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Luxman 509z or Aesthetix Mimas

I am planning to purchase one of these. If I buy the Mimas it will include both optional DAC and Phono stage. The Luxman is $12,495, the Mimas is $11,500. My speakers are Harbeth 30.2 Anniversary edition. I listen to a wide range of music and enjoy vinyl, CD's and Streaming.

Please share your experiences or opinions to help me make the best choice. I know there are other choices; please exclude these from the discussion

layton64
erik_squires
16,815 posts
 

the Luxman 507 with Harbeths are excellent choices.  Not heard with the 509, and no experience with Mimas.

the tradeoff, as you are aware, is whether to get a separate dac/streamer you can replace later on or not.  I'd consider the 507 + separate DAC as a better comparison between Lux and Mimas.  Also consider the UI / Streaming options.  If it has it's own OS/UI make sure you really like it and you trust the company to keep it updated.  

There's a lot to be said for fewer cables though! 

larryi
4,326 posts
 

I like the Harbeth 30.2 a lot.  I know Harbeth pushes solid state and a lot of power for their speakers, but, I've heard the 30.2 with medium powered tube amps and I like that combination a lot.  I would not overlook tube integrated amps in the 30-100 watt range.  

layton64 OP
34 posts
 

Thank you both!

Erik, I have owned an Aesthetix Rhea Eclipse Phono Stage used in my main system for 12 years. It is my all-time favorite component. I recently had Aesthetix complete a factory refresh at a very reasonable price. Their customer service is exemplary. I assume the Mimas is of similar quality and reviews have confirmed that.

The reason I am considering Luxman 509z is it has great reviews, the build quality is great, and I love the decibel meters; they are very cool with a modern retro look.

Probably best that I haul my speakers to both Luxman and Aesthetix dealers and do demos. There are dealers in my area and I would like to support them by purchasing from them rather than online.

 

re-lar-kvothe's avatar
re-lar-kvothe
186 posts
 

FWIW...I owned some of the finest audio gear you can have below the $20K price point. Boulder, Accuphase, Ayre, etc. I now own a Luxman 509z paired with Harbeth SHL5 2nd gens. What sold me was the phonostage. The Ayre was outstanding but the 509z was just as good with a better phonostage.

My humble opinion

koestner
698 posts
 

Yeah, so all I would like to say to help you out is about the meters. I have a MAC amp and love it, but after a few days I stopped staring at the meters. They're cool and all that, but really, today I hardly notice them. Go for the best sound that you like.

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