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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
 
This is definitely all about system synergy.  I was able to demo both the 509X and the 590AXII with the ML 11As.  The 590AXII is a great integrated, but I felt was a tad too warm for the ML, not the upgrade I am looking for from my current McIntosh.  Also, I felt it a bit under powered for the MLs, slightly strained at higher volumes.

The 509X paired better, one of the best sounding amps for the MLs I have heard. All around performed well across almost all types of music. One up from the 509X is the m900u, wow it is sweet and detailed.  It will be the next upgrade, budget allowing.
yyzsantabarbara
5,123 posts
 
@eziggy I had the same reaction to listening to the 509x and then the m900u. A shame from my wallet that I heard the m900u since I would have been more than content with the 509x.
erik_squires
16,898 posts
 
A shame from my wallet that I heard the m900u since I would have been more than content with the 509x.


So you can imagine my pain, having gotten a new 507ux at below dealer cost, trying to think of the m900!

Best,

E

erik_squires
16,898 posts
 
Of course, the issue isn't just going from a 507/509 to the m900u, but the added cost of the preamp as well.

It's a big deal price wise.

Lucky for me, I don't have the space!


Best,
E
eziggy OP
137 posts
 
Dealer did warn me against hearing the m900u given my budget.  :)

We decided against adding the c900u in the mix since it would make it a completely unfair comparison and just used the same high end DAC as the pre for comparison.

It's amazing what you can get with the Luxman integrateds for the money.  The m900u/c900u will be largely better but at a 3-4x cost.  The m900u standalone had such sweetness/warmth but not at the expense of detail.  Hard combination to get in my opinion.  I can only imagine what adding the c900u into the mix will do.

I know for sure once I have the budget and space that it will be #1 on the list next to the Constellations, since everyone raves about their synergy with MLs.
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