Luxman L 505 U Integrated Amplifier

Check out the other discussions here on Luxman.
This has all been addressed before.

Quick take:
Any service needs to be done in Japan.
High markup here in N. America.
Transformer had no effect on sound.
Quality of unit almost precludes any warranty work.
Those are the upsides.

Peace of mind=patriotism and fealty to middle man.
That's the downside.

Your choice.

Kiza -

With all due respect, I find your assessment surprising. For 18 months, you have been changing amplifiers to find the best sound. You have owned: Rotel, Plinius 9100, Luxman L505u, Rowland, and the NAD 275BEE. When you auditioned McIntosh 6300 and Luxman L505u connected to a pair of B&W 801D speakers, you thought Luxman sounded alot better, right?

In Japan, it costs $1,900 to purchase a Luxman L505u. In comparing the 70's Luxman R1120 vs the new Luxman L505u, the new Luxman sounds much better. The higher end Luxman 507 and 509 will sound even better yet. I used the 507 with a step-down transformer for two months. Now, the unit is operating in North American voltage. This is achieved by changing the jumper inside the unit to 115v. Also, you can set it for 230v (which also requires the fuses be changed). After comparing the sound using the USA 115-volt operation and the 100-volt step-down transformer, I could not detect any difference.

In the end, Luxman, McIntosh, and Accuphase are the top amps in the world - no question about it. Your NAD is produced of Chinese components. I have doubts that it will last 30 years. Here are the top three tiers of INT AMPS: (1) Luxman L509u; (2a) McIntosh MA7000, and (2b) Luxman L507u; and (3) Accuphase E450. These results can vary based on your set-up (speakers, etc). To optimize sound quality with a Luxman, use four tower speakers with the unit: two in the front, and two in the back with A+B running. This is my personal opinion.

I've had the L-550 Mk2. You're right it probably is a step up from the L505u, but keep in mind that it is rated at only 20watts X 2 in pure class A. although, it is very much underated and probably puts out more like 65 watts X 2. nonetheless the L505u has more power (100watts x 2). Something to keep in mind when matching these amsp with speakers.

Waiting for my 509u, I tried the 20wpc pure class A 550AII with my B&W 803D.
It was clearly not enough for my speakers (good only at late night volumes) but I heard it with smaller and more efficient speakers (Living Voice) in my dealer's showroom and it sounded very well, very musical.

Luxman class AB (505u,507u and 509u) are different from class A integrated amps (550AII and 590AII).

Don't expect from a pure class A i.a. great control at louder volumes driving difficult speakers with rock or classical music, great detail and absolute neutrality.

On the other hand you can't ask 509u the warmness and musicality of the 590AII.

Luxman, that's to say, demonstrated both 509u and 590AII at Tokio International Audio Show with B&W 802D speakers, even if it's clear that 509 has better driving capability.

You mean Step Down rather than Step Up (USA 120v to 100v) for the Japan version of the L505 right?