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
Hey Deaf in left eye, I beg to differ about Luxmans rep being ruined by Alpine after 1984. If i am not mistaken, the great M-05 105 watt per channel class A amp was made from 1984 to 1988. In fact, there is a professional reviewer who posts and says it is one of the best amplifiers he ever heard. I agree. I have one with a set of infinity Rennaisance 90s and an Ear 864 pre. It is quite outstanding in all respects.
In Japan, the Luxman 505uX has just been released. I'm not sure what the difference is between this and the plain L-505u, however. Thanks!
I had the 505u running through a pair of Harbeth Compact 7s and was amazed at the sound. It's, like the Merlin, a somewhat neutral and musical speaker. There are folks at HUG too running the same amp through the P3ESR with fantastic results. It's hard to understate how much power the 505u has and how non-fatiguing the sound is. I'm surprised the Luxman isn't a more popular suggestion around here.