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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 7 responses by eziggy

eziggy OP
137 posts
 
Thanks guys!

@riaa, my reasoning for the 509X vs. 590AXII is the MLs tend to be on the warmer side and the Class A amp may add to that.  I am looking for more crispness especially for classical, but not analytical and fatiguing.

@erik Definitely seems like McIntosh is all about synergy.  Almost everyone is giving the same point of view as you and riaa that Luxman, Dagastino, etc. will probably give what I am looking for over the McIntosh.

In terms of speakers, although the MLs are decent with sensitivity (91DB), they dip below 1ohm in the high frequencies.  I don't doubt either Luxman integrated would handle it, I feel the 509x would do better at louder volumes.  ESL love power as well, gives more 3D effect from my experience. 


eziggy OP
137 posts
 
Thanks tomcy8, which amp did you replace the Pass with?

I definitely agree power is important. Though there are some low wattage rated amps that have some amazing power supplies and headroom which work well with impedance swings.
eziggy OP
137 posts
 
This is definitely all about system synergy.  I was able to demo both the 509X and the 590AXII with the ML 11As.  The 590AXII is a great integrated, but I felt was a tad too warm for the ML, not the upgrade I am looking for from my current McIntosh.  Also, I felt it a bit under powered for the MLs, slightly strained at higher volumes.

The 509X paired better, one of the best sounding amps for the MLs I have heard. All around performed well across almost all types of music. One up from the 509X is the m900u, wow it is sweet and detailed.  It will be the next upgrade, budget allowing.
eziggy OP
137 posts
 
Dealer did warn me against hearing the m900u given my budget.  :)

We decided against adding the c900u in the mix since it would make it a completely unfair comparison and just used the same high end DAC as the pre for comparison.

It's amazing what you can get with the Luxman integrateds for the money.  The m900u/c900u will be largely better but at a 3-4x cost.  The m900u standalone had such sweetness/warmth but not at the expense of detail.  Hard combination to get in my opinion.  I can only imagine what adding the c900u into the mix will do.

I know for sure once I have the budget and space that it will be #1 on the list next to the Constellations, since everyone raves about their synergy with MLs.
eziggy OP
137 posts
 
Great list, would be great to see which you end up with.

Have you considered/heard the PS Audio DirectStream?  It came up in discussions as a potential with the m900u.  Also the PS Audio BHK Signature Preamp is supposed to be fantastic for the price.
eziggy OP
137 posts
 
Ah, didn't realize they were creating their own music server software.  Being in tech, I wholeheartedly agree on the complexities of developing and launching software.  Look how long Roon has been working to fix all the kinks, though in PS Audio's defense they would only need to support their own hardware.

I have heard amazing things about the BHK preamp.  If you have the chance to demo it, it might be worth while.
eziggy OP
137 posts
 
@yyzsantabara Noticed talk of the lack of Roon support, which is a serious buzz kill (if true).  I get Roon has limitations, but creating new software is a definitely a huge endeavor and will limit the reach the product.
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