Luxman L-509x for B&W 803 D3

Make sure you can get a home demo before purchasing.

To be clear, I already have them. I had the Luxman from before, and just got the 803 D3. I as simply asking if I need to replace Luxman with something more powerful now with the new speakers

You do not need to replace the 509x since it is rather good. However, as someone who has recently did a head-to-head comparison with the Luxman m900u amp and the 509x integrated. I can say that to my ears the m900u is leagues ahead of the 509x, contrary to what I had read here on other threads..

The Luxman 509x is supposed to be the amalgamation of the c700u preamp and the m700u amp. The 900 series is at a much high level.

I did this comparison with the TAD ME1 speakers which I believe like some current. I should note that I heard improvements in sound even at the low to mid levels I was playing the system.

I'm looking at the impedance chart. The 509 is no slouch, at all, but the 803 D3 maintains an impedance around 3Ohms for a wide range of the bass to mids. 


https://www.stereophile.com/content/bowers-wilkins-802-d3-diamond-loudspeaker-measurements

Your own ears should be your best guides, but it is my experience that this is a case where amps with more current capability (i.e. lower impedance) do significantly better.


The 900u has literally 2x the number of output transistors compared to the 509. The increased number of output transistors is one of the key components of the Luxman stepping. That is, more = better.


I wouldn't automatically jump on the 900u, but I absolutely would try it. 

Best,
E

Thanks @erik_squires  this is very helpful!

The Luxman 900u you mention is a logical upgrade, but that would require me to also buy a preamp, which means a lot of money. I can use my DAC (MSB Discrete) to drive an amp directly (with no preamp), as I don't have analog stuff, but when I had separates in the past, I always preferred the preamp in the chain after the DAC.

@thyname What erik_squires described on a technical basis was what the dealer also told me was the reason the m900u sounded so much better.

I am set on buying the m900u and I am trending towards not getting the Luxman c900u that almost all m900u owners use. I am going to first test out a Benchmark LA4 preamp ($2500) with the m900u (30 day home trial).

Another option I was considering with a m900u was using the Simaudio 390 ($5300). It is a streamer, dac, and preamp. It is supposed to sound great.

I may even end up buying the 509X if I need to save some cash. I do not require a lot of power for this system. I bet you would be happy with the 509X if you did not visit A’Gon too often. You know having guys like me saying something else is so much better.