The best integrated amplifier

The Luxman 509u integrated amp is wonderfully musical, beautifully built, and powerful - 120W into 8 Ohms, and 240W into 4 Ohms.

I auditioned several of the amps mentioned above, and the Luxman won me (and my wallet) over.

I've auditioned the LAVARDIN and the LFD and also the AUDIOMAT before I bought.All were outstanding.

LFD was my personal choice between these but subject to the clear qualification that it appeared to very sensitive to one and all of a proper matching to (i) the source, (ii) the speakers' and yes ... (iii) using LFD's own top-shelf (and expensive ...sigh) cables (ICs and speaker cables)

In a properly tailored system it is magical and was my personal #2 choice overall in my ultimate purchase. This illusory search for audio nirvana (clearly a value judgement)in our common hobby is more of a journey rather than a destination.

I recommend adding the Boulder 865 to your list. I prefered it to the Pass integrateds - better resolution and more alive sounding. Different strokes for different folks. Haven't heard that particular Simaudio unit, but in general I have found their stuff to be lower res sounding and more "wooly" than some of the other brands on the list. Just my 2 cents.

I second the Luxman. I "downgraded" to a Luxman L-550AX about a month ago (20 W class A, no tube hassle), it's a beauty. There is a higher power class A (30 W, L-590AX) and a line of other Lux integrateds that are AB (much higher power, like the 509u that another member suggested) I believe. Some useful features for me at least include a MC Phono stage, a loudness control, headphone jack (late night listening). But its the sound that makes the Lux special. Driving Gallo Ref 3.5 speakers, I feel no need at all for more power (but I do have a fairly small listening space). If you're not familiar with the brand, check out their web site. And they have big meters that light up (ala McIntosh).

Toronto416

I just received a 509U, have some questions about it (no owners manual, etc), wonder if you would be so kind to answer based on your having the unit.