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McIntosh to Luxman?

Hey everybody. I need some advice.  It's fair to say I've lusted over Luxman equipment for a few years now.  Something about Japanese hifi that just gets me. Anyway, one of the online retailers of new and used equipment has a Luxman L-507uX (not the mark ii) for sale.  I do really like the sound from my hybrid MA252 integrated, and it drives my Maggie 1.7s with ease.  Most of my listening is of the streaming variety (Bludesound Node/Qobuz), and some vinyl (Music Hall MMF-5). 

Here's my question: what will the Luxman bring me that the McIntosh isn't providing?   More refinement?  More authoritative bass? Better soundstaging?  If the answer is yes, then I may pull the trigger on the Luxman.  By the way, I can get a nice trade-in on my McIntosh, so my out-of-pocket won't be too bad.    Please weigh-in if you've had both McIntosh and Luxman gear and what your experience with both brands has been.   Thanks in advance!   ~ Jerry

jrod68
decathlon1991
220 posts
 

@Bjeslen 

I agree with your assessment about the Class A Luxman amplifier.  They sound pretty good to me as well.  I also like the Accuphase Monoblock amplifiers particularly the M-2000! To me the best McIntosh Monoblock amplifier I have ever used in my system was the MC2301.  Especially if you upgrade the tubes.  Gosh, I’ve owned so many types of equipment. In one year, in the past I probably gone through 9-10 different Monoblock amplifiers.  My favorite recently have been the legendary old school fully restored Krell Pure Fixed Class A KRS200 Monoblock Amplifiers as well as Boulder 3050 Monoblock. Jeff Rowland Model 7, Model 12, Model 925, and even Gryphon Mephisto Solo Monoblock.  The journey never ends.

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

new luxman exclusive ss class a units are no more i think (correct me if i am wrong)

so you would need to buy a powerful class ab unit with hopefully high biasing to get first 10-15% in class a

bjesien
1,311 posts
 

@jjss49 all the lower powered Luxman units are spec’d class A but go to 95 to 150 plus in A/B. At least the little integrated amps they sold.

I know for a while they did the yellow and blue meters. Are any of the blue meters class A?

soix
9,593 posts
 

I’d rather read Absolute Sound or Stereophile magazine. They are more on my level and now I truly understand why I never bought Soundstage! Hey Soundstage! If you’re reading, you now know why you weren’t the number one Audio magazine company!

@decathlon1991 Once again you show your utter ignorance. Soundstage! is the #1 online audio review site and you don’t “buy” it as it’s free. How absolutely clueless can you possibly be?

By the way, no one asked you to volunteer information about your past history or f employment! No one cares!!!

Yet you felt the need to let us know about your “all-knowing” experience “volunteering” for a college radio station. Really??? I can cite several of my published reviews of various high-end audio components. What exactly qualifies you as an “expert” volunteering for a college radio station? Get real dude. You’re clearly out of your depth here.

Once again, I’ve revealed all of your unfounded and ignorant statements as complete bunk, and you’ve got nuthin’.  Keep going and I’ll just keep debunking your uninformed assertions and keep exposing your ignorance.

bjesien
1,311 posts
 

@decathalon1991 I love the accuphase gear. I think Luxman specs in a similar way. Would you agree? 

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