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Top Luxman integrated - 509u or 590Aii?

The Luxman integrated amps are highly regarded. Their two top models are similarly priced, though they differ in that the 590Aii is 30 wpc pure class A, and the 509u is 120 wpc class AB.

The class A 590Aii amps are supposed to sound great, but they run very hot and are inefficient.

The class AB 509u amps are powerful and more efficient, and they also apparently sound good.

I have auditioned the 550Aii (20 wpc pure class A), and it sounded wonderful. It is the only Luxman integrated on display in my city.

I am confused as to which would be the better choice, the 509u or the 590Aii?

Regards,

Mark
toronto416
toronto416 OP
210 posts
 
Thank-you.

I am considering one of these integrated amps with a very high quality cdp and speakers (Verity Audio) that are relatively easy to drive.

The real question should be - is there much of a real world difference sonically between the 509u and the 590Aii?

For any easy to drive speaker, is it a flip of the coin between them, or is there an advantage (sonically) with the class A amp (590Aii).

Regards,

Mark
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
pick the speakers first, then match to the amp. i found class a accuphase components to be no more 'real' sounding than their a/b counterparts.
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
If you have only one (digital) source, I'd like to recommend that you include the Luxman MQ-88 in your considerations.
chashas1
596 posts
 
If you keep reading these posts you'll stay very confused.
Eventually only you can pull the trigger.
Good luck!
toronto416 OP
210 posts
 
"These posts" do help when you have to consider components sight unseen. "Pulling the trigger" would otherwise be a shot in the dark.

Thanks to all for shedding some light on my confusion.

Regards,

Mark
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