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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
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
LFD is not is the same league. The Luxman will run circles around it.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
Thanks for the response Bongofury. Can you be little specific when you mentioned the LFD is not in the same league? In what areas you thought the L-505 were better than the LFD? In terms of resolution, transparency and airiness in the mids which unit is more resolving? I would appreciate your thoughts.
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
Plays all music genres--great with electronica, classical, rock, indie or jazz. Very musical sounding--proper reproduction of piano, guitar, vocals, drums. Great tonal range--very organic and lush--"musical". Plays complex music with ease, like Radiohead's Amnesiac. Mates well with English speakers. Well thought out front panel, back and remote control.
coverto
44 posts
 
I'm also curious about how LFD compares, as I've tried the Luxman 550 - liked it, impressive resolution, but I found the sound of the 550 fatiguing and the sound lacked the "unity" of sound that an excellent tube amp like the Leben has. I also am in the position of liking the sound of the Leben but looking for better bass and the convenience of ss.
ryder
1,690 posts
 
If I"m not mistaken the Luxman 550 is a Class A. Although I have not listened to any Luxman amps, I have read that the Luxman will match well with warmer speakers like the Harbeth. The Leben CS600 has excellent resolution and transparency with extended highs. A very open-sounding amp. Unfortunately can't do bass too good and dynamics are lacking IMO. The LFD is very close-sounding to the Leben CS600. We have pitted both together side-by-side driving the Harbeth 40.1. The Leben comes out slightly more transparent, more extended highs but the LFD comes very close. The LFD's bass is tauter and goes deeper than the Leben.
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