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?

 

audiojerry

Audition esoteric integrated before luxman.  Started demo with luxman and bought the esoteric.  Knew they were a leading digital player, no prior experience with their amos 

I believe the 507UXii is being replaced with the 507z with some upgrades. Not sure if/when the 505 or 509 will be updated. 

@erik_squires 

       Audio research integrated can not compared with  audio research separated,large difference. I guess that why they did not make out  many models.

OP search eBay for vintage Luxman and you will find the Japan based dealers.

 

+1 for Nobel for volume pots. Would be very surprised if there is not an equivalent that can be used, only issue may be space to fit. As for balance control, would suggest it is not required.

If not Nobel I would hope that any reputable service engineer would be able to find a good quality suitable pot that would fit and probably better than the original.