Luxman 590axii vs Pass Labs int 60

The tone controls in the Luxman are fabulous.

You really should listen for yourself.

The three brands I repeatedly suggest people compare and contrast are:

• Ayre
• Pass
  
• Luxman

Mostly because I think if you do this you'll have such a strong opinion no one else's will matter.  They sound significantly different and using your own speakers is key.

Liquidity, and ease of performing at both the deepest and highest notes are what got me with my Luxman. 

@Builder - I’m afraid I’ve never listened to more than the 509 and 507.

Good thing too, because the heat in my room and my pocket book could not afford it. :)


@audiofound - That’s the best way I know how to describe it. Like the high frequencies had extra distortion. I don’t want to make too much of it as some may not hear it or like it, but whatever I heard, it was not to my liking. In the dozen or so times that I have listened to Pass amps I’ve either heard that scratchiness, or heard a competent, warm sounding amp. In neither case a device I’d pull money out of my wallet for.

Listeners should use their own ears when evaluating all amps. If Pass is it for you, please go buy it, and respect my own choices for not. Thank you.

Hey audiofound -

I have the last new 507ux in the US. :) Got it for a song or I would not have been able to afford it.

I haven’t heard every Pass amp, but in general I don’t find them wonderful. I think this has a great deal to do with the speakers Pass and followers use.

The Luxman on the other hand has a tube like mid/treble sweetness with great extension at the ends of the frequency range. I don’t find them analytical, but I also don’t find them scratchy, something most Pass amps sound like to me.


I think it is absolutely imperative every buyer listen for themselves, because in the end, it's the pleasure you derive every night in your room, with your speakers and your loved ones that matters.

Best,
Erik

Hey @mtdining -

Really curious which CJ preamp you had. :)

@mickeyb - One thing I learned about the Pass fans is they tend to listen to different speakers than I do, so that's why I suggested to the OP that speakers matter. :)

I strongly encourage the OP to listen for himself. I don't find these two units that close and feel strongly he'll have a strong choice as well. 

Speakers matter a great deal though, so if possible to audition with your own speakers you absolutely should.


Best,

Erik