I have a Luxman L-509X and find it to be an excellent integrated. For me the next serious upgrade would be to some thing like a T+A PA3100HV. I am consider the one listed here on Audiogon for $7k (a bargain considering it sells for ~$25k new), it's a 220/240V version - which shouldn't really be an issue to wire up with two hot 120V wires, the ground wire and a NEMA 6-20 receptacle.
Help me understand the current amp market
I've been doing some research in regards to amplifiers in hopes of purchasing one some time in the near future. However, it's difficult to navigate all the different models and what makes them exactly special. For starters, which amplifier manufacturers are actually coming up with innovative technologies and which ones are more "assemblers" of slightly modified parts? Pilium, for example, is getting a lot of buzz, but the CEO is an ex gym owner that's an audio enthusiast and not an electrical engineer. So what makes them stand out? Also, I'm seeing companies like Solution and Jeff Rowland using switched mode power supplies. Are these truly better than the traditional toroidal transformers? I understand that you need to listen to them to truly understand each amplifier's significance. However, since it's almost impossible to listen to all of them in the same environment, I'd like to narrow my selection by which ones technological sound good first. Any help would be appreciated.
Showing 3 responses by josephp732
@jyaki Accuphase E-5000 or Gryphon Diablo 333? I would love to try the Gryphon Diablo 333, but it's a bit out on my price range, and being new I haven't seen it yet on the used market. "I think", and don't everyone jump all over me, that the Accuphase line in genal is a bit over priced and though the E-5000 is an awesome piece your staying with a Japanese build house sound philosophy. As a very general statement, my opinion is, that Accuphase, Luxman, Yamaha maybe Esoteric are competing against each other for a similar customer segment. Staying Class A and A/B, I don't see a lot of cross shopping between the Japanese brands and brands such as Hegel, Pass Labs and such. |
@macg19 T+A equipment is always built like a tank. I had a PA 3000 HV that I sold when I was down sizing to a condo (Threw my back out re-boxing that amp). That’s when I went with the Luxman L-509x. I do love the Luxman but miss the warmth and massive headroom. Now I am building a new listening room in a new home, hence me really looking hard at the PA 3100 HV. I also have T+A CRITERION TCD 110 S speakers, that I had put into storage, that I will be using in my new reference system. There was a review of the Luxman that briefly compares it to the T+A: Luxman L-509X Integrated Amplifier (soundstageultra.com) |