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Luxman L505u . . . why not?

I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on one of these--an upgrade from my Rotel receiver. Before I do, I'd like some perspective from the learned A'gon community. First, will it be a significant upgrade from the Rotel? What kind of sonic improvements can I expect? Second, why shouldn't I buy from Audiocubes II? http://www.audiocubes2.com/brand/Luxman/product/Luxman_L-505u_Integrated_Amplifier.html
I know On a Higher Note is the official U.S. distributer, but my budget pushes me towards the less expensive purchase option. Third, regardless of where I purchase it from, it will need a transformer to boost the power to 220. I don't know anything about the possible effects this might have on sound and performance of the component--can anybody speak to this? Is it possible to have the piece modified to accept the U.S. 110 current? I want the piece because it meets my requirements for an integrated: it's at least 100W, it has speaker A/B (I've got speakers in the kitchen and the main living room), it's got a great phono section (I play 50% records, 50% CDs), and it's got a headphone amp. Those are the features I want in an integrated. Any advice, suggestions, dissuasions will be appreciated.

Danny
rosedanny
toronto416
241 posts
 
I live in North America and hence would buy Luxman from the North American distributor.

These units have been factory built to be compatible with our electrical grid.

Moreover the distributor has invested considerable resources to re-introduce Luxman to NA, promote it to the audio press and at trade shows, and build a dealer network, provide after sales service etc.

All those great reviews in The Absolute Sound and Stereophile etc. that help increase market presence and resale value are thanks to the efforts of the distributor (and a great product).

Ordering grey market product at a discount may seem like a deal but it is a selfish act, robbing the official distributor while still allowing you to benefit from their efforts to promote the product and increase its value in their market (and yours).
rotarius
431 posts
 
Toronto416, I agree it is best to buy from approved sources but I would not use words like "selfish act". Do you know how much the mark-up is on high end stuff? One could consider that as daylight robbery as well.
chashas1
596 posts
 
I was initially interested in your thread for the sound of the luxman, not the ethical part of the question, for I've been wanting to hear one. Recently went to Chicago, no Luxman--yet. So then I thought about what if I was a dealer wanting to bring it in, and what a purchase like yours does to the industry, so in conclusion I'd have to say no to what you did. Have you seen the statement on the Japanese global website? No warranty for you. That seals the deal for me.
mantisory
95 posts
 
I agree for the most part regarding buying gray market goods. However, the problem I have is that many US distributors like to have us canadians bend over for them to sell us something. Audio gear is one area for sure where Candians pay as much as 20% higher prices (equalized for currency differences)...this was most apparent when the Canadian $ was above par and we were still paying more for many goods...which is why so many canadians in Ontario were driving to upstate NY to buy cars.
That being said, I would love to hear the L505u with my harbeths as well..but I'd have to bring my speakers to my local luxman dealer to try it out (although he carries only the L550 and L590...)
renjy651
74 posts
 
To Chashas1 - If you are concerned with warranties, Japanese on-line stores do offer warranties, which are good for one year. I acknowledge that the US-version warranty is good for three years. However, you have to pay double for the unit itself. My focus is on the fact that Luxman units are of such high quality - the best in the industry - that they will not break down for 20 years. Regarding the costs, do you mean to imply that changing the transformer unit to US-voltage costs approximately $1,500 for the 505U, and the 509U costs approximately $4,000? So, I'm not buying it. Anyhow, my experience is that the Japanese-version of the Luxman sounds superior to the US-version. As a matter of fact, many US hospitals utilize Japanese and European high-end electonic instruments that employ transformers that convert the voltage to US-voltage. And in regards to Toronto416's post, I have to ask: Would you like to shut down the Japanese online stores so that the North American distributors can charge consumers twice what it costs in Japan in this global economy?
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