Integrated Amplifiers - Luxman vs Pass Labs

I bought the 550AII when it first came out and years later in another system a 550AX. I don't think the thought lean ever came to my mind in the 4 or 5 combined years I owned them. Is it possible that this is coming from another part of the system?

Erik_squires I haven't read many of your posts but most of the ones I have seen tend to say in some way that the Pass (in your opinion) is not as (insert descriptor) sounding as the Luxman or Ayre. Can you give some context to the pairing because you say this a lot but it would be helpful to understand why, and with what pairing you had these results. I can relate, as I once bought a pair of speakers that should have been a progression in my mind (and in the opinion of many others) but I found them to be grating and highly irritating over time, despite several room and gear changes.

Me_ohmy I almost purchased a pair of Coherent 12's but just couldn't get anywhere to hear them at the time. I also couldn't get my mind around the driver mods he was making and despite a thumbs up from someone else that owned them, I passed them by. If you wouldn't mind a few words about them on a thread or directly, I'd appreciate it. Frank seems like a great guy with a real passion for speakers. He loves them with with 8 WPC, another thing I couldn't get my head around- but it sounds like maybe you want higher power. I've had several Luxman amps through my house including the class A separates and the 590AII. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. They will give more presence, finesse (while actually providing better control). You wouldn't be giving up anything leaving the 550 for the 590 IMHO.

It does not matter what other people’s opinions are. Your system is not the same as theirs so nothing they say will make a difference. The only thing that matters is how it works in your system. We have a listening room with probably close to 30 different pieces of equipment. Our reference equipment does not always sound the best. We learned that certain things just don’t work together to produce the best sound. Blanket statements like this one sounds that way compared to the other are completely useless. You have to try them in your system period.

Happy Listening

I sold my PASS XA25 and bought an LTA Tube Amp. The Pass is very good, but the LTA puts out a better sound in many ways, for my ears, quite clearly. The LTA has a liquid and transparent midrange, amazing, precise highs (every little tinkle :) and a beautiful, superior, high definition bass--at least with good open baffle speakers. I join the chorus that says you must listen and compare Pass to your favorites before buying, whatever the inconvenience. At least, for now, there will be some audio shows in 2020--go to one.

Audio shows don’t tell you much, different room, different speakers. Nevertheless, they will still give you a rough idea.

I don’t know about Pass Labs. I did shortlist the INT60 for my Marten Duke 2 but got the Luxman L-590AXII instead. Initially I was having problems with the Naim / Luxman pairing (the combination sounded unnatural and a bit bright at the top) so that forced the investigation of a new amp. When the Luxman L-590AXII got into the system, everything sounded just right. There is a certain rightness to the sound as music just flows out beautifully from the speakers and with ease. Personally I find the Luxman an engaging amp, neutral with very low coloration.

I understand you currently have the L-550axii and Marten Django L. I think most here have given good advice. It is best if you can listen to both Pass and Luxman in your system with the Django L but that’s not always possible. Nevertheless, I believe you will be going forward rather than backward if you pick the 590AXII. As for the Pass Labs, nobody knows at the moment.

I have never heard a pass product in my own system but I do have the lux550 mark II. I have tried it with three solid but different speakers. IMO the lux balances best with high efficiency vintage klipsch, which take advantage of the dynamic capabilities of the Luxman and are rolled off on top. My experience is that the Luxman is absolutely fantastic, incredible resolution and dynamics, but tends to accentuate brightness in your speakers if present.  

If you can’t hear them side by side, check out Steve guttenberg review of the Luxman 95th anniversary something or other where he compares it to pass separates. He describes the pass as being warmer, rounder, and less exciting but still pretty, basically. 

Perhaps you should just buy a Pass integrated (int25 would be my suggestion considering your efficient speakers) and sell the one you don’t like. Alternatively try the Luxman tube integrated or separates  they are supposedly fantastic  

But my real suggestion is, you will realize a much much bigger difference by changing your speakers and sticking with the amp that suits your lifestyle, rather than messing about with sources and electronics. If you want meat on bones and high efficiency, check out the Devore orangutan line. You can get used o/93s for less than any of these fancy amps you are talking about here… and in addition if you swap speakers after swapping amps, you may find the new speakers call for a different amp anyway, and then you will be back at square 1. Pick speakers first then match electronics second, is my opinion.