Finally got a Luxman

@webking185, the Thiel CS2.4’s are not terribly difficult to drive, but you do need an amp that doubles down. I have driven them easily with an Audio Research 60w vintage amp for instance. What I have found is that what you need is quality watts. And here the Luxman is just fine.

Congrats on the Luxman. That was on my wish list as well. I had several intergrated on my list. A Mac with those blue meters I wanted since forever. Finally got one. The other was a Accuphase and I got a great deal on a new one. I had PassLabs on the list and got that too. Last was Hegel. Got that and I decided to stop. I’m at 70 so I’m trying to enjoy life. I may yet get a Luxman.

@jafant Interesting, wouldn't think Thiel is a good match.  Just based on the their speakers being 4ohm, sensitivity at 86-90 range.  Probably sit at 3ohm territory when playing.  I feel Luxman is a killer with soft dome, high sensitive speakers.  When I paired it with the Silverline Sonata, I can say its my goto system when I want to do audiophile listening.

IMO, Luxman is the finest Integrated Amp money can buy.  A company with rich heritage, innovation and build quality second to none.  You made the right choice.  Happy listening.

Congrats!  Enjoy.

I liked the 505uxii so much on my system with Klipsch Forte IV’s I got the 507Z (from Japan to save a few coins) for my system with Thiels. I’m moving currently so haven’t had a chance to put it in them yet. 

Just enjoy the hell out of your Luxman!  I’ve owned so many Luxman pieces I really do not remember them all.  All were integrated amps except for one receiver, the 1120 A.  What a beast!  
So good to see them back from the abyss of Alpine ownership.  Alpine kind of wrecked them for some years.  At this very moment listening to the 509X.

Cool 

Gotta love Audiogon.
 

O.P. Comments about integrated upgrade performance. 
 

Trolls wanna argue about speaker upgrade kits….

🤔

Yes. The kit is made by Klipsch. The only thing that is different is they changed the speaker cabinet base, otherwise it ends up being the same speaker (the forte IV). Takes about 2 hours to install.

you will need 2 kits:

https://paducahhometheater.com/products/forte-3-to-forte-4-upgrade-kit-per-speaker

Can the Forte 3 really be upgraded to be exactly the same as the version 4? I didn't think they could be ? 

GR research for the Forte upgrade kit. I did the upgrade.

Yeah, zero regrets. This thing just sound magnificent!  I went for nothing. Can’t even imagine what the higher-ups sound like. Maybe if I hit the lottery;)

@last_lemming  I am with you. About a year ago I bought the same Luxman integrated. I wanted to simplify so I sold my Exposure SS gear and my vintage McIntosh tube gear. I find the Luxman to be an improvement over my previous gear. I still get a tube-like quality with my Harbeth speakers, and a more solid bottom end. I find the phono stage to be very good too.

Like you I opted for the poor man’s integrated from the Luxman line, but I don’t think we sacrificed much. Enjoy that amp as it breaks in. I think the cosmetics are beautiful as well.

Stuarg

last_lemming

Wait until you pair the Luxman and Thiel speakers.

Happy Listening!

Luxman is very nice, congratulations :-)

Yes you can upgrade the forte 3 to forte 4. Just type in forte 3 upgrade kit in google.  Well worth the $800 IMO. 
 

I think the cheaper units that come from Japan will require a step down transformer, but I’ve also read there is something you can switch on the inside of the unit to switch the voltage as well. But I’m not an expert on this and you need to verify this info. 

Poor Man here also with a 505UXII. Went from separates for convenience and ease of use for my wife and very happy. Drives a pair of Fyne Audio F502SPs with ease. The Phono is very good as well as the headphone section. Running my Rotel 1572 fully balanced.

Congrats and enjoy!

Nice ! I had Klipsch Forte and Cornwall and liked them a lot too. Can the Forte 3 really be upgraded to be exactly the same as the version 4? I didn't think they could be ? 

Also, does anyone have experience with buying this exact Luxman amp from the many sellers on Ebay that are selling it for $2700 new in a box and shipping directly from Japan? I assume it needs to run on a converter? 

I've had the Luxman 590 AXII for 2 years now and love it. I've been through almost every brand and even went separates twice. I have never been happier, lots of features, sound that is tube like without the heat and hassle, I can go on. I am sure there is better then Luxman, but then you would have to get to the $100K+ speaker level to hear the difference in my opinion.

It took a good 100 hours to settle in, but sounded great out of the box.

Enjoy the music!

I have the same Luxman Integrated, got it about five years ago on closeout. It's a great amp and was in my price range.   

Luxman is very cool. Enjoy!

Congrats! I know the feeling. I always wanted a McIntosh , just for the blue meters! Finally could afford one as well as a Accuphase amp. Someday I might add a Luxman as I always wanted one of those too. 

Welcome!! I hope you enjoy it as much as I love mine. 

Congratulations!  That’s a great integrated amp!  There are so many amps I’d like to try and Luxman is one of them.  By the way, I don’t think there’s such a thing as a poor man’s integrated wrt what you purchased 😀