2. amps-preamps
  3. 148018-75781

Luxman 509X vs Mc452 + preamp

I am currently debating where to go with my system.  I have Martin Logan 11As, McIntosh MC452, Meridian 218 DAC/streamer, and a Marantz 8805.  Been using the 8805 as my HT and 2ch pre, but for obvious reasons I am disappointed with the overall sound.  Need to keep everything as one system for the time being for budget and space considerations.

Been considering either picking up up a 2ch preamp, possibly Audio Research or McIntosh, or just simplifying my life and moving to the Luxman 509X integrated.  Budget is a bit tight, was hoping to keep it around $3K, if keeping the MC452 and getting a pre.  If going the Integrated route I have more wiggle room since I can sell or trade in the MC452.

I tend to like things on the warmer, non-analytic, side but with detail.  I listen to almost all kinds of music, but where I like to see some improvement is in classical music with instrument separation, clarity, and crispness.  McIntosh tends to have a darker sound and I am thinking that pairing it with electrostats may not be doing the combination justice especially in the high frequencies.

Any thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks!

eziggy

Showing 4 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,695 posts
 
Of course, the issue isn't just going from a 507/509 to the m900u, but the added cost of the preamp as well.

It's a big deal price wise.

Lucky for me, I don't have the space!


Best,
E
erik_squires
16,695 posts
 
A shame from my wallet that I heard the m900u since I would have been more than content with the 509x.


So you can imagine my pain, having gotten a new 507ux at below dealer cost, trying to think of the m900!

Best,

E

erik_squires
16,695 posts
 
I haven't seen ANY official spec that calls it class A up to 30 W. We know Luxman rated the amp's total output to 30W, but reviewers have found it puts out significantly more. 

Luxman is cagey in it's description as well, referring to bringing the "Class A sound" but I have yet to see it officially listed as a Class A amplifier. 

What is interesting is the idle and max power: 260 and 380. That's pretty close to what I'd expect for a full class A amp.


My own theory is that the 30 to 90 W difference may have more to do with the tortuous standards related to power ratings.  Last I recall a manufacturer must pre-heat the amp for an hour at 1/3rd power, and THEN test it. This may have required far too large a heat sink/chasis, but this is me second guessing the manufacturer with little to go on.


Best,

E
erik_squires
16,695 posts
 
While I disagree that 30W is enough, the Luxman is a lot closer to Dagostino than Mc.
Mc you really really have to listen to the specific models. I've heard awful, bright, hard setups, and gods, their speakers suck.
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