Luxman 590AX II Break-In

@ps 

Still trying to decide my next move. The speakers have to stay. Still unsure what direction to head with amp/preamp or more powerful integrated (maybe Gryphon Diablo 300). I love the M10x, but it is very pricey. It would sound glorious with a Luxman tube preamp, though!!

@jeffreyw 

Thanks very much for the update.  As I said, I find your thread quite interesting and informative as well.  Since I have a fair amount of experience with Sonus Faber monitors, and because they not only generally sound good, they generally have great eye appeal.  Perhaps your better half might be amenable to at least looking at them.  Your 590 would likely work very well.  

Full-disclosure; My Lux 550 AXII is powering my circa 2004 SF Guarneri Homage and I think the synergy is excellent.  Some "experts" have insisted that I need more juice on tap.  Maybe, maybe not.   I can listen for hours without fatigue or losing interest. I have a pair of REL T5x but they are not always plugged in unless I want to rock the Casbah..  But, stating the obvious- our hobby is so personal and subjective  that only you and your wife will really know what works for you.

After many years of audiophilia, one thing I've learned is that tossing a lot of coinage at real or perceived deficiencies is not always productive nor prudent.

This wind bag now rests his case. :)

I can listen for hours without fatigue or losing interest.

That is all that matters.

Well, one thing for sure. I'm really glad we found the culprit and the impedance curve.  I was starting to wonder if my speakers were actually severely underpowered.  The difference in mine and the OP's makes me feel a lot less like goiing out to spend $20k on a new amp. 😂