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McIntosh to Luxman?

Hey everybody. I need some advice.  It's fair to say I've lusted over Luxman equipment for a few years now.  Something about Japanese hifi that just gets me. Anyway, one of the online retailers of new and used equipment has a Luxman L-507uX (not the mark ii) for sale.  I do really like the sound from my hybrid MA252 integrated, and it drives my Maggie 1.7s with ease.  Most of my listening is of the streaming variety (Bludesound Node/Qobuz), and some vinyl (Music Hall MMF-5). 

Here's my question: what will the Luxman bring me that the McIntosh isn't providing?   More refinement?  More authoritative bass? Better soundstaging?  If the answer is yes, then I may pull the trigger on the Luxman.  By the way, I can get a nice trade-in on my McIntosh, so my out-of-pocket won't be too bad.    Please weigh-in if you've had both McIntosh and Luxman gear and what your experience with both brands has been.   Thanks in advance!   ~ Jerry

jrod68
deadhead1000's avatar
deadhead1000
720 posts
 

I owed Mcintosh separates for a long time, once I could afford them. I agree with most of the posts here, it's a bit light at the top end, and to me a bit dark, now that I own the Luxman 590AXII, the Luxman sound could not be more different, and to me much better. I would not go back to Mcintosh, old or new. By the way, I have received a lot of nasty responses any time that I talked down about Mcintosh, but I am  simply telling my experience, the Luxman sounds better to me then the Mcintosh I owned. I would suggest to try it out, with a return policy as it will sound much different then the Mcintosh, and yes, give it a little time it to open up and for you to get use to it.

I also owned the Bluesound (I have since upgraded to Aurender) and would agree with the others that it's a great little streamer, but you could easily do much better. 

soix
9,967 posts
 

I’d put the new Innuos Pulse Mini on your radar for a streamer, and as @jjss49 recommended above an upgraded linear power supply (not necessarily Innuos’ own LPS) should be included in your budget to get the best performance out of it.  Best of luck with all this, and please do share your impressions if you could.  Curious minds wanna know.  BTW, I’ve got 100 bucks the OP chooses the Luxman if anyone wants to take the other side.  Heh heh. 

caphill
678 posts
 

@paul8088 

 

As for upgrade streamers/DAC from the Bluesound there are many countless options out there : Aurender, Lumin, Linn, Naim, Chord, Simaudio, PS Audio DS DAC with networked bridge ii, Cary Audio, Teac, Esoteric, DCS, and many others depending on your budget. 

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
600 posts
 

Lots of 100 Volt Luxmans out there...new and used...Be Careful. They're made for the Japanese market and they will sell it to Americans.

dwest1023
255 posts
 

It would be good if you could listen the the Luxman in your system before you decide. I own the Ma 352 which is the bigger brother to your amp. I can tell you there are attributes to my mac that I just like. I also have a Pass 250, Accuphase 380, Hegal 390. Yet I still enjoy my mac, and I miss no detail at all. In some cased I hear more detail then my Pass. 

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