Just retired and want to get back to vinyl listening

The Accuphase is only slightly better than the Luxman and it does not come with a phono stage. I have owned both brands and amp currently running an Accuphase E-600, which is an additional $2,000.  If I had to do it over again, I would have kept my Luxman L-590AX at half the price of the Accuphase. Luxman offers excellent value for what you get. The L-550AX is a great place to start. Speakers are going to very much a personal preference and room-specific. DeVore speakers in addition to the Heresy and Cornwalls mentioned wil be a good match. Also any of the Totem Element series will sing very well with the Luxman.

Don’t skimp on cables and interconnects and maybe save about 10% of your buget for room treatment and tweaks.

Take your time, work with a dealer that will let you audition the gear at your hone and enjoy the process!

A "like new" Luxman L-590AX integrated was just posted for sale on this web site.  It's a phenomenal amp!

builder3, did you buy your Luxman from mountainsong?   If so, that was originally my amp!!

The Accuphase units only need a phono card that is inserted into the back of the amp.   I think the Pass would need a stand alone phono stage.

I am a big Luxman fan having owned many pieces since the 70's (yes, I am an old fart). I'm currently running an Accuphase E-600 and I may be selling it to go back to the Luxman MQ-300 tube amp.  The L-590AX or AXII are hands down, the best value in terms of Class A integrated amps. Also, with the new North American distributor, there is a $1,000 price drop.  

Whats not to love!!!

If like the integrated, you will be smitten by the Luxman turntable!  

I'm glad you are enjoying my old amp!

Hi Steve -  First of all, I have a MAJOR problem that causes me to analyze the performance of my gear.  Over the last year, I have switched amps 5 times and speakers 3 times (not to mention DACs, SACD players, speaker cables and interconnects. Since "ugradeitis" is normally in play, I always find a way to justify these frivolous expenditures - and I have a very understanding wife!  Even now, I am tempted with replacing my Accuphase E-600 with the $21,000 Luxman MQ-300 tube amp. 

During my quest, I have auditioned or owned Arcam, PrimaLuna, Luxman, Gato, Esoteric, Pass, Plinius and Accuphase integrated amps.  I still own Gato AMP-150 and PrimaLuna DiaLogue Premium Integrated amps.

Without going into the reasons and circumstances for each purchase, I will tell you that my biggest regret was not leaving well enough alone and keeping my Luxman L-590AX and D-06U SACD player/DAC.  Several amps and $$$$ later, I have incrementally gone up the sonic "food chain" but not by orders of magnitude.  If I had to do it again, it would be the Luxman L-590AX II and I would call it a day.


Other than the value proposition the Luxman has over the Accuphase, here are my thoughts on the differences:

Overall realism and purity of sound:   Probably a tie.
Bass Authority: Accuphase
Soundstage: Luxman
Warmth: Slight edge to Luxman (more "tube-like sound)
Detail: Slight edge to Accuphase

It is important to note that synergy of components, interconnects and even power cords will have an impact on performance as well as room acoustics.  As others have mentioned, TAKE YOUR TIME and enjoy the process.  Work with a couple of reputable local dealers and always try to audition the gear at your home.  

The most important thing to remember is that NOTHING that anyone tells you on this forum is gospel.  What appeals to your ears is the only thing that matters. Having said that, everything sounds great until you hear something better so make sure you can establish the point of diminishing returns (something I obviously cannot do!)  The good news is that you are considering some really good gear and your budget will allow to assemble a first-class system!
 

I've never had a dealer ask for money for an in-home audition.  A credit card on file to cover potential damage - sometimes.  But thats it. 

Doubtful if the two dealers cooperating would ever work  IMO.