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 rman9

@eziggy sorry I am late to this response. I recently swapped out the Mcintosh MC462 with the Luxman M10X, and I am waiting to swap out the Mcintosh C53 with the C900U (It’s in order and I won’t get it until June 2022, can’t wait). I have the Luxman D03x. The combo of the D03X, with C900U (borrowed from dealer) and the M10X running through Magico A3’s is heavenly.. I like the Luxman upgrade over the Mcintosh.. I checked with Luxman’s Jeff Sigmund to see if they are updating the C900U as well, but that won’t be until sometime next year.. All these recent updates has burnt a hole in the bank account.. I am working harder :). I am quite happy to have pursued this upgrade path.. Something was lacking when I was using the C53, 462 combo

@riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook I am with you, after experiencing the C900U/M10X, I could never go back to the C53/462 combo..