2. amps-preamps
  3. 169722-15290

Sugden/Allnic or Luxman L-509X?

I’m at an interesting crossroads in my audio upgrade path, and would love some forum feedback.

I currently have a Sugden ANV-50 integrated at the heart of my system. Analog source is MoFi UltraDeck +M fed through a Lounge Audio LCR III (Gold+ upgrade) with LPS upgrade, via Morrow Audio PH6/MA6 cables. Digital source is Black Ice Audio Glass FX II DSD DAC upgraded with NOS Mullard CV4004 tubes, fed from Roon ROCK, and cables are Morrow Audio MA6. Speakers are LSA-10 Statement monitors augmented by an SVS SB-3000 sub.

I would call my system mid-fi, and I’m relatively happy with its current performance. Digital playback always seems to get the upper hand over the analog lately, so I’m taking a hard look at upgrading the phono pre amp.

The issue is that I’ve pretty much talked myself into the new Allnic H-5500 (which I know is superb) to replace the Lounge LCR, but for that price I could probably upgrade to the Luxman L-509X and replace both the Sugden and the Lounge…

I think the Allnic would be a HUGE step forward in analog playback, but I wonder if the rest of my current system would be able to resolve all of that. The Allnic would also be a truly end state phone pre for me. An heirloom that would be passed to my kids someday. The Luxman would most likely be the same, an end state integrated that I would pass on to the next generation.

If I go the Allnic path, I won’t be in a position to upgrade my Sugden for years. So I’m wondering if perhaps it’s better to tackle both the integrated and phono in one shot. The cost of the Allnic plus trade in or resale on my Sugden and Lounge Audio would get me where I need to be on the Luxman.

I know the Luxman has a great phono stage, but I doubt it’s up to the performance level of the Allnic. I will also eventually upgrade to a Soundsmith or Hana MC cart when the MoFi MasterTracker is done, but I’ll stay with the UltraDeck for a while. Am I trying to go too high end for my phono pre, where the Luxman may provide a more noticeable sound upgrade?

These are good problems to have, but I’m stuck square in the middle, and would appreciate any feedback from Sugden, Allnic, or Luxman users.

EDIT: I should add that if I do go the Allnic route right now, I definitely intend to upgrade my integrated at some point. Probably not to the Allnic level ($$$!), but something like a Line Magnetic, Luxman, Accuphase, possibly Sugden IA-4. That’s about a 2-3 yr timeframe.
jonstine
jet88
62 posts
 
Hi, I have the Luxman L509X and it is a wonderful amp. That said, the Allnic dedicated phono amp will certainly be superior to the built in one on the Luxman.

Regarding why the digital sounds better is because it IS better. We aren't using 1980s cold, flat digital anymore. There's no comparison to modern digital with quality gear for most people. Pure music, all the dynamic range, and no hiss, pop, and crackle. Not too say Vinyl is bad... It's more a different sound that some people enjoy enough to take on the extra gear and work to listen too. But it is inferior ;-)
sandthemall
544 posts
 
I think you are correct about your rig being mid-fi.  My rig is certainly not hi-end by any measure either...but definitely hi-fi.

Digital is difficult to screw up...so 9 times outta 10, it's going to sound great off the bat. But analogue (LP) needs careful matching and a more consideration in set up.

Thet said, I have a very good 32-bit dual differential DAC and it gets trounced by my Technics 1200G with a modest $500 micro line cartridge running through a modest $1200 phono preamp with outboard power supply.

My digital systems sounds great...no pops and hiss. But it's digital...so by nature, there's music information missing. This is why, although my digital sounds great, it never sounds 'spooky' great. If you have a good set up (with a good room) and very good ears, this is not a debate.

If you're up for it, look to upgrade your phono preamp and TT and cart. Look at the Don Sachs phono stage. 

I think digital will eventually win...but it's simply not there yet. 



jonstine OP
15 posts
 
jet88, that’s precisely why I went the Allnic route. Several folks were casting critical glances at every component BUT my phono pre, but I know how great a high quality digital source sounds through my system.

I figured why not feed it a better analog signal, which should bump the quality up. I’m already considering a LOMC to replace the MasterTracker MM cart. Better cart, better phono pre, better vinyl playback, in theory.

I’ll start a different thread re: possible cartridge upgrades once I’ve received the Allnic and gotten familiar with its sound combined with the MusicTracker. Possible candidates include Hana ML, ZYX Bloom 3, AT ART9, and Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star ES. The Hana is the most square in my sights, but I’m open to being persuaded/dissuaded.
mrmatt
29 posts
 
I suggest the Allnic, I have had several of their units, both line stage and phono pre’s. They are truly world class components. They have tremendous after sale support and re-sale value. Hammertone Audio is a long term member here and will do anything in their power to get the job done. I started with their H1500 phono over 10 years ago and have gradually upgraded to their flagship models.
 For you, it will be the next step to move from mid-fi(your words) to the next level. Try to move to separates as much as possible, even though cabling gets expensive. Generally speaking multi function units, whether it be a kitchen stove or a tool or electronics will not perform as well as a quality separate component. The other brands mentioned are all reasonable choices also, but the Allnic H5500 will be a franchise player to build a better system with. Do you want a mid-level system forever or eventually have a high-end system. You can’t build a better system with mediocre components, just be realistic with your expectations. Best of luck and enjoy the music!!!  
jonstine OP
15 posts
 
An update: I received the Allnic H-5500 this afternoon. First off, it’s gorgeous! And larger than I thought it would be. After an hour or so of removing the Lounge LCR, making room for the much larger H-5500, rerouting cables, etc I was able to give it a very brief listen. Definitely more everything there, but went to a movie with the family so didn’t get a very extended listen.

I left it powered up the whole time so I could walk in the door later and get after it. That was two hours ago. I’ve gone through a side or two of some recent albums that get regular rotation (Dead Can Dance, Alt-J, SRV, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio, The Cure, and yes, Nils Lofgren), and which I’m very familiar with.

This was the right choice for my system. I heard completely new things, nuances, echo, cymbal strikes, and so on that I’ve never heard before from my digital system. And that liquid, organic sound! Seriously, I’m in heaven. I know these are supposed to really come alive in the 50-100 hr mark, so I’m looking forward to reporting back after a little more time with it.

P.S. That Sugden ANV-50 is incredible. The better the source I feed it, the better it performs. Highly recommended.
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