Audio Research or Luxman?
I recently acquired a 1973 Luxman L-507 integrated amp only to learn that the volume/balance control pots are bad and can't be replaced, but I was able to bypass the pre-amp section and run it with the amp section only, and oh my, did it sound good.
I was very surprsed to find that its sound quality came too close in sound quality to my ARC separates: a Reference 3 preamp and Ref 75SE amp. So now I'm wondering how a modern Luxman like a l-505uXii or 507uXii would compare with my ARC separates.
Any thoughts anyone?
Thanks for all the comments so far. I recently purchased both ARC's used, and had both serviced by an authorized dealer. All tubes measred well, and bias settings are correct and have barely drifted since acquiring the amp. The original pots are from Alps and not longer available. I'd try finding Japan sources. Do you, tomic601, have more information on that or Fleaboy? I should state that I am thrilled with the sound quality of my ARC gear. |
I sure hope not!! It was something another A'goner told me via private message when he was looking to buy. Their prime competitor, ,Accuphase, though does offer a lot of flexibility, including built in DACs in their units. I would not mind seeing an all-in-one Luxman integrated that included a DAC in it, but I'm all out of cash for this lifetime. |
@kren0006 My understanding was that the 507ux II, which only recently replaced the original, was being discontinued. Whether this means the entire 505, 507 and 509 are being discontinued I don't know. Of the three the 507ux would seem to be the most popular (guessing) so if it's going I can't imagine the others remaining. |
