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Integrated Amplifiers - Luxman vs Pass Labs

Hello All,

 

This is my first post here at Audiogon.

My current amplifier is the Luxman L-550axii and my speakers are the Marten Django L and Coherent Audio 15 (coaxial speakers with 15" woofer and high efficiency of approximately 98db).

I'm contemplating making a move with my integrated.  I'm considering the Luxman 590axii or one of the current Pass Labs Integrated's.  I haven't had a chance to listen to the 590 and I've never listened to a Pass product before and the opportunity just doesn't present itself to be able to demo any at a dealer's or in-home.  

I'm hoping those that have heard both the Luxman and any current Pass Integrated could chime in with their thoughts about them and the direction you would go given my speakers. 

In the future, I may look at replacing the Coherent speakers with Audio Note AN-J or AN-E.  Any experience out there with Luxman or Pass Labs and Audio Note speakers??

Thank you to all who chime in with your experience and thoughts!

me_ohmy

Showing 2 responses by chorus

chorus
976 posts
 

I own the Pass INT25 and use Tannoy 15" dual concentrics.

Your speakers I have not heard but they sound very similar.

I have an older Luxman Receiver in use in my office and

I like that as well. I do not see the differences that others

mentioned here. 

I have heard Luxman INTs recently at $5k and at $10k.

In my mind they sounded excellent. Of course they were in well

setup rooms with excellent speakers. 

You can buy Pass gear with a trial period from Reno Hi-Fi. 

You do not mention a specific goal so I assume it

is overall next notch up for SQ?

Have you considered a Tube INT? 

That would produce a different sound

and since you like the soft, big sound 

you might really be happy with a tube INT.

The one I have my eye on in the new ARC I-50

at $5k. I am waiting for my mentor to listen to it

and advise me his thoughts.

Post more in the future. I like your system!

chorus
976 posts
 

Meo,

I chose the Pass Brand because after seeing Guttenbergs video of Nelson's 

home I thought -If Pass uses Tannoys to voice his amps and I own Tannoys

the hard work is over. Gotta have Pass. 

 

Meantime I hear Coda is supposed to be better. Never heard it.

 

As far as Luxman goes, I think they have upped their game in the last few years.

I never had both in my home to a/b. I did hear the $5k Lux Int paired with

Paradigm Founder $5k speakers in November. That was sound I could live with.

 

I hear your concerns about worrying over tube gear. Hum, wear. I had a Cary

120 amp and sold it to buy the Pass. Now I miss the tube sound so I may look into

the new ARC I-50 Integrated. Waiting for some legit reviews.

 

You might buy an XA 25 amp and see how you like it. Used they were selling at

$3k. To a/b you will need a to buy the Lux also.

 

Keep us posted please.

 

 

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