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Luxman 509X vs Mc452 + preamp

I am currently debating where to go with my system.  I have Martin Logan 11As, McIntosh MC452, Meridian 218 DAC/streamer, and a Marantz 8805.  Been using the 8805 as my HT and 2ch pre, but for obvious reasons I am disappointed with the overall sound.  Need to keep everything as one system for the time being for budget and space considerations.

Been considering either picking up up a 2ch preamp, possibly Audio Research or McIntosh, or just simplifying my life and moving to the Luxman 509X integrated.  Budget is a bit tight, was hoping to keep it around $3K, if keeping the MC452 and getting a pre.  If going the Integrated route I have more wiggle room since I can sell or trade in the MC452.

I tend to like things on the warmer, non-analytic, side but with detail.  I listen to almost all kinds of music, but where I like to see some improvement is in classical music with instrument separation, clarity, and crispness.  McIntosh tends to have a darker sound and I am thinking that pairing it with electrostats may not be doing the combination justice especially in the high frequencies.

Any thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks!

eziggy
eziggy OP
137 posts
 
Thanks guys!

@riaa, my reasoning for the 509X vs. 590AXII is the MLs tend to be on the warmer side and the Class A amp may add to that.  I am looking for more crispness especially for classical, but not analytical and fatiguing.

@erik Definitely seems like McIntosh is all about synergy.  Almost everyone is giving the same point of view as you and riaa that Luxman, Dagastino, etc. will probably give what I am looking for over the McIntosh.

In terms of speakers, although the MLs are decent with sensitivity (91DB), they dip below 1ohm in the high frequencies.  I don't doubt either Luxman integrated would handle it, I feel the 509x would do better at louder volumes.  ESL love power as well, gives more 3D effect from my experience. 


tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,621 posts
 
eziggy, I had a pair of ML Summit Xs and drove them with a Pass XA30.8 (about 100 watts into 8 ohms). They sounded fine until I decided to try a more powerful amp and the extra power really brought the MLs to life. Much better in every way over the Pass.

MLs and that .7 impedance at 20khz really do require a stout amp to sound their best.  There is a D'Agostino Classic Stereo for sale cheap that would give your MLs the power they need.
eziggy OP
137 posts
 
Thanks tomcy8, which amp did you replace the Pass with?

I definitely agree power is important. Though there are some low wattage rated amps that have some amazing power supplies and headroom which work well with impedance swings.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,621 posts
 
I replaced the Pass with a D'Agostino Classic Stereo.  It was a big improvement.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
I thought it was well established that the Luxman was rated at 30W class A but went up to 90W in class AB.
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