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Luxman Knockoffs or Counterfeits?

Living in the US, it has been very difficult finding a Luxman on the used market. I see lots of models on ebay selling from Japan. The listings look suspicious to me - different sellers with the exact same photo of the product; sometimes the same photo with one seller naming a different model number than another seller, but using the same photo.    

I found one Japanese ebay seller who seems to be legit, Monotokyo, based on seller reviews, but I am hesitant to rely on ebay seller reviews.  

Does anyone have information about Luxman knockoffs or counterfeits? 

audiojerry
audiojerry OP
78 posts
 

FYI: I purchased an L-590AX II from a very fine gentleman who has participated in this forum.

Thanks to all for you helpful insights and advice.

thebman70
8 posts
 

I have a Luxman 509u integrated 100v and have been using for years without issue. Save the money and buy 100v. Some units can be converted by changing a few jumpers and adding a 120v sticker.  There is a guy in Wisconsin that tried to help me over the phone but he ended up needing to physically see it.  Wasn't worth me shipping and he agreed. Sorry I don't have his contact info. 

I am looking for an Esoteric piece that is $7k new from Japan (100v) and $11k from a US dealer.. When I pull the trigger, I am sure I will need another voltage converter.

audiojerry OP
78 posts
 

For anyone reading this, I acquired a made-for-US Luxman L-590AXii from a fellow agon member last November, and am totally happy with it's versatility, performance, power and sound. Bass punch is superb. I highly recommend it.

dwest1023
209 posts
 

I purchased a Accuphase 380 brand new off of ebay, from a Japanese dealer. I got a brand new amp that list in the states for 9K for 4K. The dealer even got me a 120 volt version. It was shipped in quadruple boxes and it arrived in perfect new condition. Only hurdle was the customs wait. This dealer had several Accuphase models and great prices. I notice now, his accounts is completely gone. 

saurabhgarg
35 posts
 

I have compared both 100V version with transformer and 115V version for 509z and didn't notice any difference. Online resources also indicate that transformer doesn't introduce extra noise (incl PS audio narrative on YT). The only suggestion has been to have enough headroom. I used 1500w small quality transformer to have 5-10x headroom. There was no humm from transformer and it barely got warm. Introducing extra steps in signal path can have deleterious impact on Audio but power just needs conditioner and high quality cables to get RF interference away. Also I tested the noise using a meter from Amazon. Just want d to share with community inclined to save some money. I got mine from eBay Nicology JP. 

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