Sugden/Allnic or Luxman L-509X?

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. 

jet88, that’s precisely why I went the Allnic route. Several folks were casting critical glances at every component BUT my phono pre, but I know how great a high quality digital source sounds through my system.

I figured why not feed it a better analog signal, which should bump the quality up. I’m already considering a LOMC to replace the MasterTracker MM cart. Better cart, better phono pre, better vinyl playback, in theory.

I’ll start a different thread re: possible cartridge upgrades once I’ve received the Allnic and gotten familiar with its sound combined with the MusicTracker. Possible candidates include Hana ML, ZYX Bloom 3, AT ART9, and Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star ES. The Hana is the most square in my sights, but I’m open to being persuaded/dissuaded.

I suggest the Allnic, I have had several of their units, both line stage and phono pre’s. They are truly world class components. They have tremendous after sale support and re-sale value. Hammertone Audio is a long term member here and will do anything in their power to get the job done. I started with their H1500 phono over 10 years ago and have gradually upgraded to their flagship models.
 For you, it will be the next step to move from mid-fi(your words) to the next level. Try to move to separates as much as possible, even though cabling gets expensive. Generally speaking multi function units, whether it be a kitchen stove or a tool or electronics will not perform as well as a quality separate component. The other brands mentioned are all reasonable choices also, but the Allnic H5500 will be a franchise player to build a better system with. Do you want a mid-level system forever or eventually have a high-end system. You can’t build a better system with mediocre components, just be realistic with your expectations. Best of luck and enjoy the music!!!