Luxman m-900u owners - quick question

I went to an audio store to audition the 509x and I liked it. I was about to go home when the dealer said have a listen to the m900u/c900u. I had about 15 minutes to do this other wise I would get stuck in LA traffic for hours.

Big mistake. The m900/c900 was so much better than the 509x on the same system. I ended up staying about an hour + listening to that combo and tossed out the idea of the 509x. The m900u has much more power than the 509x. It was easily demonstrated on the TAD ME-1 monitor speakers that were hooked up to the system.

I did not get the m900u/c900u combo because I found something more appropriate for my smaller space. However, I may revisit the Luxman amp in the future for the bigger space downstairs. I will not get the C900u preamp since I will use a Benchmark HPA4 preamp from now on any system I build.

BTW - I had about a 3.5 hour drive home because I stayed longer to demo the m900/c900 combo. It should have been under 2 hours.

Thanks for the information yyzsantabarbara. I currently have the L-590AXII and the sound quality of the system is stunning. As the speakers don’t need the added power, I’m not sure if the C-900U/M-900U will make much of a difference. Will revisit the idea if there’s an opportunity or additional funds for hifi.

Nice story you got there for the long hours of additional drive home.

@ yyzsantabarbara

I am also thinking about the right preamp match for my Pass Labs XA 60.8. Current ideas are Pass Labs XP22 oder Luxman C900u or Benchmark LA4/HPA4. 
What is you experience with Benchmark preamp, especially compared to Luxman C900 and other preamps you heard? I think the Benchmark has a very interesting concept concerning volume control, which I think is crucial overall.

thanks, Robert 

 

I have the pass x350.8 and loved the sound of it but the problem is it heats up my bedroom like crazy and in summer its tough to run. I wonder if the luxman will run cooler than the pass and if it will be tonally warmer since im really chasing a rich tone right now.

@smodtactical 

I am also interested to hear how Pass compares to Luxman.

Based on what I’ve heard/read the 900u is not a punchy amp. The 350.8 seems to be fuller sounding with more bass.

They are identitically priced here in Sweden.