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Luxman 590axii with KEF Reference 1

Hi all

Im considering Getting a Luxman 590 axii  to go with my KEF reference 1. Am I kidding myself? On paper the Luxman doesn’t have anywhere near enough power to drive the KEFs, but I’ve read multiple reviews saying that the Luxman can drive difficult loads.
I was driving the KEFs with a Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP integrated. I loved the openness and width of the soundstage, but felt that the bass was somewhat uncontrolled. I just got a NAD M33 and feel that although the bass is better controlled, the sound overall is restrained and somewhat compressed compared to the Primaluna. 
So I’m considering the Luxman, hoping that it gives me the bass control of the M33 and the airiness and openness of the Primaluna.
What do you think?
dworkman

Showing 1 response by arafiq

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,706 posts
 
Yes without a doubt the Luxman 590 will give you amazing bass. For some reason, Luxman seriously under rates the power specs. I was driving my Sonus Faber Olympica 2 with Audio Research GSI75 and the sound the KT150s made was quite good. But once I switched to the 590axii, the bass was glorious - punchy, impactful and textured. The sound is less euphonic but comes damn close to tubes, with better dynamics, detail retrieval, and wide soundstage. 
Sonus Faber Olympica 2 are 88 db and 4 ohms. The Luxman has zero trouble driving them. The KEF Ref 1 are less sensitive but higher impedance. I’m sure you’ll like the performance. Good luck!
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