@ryder the 590axii is tops on my list. I’ll have to find a good used or demo since they have been discontinued.
After years of separates, I'm going integrated. Anyone else do the same?
I'm rethinking my listening room. I want my audio rack to be more minimalist vs lots of boxes, wires, and clutter. I know separates, in general, will sound better. However, at the level of my system, I'm not certain the difference would be as apparent. In the grand scheme of things of Audiophilia, my level of components are mid-fi at best (BHK Pre, First Watt J2, Elac PPA-2 phono, Pro-ject s2 Dac, ZU Omen Defs)
I'm favoring one of the Luxman Class A's (I know Luxman is getting out of the Class A business. The only way I would favor a built-in Dac is if it were upgradable like McIntosh or Accuphase. I'm guessing a Luxman or Mac built-in phono would sound just as good as to what I have now (Elac PPA-2).
So the question is, who else has gone to integrated? Do you regret the move or are you glad you did?
Showing 16 responses by aberyclark
@garyalex I go thru a funk like this every few years. I've been thinking about rearranging and switching in and out components for a long time. I have seen quite a few nice "minimal" systems and I am rethinking my room. Yes, I'm hoping some change may "help" with the funk. However, its like driving the same car for a few years. You get a new one and becomes fun, at least a while, to drive again. To be honest in 5 years time, I'll probably change out something again. |
@audiojan I was looking at that same amp or the 30.8 to go with my BHK before my 'breakdown" lol |
@mapman looking forward to the review |
@lalitk I would love to find a used/demo 650. The Dac module is pretty pricey (around $1000). |
To be honest, I have not wanted to listen to anything the past month or so. I have forced myself and its just not clicking. Not because my current system does not sound good....it sounds great. However, siting in my listening chair, all I see is clutter. I know everyone goes thru an audiophile "funk". however, I've seen some real simple systems of late to where its just turn it on, and enjoy the music. |
@audioguy85 Yes prices are quite high. Look at the L-595ase limited edition at $12k (MSRP). The mammoth Mcintosh MA12000 is not much more expensive and would probably hold a little better resale value although Luxman has good resale value |
@boazxavier_000 Please let us know our thoughts once you get the Line Magnetic up and running. |
@garyalex I'm talking Price wise. Plus, it all depends on what part of the food chain you are looking from. If I said "First Watt is high end", I would hear "dude...you don't know what high end is...First Watt, although nice, is mid fi at best". From my perspective, I see my equipment as mid fi or even upper mid fi collectively PRICE WISE. I'm sure I could find $50,000 amps that I feel my First Watt blows away sound-wise. |
@larry5729 I'm probably guessing that 99% people will not be able to tell a difference assuming all components are from the same model series (For example: Pass INT 25 vs Pass xa25 and XS pre). However, even within the models, there may be different "voicings" vs anything to do with quality. Now, taking the components to extreme volume conditions may be a different story. Of course, using measuring tools are sure to show some difference based on sharing a power supply. |
@james_edward I have heard a few ZU Speaker owners say the Luxmans are a great combo. |