Accuphase E470 v. Luxman L509x

I haven’t directly compared these amps, but I recently a-b compared the following setups in the same room with Harbeth 40th Anniversary speakers;

- Luxman M-900u, C-900u, D-06u

- Accuphase A-70, C-2850, D-06u

Of those combo’s, from my listening notes the Luxman amps impressed and are beautifully built, quiet, silky smooth, had good bass and control & good PRAT. Whilst the Accuphase amps had slightly softer leading edges, very good resolution and dynamic contrasts, and more energy than the Luxman amps. The Accuphase amps also sounded more delicate on vocals, was easier to listen to & gave life to the music. There was also more class A warmth than the Lux amps which was inviting. Piano also had real resonance and sounded musical/engaging.

Overall the Lux amps were more neutral than Accuphase, there was less dynamic contrast/shading to my ears, bass sounded more ’polite’ than Accuphase which had more authority, there was less ’life’ than Accuphase, vocals were clear and natural, but sounded less intimate on jazz. Though the Luxman amps are easy to listen to. Resolution was good overall. The Lux combo also sounded a tad more coherent, perhaps due to synergy with the D-06u player which served as main source?

I could see the Lux amps working well with speakers like Sonus Faber, however with a more neutral, resolving speaker I woudl lean toward Accuphase, particularly if you need extra power/control.

@builder3, Luxman make some really nice gear. But there are much better integrated amps at that price point imho, one example being the Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary.

@yyzsantabarbara You didn’t specify in what price range you were enquiring, but I assume you mean roughly <$15kUS. Based on my own auditions, I have been impressed with the following amps listed from lowest to highest priced -

- Gold Note IS-1000
- Rowland Continuum S2 (and yes, I never thought i’d say a Class D amp sounded good)
- Audio Analogue Maestro Anniversary
- Boulder 865
- Audia Flight FLS-10
- Vitus RI-101

I recently a-b tested Pass Labs vs Luxman and Accuphase separates, and preferred Accuphase in that shootout. Hence, although I haven’t specifically heard the Accuphase E-650, I’m fairly sure I would prefer it to the Pass and Luxman integrateds.

Re: the Gryphon Diablo 300. I know there is a lot of hysteria on this site, and on Audioshark. And yes it is a good sounding amp, but as I understand it most of their chassis parts are made in Taiwan. To each their own, but personally I would take the Vitus RI-101 over that amp every day of the week.

bobheinatz466 posts07-20-2018 3:34amMelguyone,
Very interesting about Gryphon chassis parts being made in Taiwan. Are we talking the Diablo only or their entire line including speaker cabinets?

PM sent.

@builder3, I wasn’t suggesting your post was off-topic or unhelpful. I just thought I’d share my opinion of a product which has really impressed me, and which the OP may not have previously considered.

@builder3, at that level, it really comes down to personal preference, and whether you need the bells and whistles, or more of a simple, pure audiophile amp.