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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
274 posts
 
I have a Luxman 509u integrated amp driving Verity Audio Parsifal Ovation speakers. This is a powerful and musically satisfying combination that I have lived with for almost two years. They are keepers!

The headphone jack on Luxman integrateds is not an afterthought as you are tapping into the same circuit that powers the speakers. I have the excellent Beyerdynamic T1 headphones, and don't feel any need whatsoever to obtain a separate headphone amplifier.

I am told that the phono stage is also very good, and I am about to find that out.

Though expensive, the Luxman integrateds are very musical, extremely well built, and provide good value and exemplary performance.
bobheinatz
730 posts
 
Toronto416,

Thank you for your response. I figured Luxman wouldn't throw in a crappy headphone circuit. Any other experiences using headphones with your Luxman's?
bongofury
1,160 posts
 
I listen to it 100% of the time in headphone mode. Superior playback, all the way.
burntedj
21 posts
 
I think the 505u as Luxman's entry level is a lot better than some other folks' top of the line. It makes my little MMGs sound a lot more expensive than they should. I can hardly wait to move up the Maggie ladder. Maybe even the Luxman ladder too, highly recommended! Especially if you're tired of expensive products that don't live up to expectations.
maxweber
2 posts
 
Found review about Luxman L-550 -Audio solutions Sydney
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