Going linear - The Luxman 507ux

I’m thinking some more about the Luxman vs. my ICEpower 250 ASPs.

Very early on in my audiophile kink I was listening to some large Martin Logans powered by a little Sumo amp (one I eventually bought) and the rep replaced the preamp with a Conrad Johnson PV 10. What I was most impressed with was the ambience and decay around notes that was immediately obvious to me.

In that sense, I’m having the same experience here with the Luxman vs. the ICEpower modules I’m using. In a sense, the ICEpower sounds too warm, and too far back of the hall by comparison. While the 507ux sounds more like that old preamp it also doesn't give up anything at the edges of the frequency range at all.

Can I hear an improvement between the Luxman 507ux and those specific modules yes. Can anyone listen to the ICEpower and say "Oh, wow, Class D sucks!" ? No. The narrative that class D needs to work hard to get to as good or better than linear as an entire class needs to be taken out back and buried.

No one should read this as a condemnation of all of class d anymore than you would if I was comparing the Luxmans to a Class A amp I dind’t like as much.

Still, I’m quite happy with my purchase. In the specific case of these specific, outdated modules, I moved up. Who is to say what I will listen to 10 years from now?

Best,

E

PS - I still like my Parasound A23 and the ICEpower 250ASP more than any Pass amp I have heard in recent memory. I just happen to like the Luxman even more.

Does this mean Class D and A/B are better than Class A?

Absolutely not. It means these specific brands and designs have a hierarchy that is independent of their design class.

So stop with the class wars, they don't help.

Let the flames begin.

I'm not jumping on board in any class wars, erik. I do think that if people want to see what any given manufacturer can do, it should be with their top of the line offering in that format, though.

@erik_squires I purchased a 505uX from the same dealer. I like it very much with my Harbeth SHL 5 Plus Anniversary speakers.
I listen at moderate levels, never above 80dB. At these levels, I find that I prefer the "loudness" feature engaged. I am familiar with the concept, in my office system, my Mac C-26 has a loudness control.

Taking into account that these are very different amps, I'm wondering how you use the loudness control. I think you have mentioned that you live in an apartment. I find that I have to turn the volume up quite loud to get the same effect as with the loudness engaged.
Thanks.
Eric   

I recently drank the Luxman Kool Aid and have replaced my Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated with the Luxman 509x.
Here's my two cents;
I've been a tube guy for a long time.  Since 1988 or so.  I've had the VTL Deluxe 100s, Deluxe 225s, Manley 350s.  All monoblocks.  Tubed pre amps by VTL and CAT.  During that time I had Maggies and then Martin Logan. 

The past few years I had Quad 2805s driven by the Primaluna. 

It was all very good, very listenable and I love the musicality of tubes. 

Last year I was lucky enough to pick up a pair of Dali Epicon 8s.  These speakers are not what you would call an analyst's dream speaker.  They sound like music which is exactly what I wanted.  The Primaluna worked great and delivered what you'd expect from a good tube amp; smooth highs, wonderful midrange and pretty solid bass.
When I got the Luxman I really expected a different "flavor" of music.  Not necessarily better, just a bit different.  What happened was that the highs and mids remained extremely musical and the mid bass to low bass was completely transformed, in a good way.
The bottom is tighter, more controlled and musical than with the Primaluna.  Imaging is a tad better, both left and right and front to back.  The Primaluna has 70 watts per channel, the Luxman 120 and doubles at 4 ohms to 220.  The Epicon 8s are 5 ohms, so they are seeing a greater power reserve and it shows.
The Primaluna is a wonderful integrated.   I believe the real difference is that the synergy between the Luxman and the Dali Epicon 8s is simply magical.

Like a lot of you, I've read a lot of the 509x reviews.  They are for real.  This is a great piece of gear.
I was lucky enough to find a two month old unit for a good price so I guess you could call me a happy camper.

- Bob