wonderfully. Cayin is also invisibly involving, which is simply magic when that quality exists.

Again, everyone, thanks for your feedback.  It's much appreciated.   

@caphill ...yeah, a new streamer would be next on my list. I guess at the moment,  I'm smitten with the Luxman amp. 

@woots ...thanks for the recommendation 

@audioman58...super cool integrated, and if I had an extra $6k laying around, I'd probably go that route.  I forgot to mention in my post, I want to stay in the $2k-$3k range, out-of-pocket.  Trading in my hybrid McIntosh gets me there. 

@soix...I like your attitude.  Just go for it!   

I'll keep you all updated.  Have a great day!  ~ Jerry 

I did the switch and even a side-by-side comparaison and Luxman was my favorite no questions asked

The Mac: C712 + MC7100

The Luxman: L-509X

The Mac was from the 90's so not a fair comparaison, but there were separate.

The Lux is much more detailled with a wide soudnstage. The voices were crisp and so clear, you can almost smell the breath of the signer!

The Mac has slighly more bass, but not as clean as the Lux. Th overall sound was warmer.

In the end, it is very different sound and it's a matter of personal preferences. And not all Max/Lux sound the same.