2. amps-preamps
  3. 1253333734

Luxman L505u . . . why not?

I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on one of these--an upgrade from my Rotel receiver. Before I do, I'd like some perspective from the learned A'gon community. First, will it be a significant upgrade from the Rotel? What kind of sonic improvements can I expect? Second, why shouldn't I buy from Audiocubes II? http://www.audiocubes2.com/brand/Luxman/product/Luxman_L-505u_Integrated_Amplifier.html
I know On a Higher Note is the official U.S. distributer, but my budget pushes me towards the less expensive purchase option. Third, regardless of where I purchase it from, it will need a transformer to boost the power to 220. I don't know anything about the possible effects this might have on sound and performance of the component--can anybody speak to this? Is it possible to have the piece modified to accept the U.S. 110 current? I want the piece because it meets my requirements for an integrated: it's at least 100W, it has speaker A/B (I've got speakers in the kitchen and the main living room), it's got a great phono section (I play 50% records, 50% CDs), and it's got a headphone amp. Those are the features I want in an integrated. Any advice, suggestions, dissuasions will be appreciated.

Danny
rosedanny

Showing 1 response by deaf_in_left_eye

deaf_in_left_eye
61 posts
 
I just purchased a fine example of the first issue of the L-550 series, which from 1981 was also the last of the great Luxman series before Alpine took them over and ruined Luxman's reputation in 1984. This is a pure class A amp, like it's modern descendant. Ugly maybe, but the sound is extremely clear and has that subtle, warm, silky texture of the old Luxman tubes. Extremely detailed, yet no highs are ever shrill. Precise staging and exquisite separation of individual instruments, similar to the original SQ38FD. The bass is there, but maybe not in the quantities I like, and becomes somewhat "boomy" if I turn the bass knob up too much. Otherwise it slowly floated into my room like a feather from heaven.

I love this amp and just thought I'd share that with this thread, where it looks somewhat appropriate.
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