@jbhiller, I demoed 6 solid state and 2 tube amps in the general price range of the Luxman, about $8-12k and decided it was "the one". I am a year in now and could not be happier (unless it was with much more expensive gear of course!). I think it has enough of the richness of tubes with the benefits of solid state to be just perfect. If you ever get the chance, demo the L509X. It's a wonderful amp.
I don't do the holy war thing with X is superior to Y. All quality gear is great. The companies that design it are full of smart people who know what they are doing. The difference is the flavor and what tickles your tastes in that special way. For me, I love horns and the Klipsch sound.
I don't do the holy war thing with X is superior to Y. All quality gear is great. The companies that design it are full of smart people who know what they are doing. The difference is the flavor and what tickles your tastes in that special way. For me, I love horns and the Klipsch sound.