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 5 responses by ryder

ryder
1,682 posts
 
Byegolly,

May I ask how did the LFD compare to the Leben CS300? I have heard the LFD and the CS600 but both in separate systems. The LFD has the dynamics and bass slam while the CS600 made the highs and midrange sound beguiling with its tube magic but seems to lack punch, dynamics and bass slam. Have you been able to compare the two units directly side by side?

Bongofury,

May I ask how did the Leben compare with the Almarro 318B? Which has a sweeter midrange and more refinement, and most important which unit has better bass presence?

Thanks in advance.
ryder
1,682 posts
 
Thanks for the insight Bongofury. I listened to the CS600 driving the Harbeth M40.1 and Fleetwood Mac sounded amazingly good. The Leben doesn't quite excel on some musical material with punchy bass and dynamics though.

May I ask if your Luxman had that special beguiling midrange and highs of the Leben with improved bass handling? If yes, what is the model of your Luxman? Thanks in advance.
ryder
1,682 posts
 
Bongofury/Byegolly,

May I know how does the Luxman L-505f compare to the LFD Zero LEIII? Does the Luxman have similar transparency, openness and airiness in the mids and highs compared to the LFD? Does the Luxman sound warmer, leaner or almost similar in the mids compared to the LFD?

Currently I have the Rega driving the Harbeth SHL5 and has confirmed on the warm and shut-in character of the combination compared to the LFD and the Leben. The Rega lacks the air and transparency of both these units. The Leben is a tube unit and has its flaws so it is scratched off the list. I'm left with the LFD which has proven to be a good match with the Harbeth. Unfortunately it doesn't come with a remote control. Will the Luxman L-505f possess the same degree of transparency and airiness in the mids compared to the LFD? Home audition is not possible. Your advice is appreciated.
ryder
1,682 posts
 
Thanks for the response Bongofury. Can you be little specific when you mentioned the LFD is not in the same league? In what areas you thought the L-505 were better than the LFD? In terms of resolution, transparency and airiness in the mids which unit is more resolving? I would appreciate your thoughts.
ryder
1,682 posts
 
If I"m not mistaken the Luxman 550 is a Class A. Although I have not listened to any Luxman amps, I have read that the Luxman will match well with warmer speakers like the Harbeth. The Leben CS600 has excellent resolution and transparency with extended highs. A very open-sounding amp. Unfortunately can't do bass too good and dynamics are lacking IMO. The LFD is very close-sounding to the Leben CS600. We have pitted both together side-by-side driving the Harbeth 40.1. The Leben comes out slightly more transparent, more extended highs but the LFD comes very close. The LFD's bass is tauter and goes deeper than the Leben.
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