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Luxman leaves me wanting

My current system is a Luxman L590-AXII driving DeVore Gibbon Super Nines. My source is Lumin U1-Mini (w/Sboosterj and Denafrips Venus II. Also a Rega P3. Speaker and interconnect cables are circa late 90s Cardis Cross There is a lot that is right about the sound of my set up, but I feel it’s lacking fullness in the midrange. When I turn on the loudness on the Luxman, I get the meaty weight in the mids I’m missing, but at anything but low volume, it alters the sound in a negative way. 
I had considered a tube Integrated before I got the Luxman, but liked the L590 when I heard it. Now I’m wondering if I should have gone with tubes. (At one point I had a BAT Pre w/ a Classe amp and loved the bloom in the mids and vocals).               I’m attracted to the LTA 40+ from the good reviews and long tube life. I’d be interested in hearing one with my speakers, but there are no dealers, so I could buy and return if I’m not thrilled, but wanted to know anyone has heard the 40+ with Super 9s. Also interested in other options to get a richer sound. Budget is around 8k.

128x128steverrino
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,258 posts
 

+1 on Pass recommendation.  Int60 should be a nice pairing. 

gryphongryph
352 posts
 

As I understand it LTA does not have the meat on the bone tube sound you are seeking.

speedthrills
160 posts
 

Based on you liking what you hear when you switch on "Loudness" you're not missing the mid range, you're missing probably a fuller bottom end and possibly some crisp highs. The Loudness button accentuates bass and highs (and as a result it actually makes the mid range less prominent to our ears). So you might want to use the digital EQ function in Roon if you use Roon, or get an EQ of some sort, add a sub, experiment with moving your speakers around etc. OR, change the speakers to Klipsch, Vu, Tekton, Volti or other models of DeVore all of which will be probably more to your liking. 

larryi
3,722 posts
 

The LTA gear is voiced on the thinner side for tube gear.  They make good gear, but it is probably not the sound you seek.  My personal favorite integrated amp that can run your speakers is the Synthesis A40 (40 wpc) or the A100 (100wpc).  I think 40 watts would be plenty for your speakers.  The tubes they run are KT66.  These are warm and "beefy" sounding amps--the sound is full, but not sluggish or lumpy sounding; it delivers a lot of punch.  They come with a built in DAC that is no slouch.  At a local shop, I have seen customers trade in some very expensive Jadis, VAC, McIntosh, and other pricey gear that cost much more than these Synthesis models.  

erik_squires
15,741 posts
 

Hi OP:

I think that swapping amps for a tonal imbalance problem is the second worst way to do so. The first is to buy new cables.

Your description sounds like you are missing bass, not mids per se. There’s a couple of things I think you should try. First, use the Luxman tone controls, they are really good. I’d start by reducing the treble a couple of notches. Next, consider your listening location. Your ear should be at or below the tweeter’s axis. You may need to tilt the speaker back or lower your seat or separate your seat and speaker somewhat. The pooint is, you may need to be much lower than you are, and don't be afraid to listen at the mid woofer's axis, some speakers just sound better there.

Next of course is the room. An overly reflective room with solid windows and drywall will sound much brighter for all speakers.

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