Luxman 590axii vs Pass Labs int 60

@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.

Thanks, Erik. I'd like to hear that 509. If you get a chance to check out the 590, take it. I bought mine used, it looked new, at less than half new retail. The heat is mostly a non-issue, other than the fact that I don't leave it on full time.

I recently purchased the 590axii for my focal 1038be.  I don’t have a direct comparison to INT60.  The 590axii has the warmth and 3d qualities of a tube amp but with the speed and bass response of a top tier solid state amp.  It 30w/per channel of class A.  The loudness button adds a bit of fun to the amp as it adds more bass and highs at low volumes.  Happy to answer any questions.

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

It would be great if Luxman could release a reference class A amplifier like Accuphase is about to do soon (E-800) . Unfortunately for many of us the Accuphase pricing in US is over the roof. So with Luxman pricing model something like Accuphase E-800 that will retails for 21k would cost several grand less.