It depends on what level of Audio Research you are talking about. For example, within the last month I had a one hour audition of Wilson SabrinaX speakers both with the Luxman L509x integrated amp ($10k) and also with the ARC separates LS28 and VT80 stack (about $20k). I preferred the Luxman as being more dynamic with better grip on the bass and just a better presentation. DAC was a Chord Dac.
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I’m not surprised with this. I currently own the Luxman L-590AXII(~$9k) and Naim separates NAC 282, NAP 250DR, Hicap DR (~$15k) and the Luxman sounds better. Speakers are Marten Duke 2. Another person who compared the same Luxman model with a higher range Naim separates costing up to $30k (NAC 252, NAP300 DR, Supercap DR) also preferred the Luxman. He found the Luxman to sound more refined and sophisticated than the Naim separates.
I have not owned many quality separates, and the Luxman L-590AXII is the most expensive integrated amp I currently own. I have owned the Audio Research LS16 and tried the integrated before, forgotten the model since it was long time ago. Nevertheless, there isn’t any doubt the Luxman is a very special integrated that is able to give the costlier pre power options a run for their money. To me, the Luxman is quality. After getting the piece into the system, I now don’t look at other hifi gear or upgrades anymore. It’s pure joy listening to music on the system everyday as my love for the Luxman and the system as a whole has increased tremendously since the day I acquired the amp. Although it’s just an integrated, it performs and punches above its weight, and it’s an eye candy as well.
I believe the other Luxman models will sound equally great. Class A and AB options to cater to different speakers and/or preferences. Just make sure the amp matches the speakers and you’ll be in audio heaven.
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?
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Alps is not the only company making volume controls and even if they were, they have modern equivalents. I recently replaced a worn out Spectrol wire wound VC with a Penny and Giles with great success. I would look at the Khozmo line.https://www.khozmo.com/index.html |
- 45 posts total