McIntosh to Luxman?

@jrod68 

You will need to upgrade your source component (your Bluesound streamer) to something better. Your Bluesound streamer is the bottleneck and is holding up your entire system setup IMO. 

As for Luxman vs Mac I would say it’s a matter of preference. both are great but I found in general the Luxman sounded more tubey with lush sweet highs and midrange and holographic imaging and soundstage, and while the highs are extended but it’s very smooth with perfect amount of details and resolution. The Luxman IMO has better dimensionality, textures and image specificity compared to comparably priced Mac. The music would sound more dimensional with better instrumental/voice textures and imaging with the Luxman. I felt the Mac slightly lacks the last bits of details, resolution, texture and dimensionality in comparison to Luxman. But again it also depends on what type of speakers you are driving. I’m not sure about your Maggie’s or any Maggie’s speakers in general as I don’t have much experience with Maggie’s at all.
 

My preference would be for Luxman but again it also depends on the synergy between your speakers and amp and other upstream electronics and cables. It’s all about system synergy. There’s no absolute answer in this hobby. Mac gears will pair better with certain speakers while the Luxman will probably pair better with other sets of speakers. 

As a current owner of McIntosh MX160 and MC8207 and former owner of a pair MC1.25kw mono blocks the answer for me is go with the Luxman.  Two years ago I decided to "see what else was out there" and demoed several amps from various manufacturer's.  I demoed Luxman, Audio Research,  Boulder and a few others.  Without a doubt the Luxman was significantly more musical and provided much more depth and detail than the McIntosh. You could hear music on the Luxman, in terms of detail, that you do not hear with the McIntosh. Research Ohms law and it will help provide more guidance about how the Luxman operates versus the McIntosh.  Because the Luxman goes lower in Ohms, especially with electrostats, you will be amazed at your improved soundstage and overall tonality.  Another thing because of how the Luxman is built you don't need as much watts per channel to drive the speakers.  At the time I had Martin Logan ESL15 electrostats and the Luxman combo "blew away" my Mac/Martin Logan combo in every way.  So, my vote is for the Luxman and don't look back.

Let us know what you decide to do.

This is their latest and best the 507Z  my friend bought  one and got a very fair deal 

from Perrotta Consultants  ,these new models have a better layout and sound even better weighs around56 pounds ,very well done ,retail $9500 but he got a nice deal.

I think he got the very good AQ Thunder power cord with it which retail  is over $1k together for under the retail price, if you needed a new top power cord.

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/49344/

I would try the Luxman, I bet you will keep it.

Return shipping Cost: it’s no loss, if you keep it, you have to send them the McIntosh. Keep the McIntosh, return the Luxman, Soooo it isn’t any more cost to try it.

I’ve got a Luxman, 10 wpc tube amp in my Office System. My 1st and only Luxman. Except for price, I wholeheartedly recommend it, and, over time, you forget the price. You are simply not aware of it, just the wonderful involving music.

It has built in MM/MC Phono, I’m using it’s MM with my AT440ml MM cartridge, also quite happy with that part of it. Just to say, I’m happy with all aspects of my Luxman.

https://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=33

https://www.stereophile.com/content/luxman-sq-n150-integrated-amplifier

Now playing my restored AR-2ax, sensitivity 91.5.

https://stereonomono.blogspot.com/2014/05/acoustic-research-ar-2ax.html

Previously played the least efficient 87db speakers I own, Wharfedale Diamond 225.

https://www.wharfedale.co.uk/diamond-225/

As reviewers say, it seems to have plenty of reserve power, yes it does, it drove the inefficient Wharfedale’s with more volume than I want/need. Perhaps ’extra power’ is true of the Luxman you are considering, I suspect so.

.............................................

I had McIntosh Mc2250 SS 250 wpc in main system when I was using my JSE Infinite Slope Model II’s, 4 way sensitivity 90db. I played with more volume in that larger space, and my current at the time 30 wpc tube amps seemed underpowered. I have to agree, it was more like a muscle car, impressive, yet not as invisibly involving.

I went back to highly efficient horns/15" woofer and switched back to tubes, sold the MC2250, don’t miss it one bit.

IF the Luxman had 16 ohm taps, like my Cayin A88T does (22 or 45 wpc) I am sure the Luxman could drive my main system wonderfully. Cayin is also invisibly involving, which is simply magic when that quality exists.

Again, everyone, thanks for your feedback.  It's much appreciated.   

@caphill ...yeah, a new streamer would be next on my list. I guess at the moment,  I'm smitten with the Luxman amp. 

@woots ...thanks for the recommendation 

@audioman58...super cool integrated, and if I had an extra $6k laying around, I'd probably go that route.  I forgot to mention in my post, I want to stay in the $2k-$3k range, out-of-pocket.  Trading in my hybrid McIntosh gets me there. 

@soix...I like your attitude.  Just go for it!   

I'll keep you all updated.  Have a great day!  ~ Jerry