Just saw this post and I also have ML11As. I was running the ARC Ref75 and Ref3 and wasn't happy. Albert Sportis told me about the great synergy with the 509X so I traded. He was right, it's stunning. I'm in love.
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!
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!