2. amps-preamps
  3. 1253333734

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
jimthewebguy
44 posts
 
Hi Chashas1: Unfortunately I haven't heard the Leben with my own speakers (Yamaha NS1000X + B&W 805N), just at the shop through icky Diatones.

But I did compare the Leben against my own amp, and in that comparison the Leben's highs were slightly harsh and fatiguing, while the Luxman's were not. This tells me that the Leben would probably still be more harsh with my other components compared to the Luxman.

Yes, my Yammies are bright, but crystal clear and superior to us to all other top-end speakers we've heard, except Quad ESL 989's, which are something entirely different. As you said, the warmth of my Luxman amp, but also the soft, absorbing room they are in, probably does a lot to balance the hard tendency of the Yammies. I imagine I might not like them as much in a hard room.

I doubt whether Mr. Hyodo's age restricts him in any way to design amps that are in keeping with older sound style. He is obviously quite competent, and able to follow (or lead, rather) modern sound trends. I agreed with the main guy in the shop that the Leben style sounded more like a Prima luna (but MUCH better!) in style than like an old-style tube amp.

I'm going back to the shop today to borrow another amp while I send my beloved Luxman 507 off to the amp hospital for a general check-up and possible minor surgery. Have to keep the old lady healthy!
rosedanny OP
80 posts
 
Hey Nolitan, I have heard both the LFD and the Luxman. The LFD was driving Harbeth speakers and sounded rich and detailed. I remember hearing the texture of the strings in an orchestral piece. I only listened to the LFD once, at a dealer's house, but that was my impression. What drove me to purchase the Luxman was the added features (you can see what I wanted in an amp at the top--I'm the one who initiated this thread). The LFD is pretty bare bones. Fortunately, I've found that the Luxman has a similar sound: rich, warm, yet detailed, but produces a bit more punch. I listen through Vandersteens, and the Luxman has shown me that when properly driven they can be fast and lively without losing their musicalty. Needless to say, I'm very happy with my L-505u
chashas1
596 posts
 
Hi Jim, yes, definitely give that Luxman some love.

I do disagree with this conclusion, though..
But I did compare the Leben against my own amp, and in that comparison the Leben's highs were slightly harsh and fatiguing, while the Luxman's were not. This tells me that the Leben would probably still be more harsh with my other components compared to the Luxman.

Jim, not necessarily so. You compared but with only one set up speakers. As I said, the Leben could be showing the truth of the speaker, the Luxman masking. Or it could be a simple matter of choice of cable.

Not that you sound like you want or need to get rid of the Luxman( heavens forbid) but if you were searching you might try the Leben in a different setup..

What I was trying to say about Mr Hyodo was that he's been around since the early days of hifi, not that his designs were lagging. From what I've heard, hardly. :)

Get that amp fixed!
Take care
Chas
nolitan
865 posts
 
Hi Rosedanny,

nice comparo between the lfd and luxman.
considering they are priced about the same.
I'll seriously look into the luxman when i get the chance.
thank you for sharing the experience.

cheers.
Noli
jimthewebguy
44 posts
 
Chashas1 You could certainly be right about the Leben CS300X revealing weakness in the Diatones or elsewhere in the chain whereas the Luxman does not.

I've always been underwhelmed by Diatones, but remain totally in love with my Yamaha NS1000x's. In fact, what got me excited to listen to the Leben in the first place was an online review that said it matched perfectly with the NS100OX. Unfortunately, other potential buyers are currently on the shop's waiting list for this amp, so I couldn't take it home for a test with my own system/environment.

As much as I love the sound of my Luxman/Njoe Tjoeb/Yamaha NS1000x+B&W 805N system, I often feel I could improve on the amp, though I haven't found the "answer amp" yet. It's not the Prima Luna Prologue Two that I still have for now, and not several other amps I've tried, but it might still be the Leben.

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