Luxman 590axii vs Pass Labs int 60

Hey @mtdining -

Really curious which CJ preamp you had. :)

@mickeyb - One thing I learned about the Pass fans is they tend to listen to different speakers than I do, so that's why I suggested to the OP that speakers matter. :)

Eric, I did get to audition the int 60 but the only Luxman the dealer had was the 509x and not the 590axii. What are your thoughts on the int 60 vs 590axii?

Yes, I did. They sound fairly different to my ears, the int 60 sounding more class A-ish. It has a class A bias up to 30 watts. The 509x sounded a little more analytical and transparent and accurate. As you might expect, it was more class A/B sounding. The int 60 sounded more colored and was smoother with a little more meat. That's how my ears heard them anyway.

I have the 509x now and really like it. I do not find it “analytical” in the sense it seems most people use the term in a somewhat negative connotation. It is not harsh for me, which is how I hear some amps others have described as analytical. Based on the audiodrom review the 590axii gives more “color” in the music which I think probably means a fully fleshed musical spectrum. Anyhow, I suspect you should give the 590axii a try, unless you just go ahead and spring for the Gryphon Diablo 300!