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 2 responses by riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook

riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook's avatar
riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook
1,003 posts
 

Why are you choosing the 509X which has very little Class A over the 590AXII? I know numerous people who jumped on the 509X Hype train only to switch to the 590AXII later.

 I would never go back to Mcintosh after hearing Luxman/Dagostino/ARC etc  Its not in the same league and I had the 452/C52 combo...its a great combo FOR Mcintosh but there's a reason it sells for much less than the other brands. You get what you pay for. I firmly believe most people who own MAC equipment havent tried other brands. Its like the Harley Davidson thing...I can ONLY own a Harley. Ignorance is Bliss

riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook's avatar
riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook
1,003 posts
 
That 30 W is enough to drive 86DB Speakers with ease as I have heard in 2 other systems. What speakers are you using that cant be driven by the 590??
More to discover