2. amps-preamps
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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
 
Chashas1

I agree, and mentioned specifically above there is a price difference in the thousands. I have not actually seen the 38 SQ at retail. It is a very known model to the Japanese.
It appears not to be distributed here yet. PS: The founder of Leben worked on the 38 model so I would imagine that the sound profile is very similar.
chashas1
596 posts
 
Boy, I would love to hear it...hear it all, actually! and then buy what I loved most, and never look back. (hopefully)
The small Leben is only 15 watts, which means very efficient speakers and usually a smaller scale system. By the time people consider the bigger Leben integrated, they head for Shindo.
The Luxman is all relatively new here, as stated earlier, so maybe eventually I'll get to hear it.
Thanks again!
Chas
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
Chas

A friend told me that the 38 is now for sale on musicdirect.com. Don't know them as a retailer, but they are showing both the amp and CD player. They also show my N100 combo. It is roughly 35 to 40% higher than what I paid in Japan.
byegolly
140 posts
 
..and the calliope plays as the merry-go-round turns round and round.
nolitan
865 posts
 
has anyone heard both the 505u and the 550A (20w class A) ?
is the 550A just as powerful as the 505 U?
I'm thinking of trying the Luxman route with my harbeths.
thanks for the inputs.
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