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What's next after Luxman 550 AX/II with Harbeth C7

I recently bought and sold the Luxman (class A) 550 for my C7's. I won't waste all of your time with reasons, but let me sum it up with saying the pairing was good, but nothing special. I would go as far to say the Croft phono integrated I had prior engaged me a bit more. I'm now considering the Unison Unico integrated. I know this will sound odd, but the other integrated I'm considering is the Lab twelve integre. The latter cost $5K US, while the Unison is less than half the price of the all tube Lab twelve. No offense to anyone , but I'm not considering any all solid state units. The Unico is a hybrid, so I thought for the money, it would be worth trying. Just to avoid confusion, the Lab twelve actually used the numeral twelve, but it seems that audiogon flags my posts whenever I put in a number. So I spelled it out to avoid the aggravation. Life is hard enough (-: Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. Cheers -Don

fjn04
ryder
1,690 posts
 

I have used many amps on the Harbeth SHL5 before, currently own the SHL5+ and Luxman L-590AXII, Sonneteer Orton and Naim NAC 282/NAP 250DR. The Naim sounded best with the Harbeth to my ears and preferences. The Harbeth sounds a bit dull, flat and uninspiring with all other amps, including the Luxman. Having said that, I noticed there are few people who matched the Harbeth with Luxman without any issues.

I do not have experience with Unison Unico, LTA or other tube amps with the Harbeth.

FWIW, the Luxman sounds wonderful when matched with Marten Dukes in my main system. In this system, the Naim is outclassed by the Luxman. Synergy (and/or maybe listening preferences) is key.

Good luck with the amp search.

rareace
113 posts
 

I have LM 805ia with 30.1’s and they are phenomenal.

fjn04 OP
1,561 posts
 

Ryder- my experience mirrors yours. The bass of the C7 with the (NOW SOLD) 550 AX/II was perfectly fine. Never bloated, yet satisfyingly full. The Luxman never played an offensive note with the C7’s. I can’t share one bad comment about the sound, because I didn’t experience anything negative. The Lux was also never dry sounding, but to my ears nothing special, so I moved on. I don’t know...maybe I just don’t love the C7’s. But it was time to break up that system, and I opted to move the Luxman. I have a history of preferring tubes, even when comparing phono stages. That being said, the Luxman was one of the best solid state amps I’ve heard.

canisbay's avatar
canisbay
1 posts
 

I can't comment on the specific Lab 12 amp you are referring to but do iown their fabulous DAC and would definately vouch for their quality sound

fjn04 OP
1,561 posts
 

That could be interesting news because that Lab 12 line is one I'd love to Hear. I've also been thinking about getting back in to digital, but not diving too deep. There is a dealer who is within a reasonable driving distance (2+ hrs) that has Lab 12, Audio Hungary and Harbeth. But the Audio Hungary he has is only 20 watts, so I don't think that would be ideal. The Cayin line is interesting too...very little chatter but they have been around a long time. I also happen to like the looks over many of it's competitors. 

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