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 11 responses by nolitan

Other than Harbeths, what other speakers are you driving your 505u or 550II with ?
is the 550 as powerful as the 505u ?

Thanks for the info.
Would anyone here have first hand experiences how these Luxman would compare to the likes to the Accuphase and LFD Integrateds ?

Thanks for sharing!!
has anyone heard both the 505u and the 550A (20w class A) ?
is the 550A just as powerful as the 505 U?
I'm thinking of trying the Luxman route with my harbeths.
thanks for the inputs.
Jabas

Yes, thanks for the reply.
I do plan to use the 550A for the SHL5s which i also have.

Great! Looks like its a good match with the SHL5s.

Noli
Hi Rosedanny,

nice comparo between the lfd and luxman.
considering they are priced about the same.
I'll seriously look into the luxman when i get the chance.
thank you for sharing the experience.

cheers.
Noli
Thanks for the insight Paul... I will surely give the Luxmans a try one of these days.
is it worth buying or saving up for the 507u over the 505u ?
The difference i think is almost double between these two units.
Thanks Paul- I have briefly heard the 505u at the dealer & was quite impressed with the sound.
The one thing I immediately noticed is the dynamic & lively sound.
I'll listen more to it after I get back from my out of town trip.