Sugden/Allnic or Luxman L-509X?

I agree that spending money on a good phono stage may not be the best expenditure for now. The question then becomes a longer view look at what you hope to achieve; you learn that through listening, trials (hopefully few costly errors) and a budget aimed at maximizing $ to value of equipment. The equipment should be a vehicle through which you are appreciating music, and may or may not involve collecting records, which, over time, may be a considerable expenditure. (Of course, you could be a gear-head and be into to it for the sake of the gear itself). 
I have an Allnic H-3000. I’m in no hurry to change it to something better (I got to it through a lateral move from another highly regarded phono stage) and find that the biggest variable with the H-3000 is rolling the rectifier tube, something you can’t do, so it appears, on the unit you are considering.
I also agree in a weakest link approach and would encourage you to think about where you want to be, with speakers/amp and front end. When I was coming up in hi-fi, it was process-- upgrading, gradually improving, listening. Lots of seat time.
I’m in Austin. You are welcome to visit. (I do not sell audio gear, so I’m not trying to shill you).
Bill Hart

Wahoostewjr- curious is the Sugden a little more neutral than the Luxman? I’ve owned various Luxman amps for 20 years and one day I just stepped away from the golden tone and never looked back.

May I ask which Luxman models which showed the golden tone? I find the Luxman L-590AXII to sound very close to neutral with high levels of clarity and detail. I didn’t compare it to Sugden though but mid level Naim separates which I also own and other amps which I’ve owned throughout the years (Mcintosh, Plinius to name a few).

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses so far.

I saw several recommendations to replace the DAC, Phono, cables, and integrated(!), and in different communication I was told I should replace my speakers ASAP to fix this issue. I suspect there would be some degree of throwing the baby out with the bath water if I were to do all those things, and would essentially be replacing everything in my system. I’m not sure that’s necessary to get what I'm after.

While I understand that Stereophile Recommended rankings aren’t the last word in true sound quality, the MoFi turntable is Class B, as is the Lounge Audio LCR (and that was the base model, mine is Gold plus some additional part upgrades and an LPS, so I’m inclined to think it’s at least high Class B possibly low Class A), the SVS SB-3000 is listed as Class A, the Black Ice (formerly Jolida) DAC won a shootout of multiple DACs up to $5k (and did so with stock tubes, mine has NOS Mullards, tube dampers, upgraded power cord, and it’s truly phenomenal), and The Absolute Sound gave the LSA-10 Statement monitors a glowing review just a year ago. Morrow’s upper range of cables (all of mine are the 6 series) get accolades as well. So I know that I’m at least on the right track.

However, there’s something missing from my vinyl playback in comparison to the digital. That’s what I’m really trying to solve for. Is the “issue” my phono pre (a solid Class B/low Class A performer), or perhaps my integrated? The integrated throws a huge, holographic, detailed, engaging soundstage with my digital playback - honestly it’s everything I want in that regard - so I lean more towards it being something within the vinyl front end - which often feels thin and less engaging, despite having more organic and “real” sound to it.

One caveat is that with the absolute best albums in my collection (AP 45s, MoFi OneSteps, IMPEX, etc) it is a much closer race. Perhaps as it should be. I suspect that those albums sound better on most people’s systems. The difference is that EVERYTHING sounds good on my digital playback ALL THE TIME. I’m not getting the same level of performance from my vinyl setup. I’ve got $4k invested in ultrasonic cleaners, and I’m meticulous with handling, so I don’t believe it’s a media issue.

I’m 100% positive that replacing the Sugden with the Luxman L-509X would be a good jump in quality. I could sell or trade-in my Sugden and LCR, and offset the cost quite a bit. However, I know I’d always wonder how much better that Allnic H-5500 sounded compared to the Luxman’s phono, and if it could’ve been the silver bullet that fixed my analog playback with my current system. It’s a compelling piece of gear, no doubt. The comments regarding the Allnic “unbalancing” my system don’t dissuade me - great gear is great gear. Same with the Luxman. Both are end state devices for me.

So after all that, I’m still sitting square in the middle of the crossroads scratching my head.


….And after rereading my comments before hitting “Post”, I’ve just realized which direction I’m going. The Allnic. I’ll update this thread in a few weeks once I’ve received the H-5500 and had a chance to evaluate its impact in my system. Worst case scenario is that I’ll have to upgrade the rest of my system sooner than later (I see you, Allnic T-2000), but I bet it’s going to be the fix I’m looking for.

For now… ;)

I truly appreciate the feedback from all of you. This feels therapeutic, and I’m excited to report back on how the Allnic sounds.

Hi, I have the Luxman L509X and it is a wonderful amp. That said, the Allnic dedicated phono amp will certainly be superior to the built in one on the Luxman.

Regarding why the digital sounds better is because it IS better. We aren't using 1980s cold, flat digital anymore. There's no comparison to modern digital with quality gear for most people. Pure music, all the dynamic range, and no hiss, pop, and crackle. Not too say Vinyl is bad... It's more a different sound that some people enjoy enough to take on the extra gear and work to listen too. But it is inferior ;-)

I think you are correct about your rig being mid-fi.  My rig is certainly not hi-end by any measure either...but definitely hi-fi.

Digital is difficult to screw up...so 9 times outta 10, it's going to sound great off the bat. But analogue (LP) needs careful matching and a more consideration in set up.

Thet said, I have a very good 32-bit dual differential DAC and it gets trounced by my Technics 1200G with a modest $500 micro line cartridge running through a modest $1200 phono preamp with outboard power supply.

My digital systems sounds great...no pops and hiss. But it's digital...so by nature, there's music information missing. This is why, although my digital sounds great, it never sounds 'spooky' great. If you have a good set up (with a good room) and very good ears, this is not a debate.

If you're up for it, look to upgrade your phono preamp and TT and cart. Look at the Don Sachs phono stage. 

I think digital will eventually win...but it's simply not there yet.