Luxman vs Pass Labs

Nice thing about Luxman integrated is the Separate function. It's an easy way to have two systems in one. I simply run Ifi iTube 2 buffer between the amp and preamp and can switch on/off for a little tube goodness. 

+1 for the Luxman L-590 AX II.  

I owned two Luxman receivers back in the '80's prior to Luxman leaving the U.S. audio market.  The first was a R-1120 the last was the R-117
by far the better of the two in all respects was the R-1120. 

Gifted it to my father-in-law. Big mistake. Should have held onto it.

@mizioa
Among the Luxman integrateds, I've heard three of them in the last six months. First heard the  L-590 AX II (two or three times), L-509X (two times), and the L-507uXII. The  L-590 AX II is very smooth and has lots of bloom for an SS product. The L-507uXII is pretty new and I have a buddy who has one; very clean and enjoyable sound. For me, it is more lively with that sense of sparkle I like, just a more inviting sound. The  L-509X, at least for me, is the best of the three. Just more of everything and quite a bargain in the under $10k integrateds category. I really think they nail the looks/aesthetics as well.

I've also heard the Luxman 900 M/C amp/pre combo and it is again even better, though it is around $30k.

I've heard the Pass INT250 and INT60. To me, they are both very smooth and clean but they lack that aliveness and sparkle that makes my foot tap.

Both of these brands make excellent gear. You just need to know what type of sound you like to make an educated decision. If you could get a dealer to demo for you, that'd be the way to go.

@charles1dad  mentioned the T+A 3100 HV integrated amp. I recently auditioned it with the matching 3100 SACD player and Wilson Sabrina speakers. It was really really good. It is one of the best integrateds I've heard but it is $22k. I've also heard the Burmester 032 and it is also a very good integrated and like the T+A, is an expensive spend at $25k. I have not heard the T+A and Burmester on the same speakers but did hear the L-509X and the Burmester on TAD E1s and though the Luxman is very nice, the Burmester is quite a bit better, at least for me. And so you do get what you pay for. YMMV and hope this helped.

Awesome feedback Pokey77. You saved me a trip down to Newport.

How would you rate the Luxman 900 M/C amp/pre combo vs the best integrated boxes you have heard?

I own the Luxman L-590AX, which is the predecessor to the current AXII. This is Luxman’s TOTL integrated, you should give one a listen. None of the short-comings that jaybe lists apply to this amp, in my opinion. I can’t comment on the Pass Labs gear.L.
http://www.navratilaudio.cz/novinky/Luxman_L590AXII_HFW.pdf