I'll try to read and ask around a bit to get a feel for how Luxman CD players are regarded here in Japan, and let you know, Toronto416 and others interested, if I find out anything somewhat definite.
In my own experience, I see Esoterics in the high-end stereo shops I frequent, but I haven't noticed Luxman CD players. It could be because I love my current CD player and haven't taken a great interest in the others recently, or because the Esoteric displays are always boastful, or even because I am always trying out different Luxman amps rather than CD players.
By the way, I just brought home a B&W Nautilus 805 set as shelf speakers to test-out as replacement for my Rogers, which aren't compatible with my Yamaha NS1000x when playing 4-way. The B&Ws are certainly not as clear or balanced as the Yammies (but then very few speakers are), but they are VERY comfortable on the ears and detailed enough to stand-up to them, and the combination of the sweet and warm B&Ws with the big and crispy-tight Yammies in my tatami room together 4-way, driven by my old Luxman 507 is really like paradise: almost unbeatable sounds across the wide spectrum we listen to. The two sets really complement each other well, so I purchased the B&Ws and I'll be giving-up the little Rogers to a friend who really wants them for his super-high-end mostly LIN-based system. |
What do they say in Japan about the new Luxman cd players such as the D-06?
Though they are available in North America there is very scant information about them, but I have a sense that they are well regarded in Japan and compare favourably to Esoteric cd players.
Any comments?
Regards,
Mark |
I have a Luxman 507 (no prefixes or suffixes), one of Luxman's first transistor amps, from 1974 ('78?), I believe. I use it to drive Yamaha NS1000x speakers, which are truly top-notch. My CD player is an Ah! Njoe Tjoeb CD4000, also truly tops.
We (wife and I) really like the sound of this system in our main room, which has soft floors (tatamis), wood on all sides, and lots of cloth - more absorbers than reflectors. The sound is clear and very detailed, yet warm and well-balanced, and has deep imagining and realistic coloration and separation of each instrument. It sounds to me more like a high-end tube amp than a transistor amp in many respects. We listen to an extremely broad spectrum of music, but not at extremely high sound volume.
But as the Luxman was very inexpensive (at about USD500), and is a bit dinged-up, I've always felt I could improve on it and have been trying different amps on loan from the (super-good) local used stereo shop for many months.
I've tested it against several "higher-end" amps, including Accuphase, Krell, McIntosh, and other Luxmans, and so far this old 507 bugger still sits on the throne. Let me know if you'd like my comments on any of those comparisons.
Right now I'm testing/comparing it against a Primaluna Prologue 2, which images well and offers rich, full sound across the spectrum, but with my setup and environment is not better than the old Luxman in any sound respect except perhaps bass volume, for which the Luxman has a knob to turn up when I want more bass. Through the crystal-clear NS1000x's, the harmonic distortion of the Primaluna is too obvious and changes the coloration of all instruments too much, while everything has a sandy, grainy quality characteristic of tube amps, but this is just too obvious. I also have an old pair of low-level Rogers speakers (LS-2a) that the Primaluna sounds pretty good good through, though, but the NS10000x's are my main babes, so I will give the Primaluna back to the shop, even though it's so pretty to look at.
Here in Japan, the local stereophiles generally prefer the original Luxman SQ38 (various suffixes) - types as for Luxman amps. Whenever looking at Luxmans, someone here is always sure to tell me not to even consider anything pre-1984.
As a Luxman owner, I just thought I'd add my two Yen to this thread. |
Choosing between the two top Luxman integrateds (590Aii and 509u) is not easy. They both cost about the same (10K), but one is 30 wpc pure class A (590Aii) and the the other 120 wpc class AB (509u).
Though I have seen more positive comments about the 590Aii and the purported sonic superiority of pure calss A amps, has anyone actually compared them? Are they really that different?
If you had a choice, which one would you buy?
Regards,
Mark |
I have bought a 507u directly from japan, along with a step down transformer from kashimura. I have not received them yet, because I was not at home when the delivery man came yesterday and today. Unfortunately I can not get them sooner then monday the 28th, because of the christmas days.
But when I have them I will certainly let you know how this amplifier in combination with the transformer sounds. I can compare this sound to my previous accuphase e408 and a l505u that I had for 2 months.
I will tell you my experiences in a few weeks. And as for the 509u..........i have not heard this one, but from reviews I completely agree with renjy651 |
There is no comparison between the Luxman L509U and the L505U. The L509U is the best sounding integrated amp I have EVER heard. The reason for this is that the L509U and the L590 and cd-player D 08 and DU 80 use gold-plated circuitry. In the late 80's when I was working as an electronic tech in a military-defense company where computers for submarines were manufactured, we used thick-film ceramic substrates printed with gold-plated circuitry and seperated by dielectric materials. This same process is used by Luxman. No one else in the industry is using this ultimate standard. This same optimum standard is used only in the manufacturing of military and cardiac pacemaker products. This same process is also proven in research to enhance sound quality, and minimize vibration and radiation - making Luxman second-to-none. So my advice, based on experience, is the L509U simply can not be beaten by any rival. Of course, this is why it costs $10K. When I inspected my Luxman 505U, I discovered that the parts are all custom-made Japanese-produced parts. The 509U and the DU 80 or D 08 cd-player is the ultimate system on the planet. This is my personal opinion. Thanks. |
When I bought my Luxman L-505f back at the begining of 2004 I almost got the L-507f but just out of my price range.
For the money the L-505f was a great int amp and if I had the money I would go ahead and get the L-505u. I had to sell the L-505f so now I may just keep everything I got and save for the next two years and see what else Luxman may come up with.
One of the things I liked about the L-505f was I used the preamp with a tube amp I had or use a tube preamp with the 505f amp section or just used it as a int amp.
Also the tone controls were outstanding!! They could not make a bad recording perfect but I have too many bad recordings and the tone controls allowed me to adjust the treble and bass just enough to make the bad recordings much more bearable. As always this is my opinion of equipment I have had in my system. |
The 509u is rated at 120 wpc into 8 Ohms, doubling to 240 wpc into 4 Ohms. It is Luxman's most robust class AB integrated amplifier.
The 507u is rated a little less at 110 wpc into 8 Ohms, and it does not quite double (to 200 wpc) into 4 Ohms.
The 505u is rated at 100 wpc into 8 Ohms, and 140 wpc into 4 Ohms.
These amps differ in the size of their power supplies, capacitance, and other elecronic differences that I do not understand.
The 507u sits somewhere in between the 509u and the 505u, which suggests that integrated amps are important in the Japanese market, and the 507u is probably filling a gap to compete with other manufacturers at that particular price/performance point.
Regards,
Mark
|
Well Luxman has just released another option for people the L-507u. There is no info in English on the Japanese Luxman website but does show the release date in Japan as Dec.
It is going for 399,00 Yen or around $4400in Japan. The L-505u in Japan costs around 225,000 yen or around $2500. The L-550a ii in Japan costs around 300,000 yen or around $3300. So in the US the L-505u is around $3800 and L-550a ii around $4800 so there is around a $1000 to $1300 cost of importing it. So if the L-507u is $4400 in Japan then in the US it probably will go for $6000 may up to $7000.
Here is a link to the L-507u that was taken off the On A Higher Note website but still works if you have the link.
http://www.onahighernote.com/luxman/?c=8&id=52
They probably took it off the website cause it will not be released to the US for a while.
It will be interesting to find out a comparison between the L-507u and the L-509u.
|
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. |
I'm also curious about how LFD compares, as I've tried the Luxman 550 - liked it, impressive resolution, but I found the sound of the 550 fatiguing and the sound lacked the "unity" of sound that an excellent tube amp like the Leben has. I also am in the position of liking the sound of the Leben but looking for better bass and the convenience of ss. |
Plays all music genres--great with electronica, classical, rock, indie or jazz. Very musical sounding--proper reproduction of piano, guitar, vocals, drums. Great tonal range--very organic and lush--"musical". Plays complex music with ease, like Radiohead's Amnesiac. Mates well with English speakers. Well thought out front panel, back and remote control. |
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. |
LFD is not is the same league. The Luxman will run circles around it. |
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. |
Yes, I've got my eye on it...that was one of his preliminary reports...full review to be coming, hopefully soon. It is on onahighergrounds site, so should be available.
Thanks! The Luxman is still very much on my list. Same with Leben, and Lavardin. |
Chas1: check out the N100 Neoclassical on their website. Six Moons just did the first web review. Don't know if it is being imported yet. Very streamlined and compact. |
Ryder, I have a Japanese N100 tube combo/CD. My son lives in Tokyo. I use it in a den where space is at a premium. Incredible sound for the size. I am going to buy their domestic 505 or 590 for my bonus room; I like their products so much. Do everything right--no flaws that I can hear. |
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. |
Bongo, could it also be you'd have to pay retail for the Leben?
Could you elaborate on the "compact design"? The Luxmans look big (and heavy) from photos, the Leben, which I've actually seen and heard, much smaller and lighter. |
Hands down, the Leben is the better unit. Along with Luxman, I think they are the best Japan has to offer in mid-priced gear. (Obviously, the Luxman has better bass and slam due to it being solid state).
With that said, I was really impressed with the Almarro 205 and 318 powering their own speakers. Very musical and organic. Played Stevie Wonder and Dave Brubeck and loved the musicality of both amps. In many ways, I preferred the 205 model. I look at Almarro as a nice entry level tube product, which will run circles of other entry level products I have seen.
Leben sounds a tad more "there" in every category you can think of. I heard it power DeVore Gibbon Nines effortlessly.
I ultimately chose the Luxman because it has: superior built-in phono satge, more compact design, and matching CD player. |
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. |
You should have the freedom to buy any product in any country, based on the strength of that currency against yours. Why not buy at the country of origin? I believe this the free market principle. |
Renjy651, I also want to buy a luxman from japan, but not the 505u but the new 507u. You say you also bought it directly from japan. Can you give me advice on where to buy it? Where did you buy it? |
It's called the price of doing business in your own country. If you continue to buy greymarket, I may never get to hear a Luxman in the states. Why wouldn't a huge city like Chicago not carry Luxman? Why are more brick and mortar stores closing?
I'm not condemning your actions, you do what you want.
If it was your business and someone hit you in your pocket book, I'm sure you'd start thinking otherwise.... |
To Chashas1 - If you are concerned with warranties, Japanese on-line stores do offer warranties, which are good for one year. I acknowledge that the US-version warranty is good for three years. However, you have to pay double for the unit itself. My focus is on the fact that Luxman units are of such high quality - the best in the industry - that they will not break down for 20 years. Regarding the costs, do you mean to imply that changing the transformer unit to US-voltage costs approximately $1,500 for the 505U, and the 509U costs approximately $4,000? So, I'm not buying it. Anyhow, my experience is that the Japanese-version of the Luxman sounds superior to the US-version. As a matter of fact, many US hospitals utilize Japanese and European high-end electonic instruments that employ transformers that convert the voltage to US-voltage. And in regards to Toronto416's post, I have to ask: Would you like to shut down the Japanese online stores so that the North American distributors can charge consumers twice what it costs in Japan in this global economy? |
I agree for the most part regarding buying gray market goods. However, the problem I have is that many US distributors like to have us canadians bend over for them to sell us something. Audio gear is one area for sure where Candians pay as much as 20% higher prices (equalized for currency differences)...this was most apparent when the Canadian $ was above par and we were still paying more for many goods...which is why so many canadians in Ontario were driving to upstate NY to buy cars.
That being said, I would love to hear the L505u with my harbeths as well..but I'd have to bring my speakers to my local luxman dealer to try it out (although he carries only the L550 and L590...) |
I was initially interested in your thread for the sound of the luxman, not the ethical part of the question, for I've been wanting to hear one. Recently went to Chicago, no Luxman--yet. So then I thought about what if I was a dealer wanting to bring it in, and what a purchase like yours does to the industry, so in conclusion I'd have to say no to what you did. Have you seen the statement on the Japanese global website? No warranty for you. That seals the deal for me. |
Toronto416, I agree it is best to buy from approved sources but I would not use words like "selfish act". Do you know how much the mark-up is on high end stuff? One could consider that as daylight robbery as well. |
I live in North America and hence would buy Luxman from the North American distributor.
These units have been factory built to be compatible with our electrical grid.
Moreover the distributor has invested considerable resources to re-introduce Luxman to NA, promote it to the audio press and at trade shows, and build a dealer network, provide after sales service etc.
All those great reviews in The Absolute Sound and Stereophile etc. that help increase market presence and resale value are thanks to the efforts of the distributor (and a great product).
Ordering grey market product at a discount may seem like a deal but it is a selfish act, robbing the official distributor while still allowing you to benefit from their efforts to promote the product and increase its value in their market (and yours). |
Rosedanny - You will not do any damage by using a 1500W transformer. You can use the Nissyo 500W, which is a heavy-duty transformer, for a cd-player. If you order a cd-player from Japan they probably will give you a Kasimura 100W transformer. Now to make sure your transformer has no 'hum' you can test it by turning on the cd player, but do not play the cd. Turn the Luxman on, adjust to whichever input (rca or xlr) you are using for the cd player, and turn the volume up slowly to hear any 'hum'. I recommend testing this with each transformer to find which is optimum. |
I guess I spazzed and jumped the gun with the transformer. I'm not really savvy about wattage/voltage numbers and thought the higher wattage transformer would allow more headroom for the amp's fluctuations in power (I'm way out of my limits of understanding here). I made my decision based my understanding of some posts that explained this. Also, the Nissyo didn't have a housing and looked industrial, while the Kasimura looks to have better design and aesthetics. Please tell me at least I will do no damage by using a 1500W transformer?! |
Rosedanny - The 500W and 1000W transformers each have a thin cord. It has nothing to do with the performance, however. Your Luxman is 210W - so it is double, and is therefore more than adaquate. I have the 1000W. A gentleman who bought Luxman 509U new from Japan for $5,000 used a heavy-duty US-made transformer. He was getting a 'hum' because the cords cannot have a third prong/ground-pin. He replaced it with a 1500W Japanese transformer - and there was no longer any 'hum' - dead silent. There are three brands you can use: (1) Nissyo, (2) Kashimura, and, (3) Sanyo. You could have saved more money if you wanted a heavy-duty transformer by ordering one from 'Joynetmall.com'. But you have to pay for the transformer. $2,280 for the Luxman L505U (using pay-pal), and $160 for a Nissyo 1500W transformer (plus shipping costs). That is why I told you to call me. I believe I was the first to order the Luxman L505U from Japan in this manner. I ordered it 20 months ago. None of the Japanese on-line stores will give you the 1500W for free. On the matter concerning the translation of the owner's manual into English, let me look into that. |
They sent me the Nissyo NDF-550 transformer. It's not what you descibed in your email (size of a bag of sugar), more like a box of tea (3X4X3.5) but heavier. And build quality of transformer does not match Luxman L505u. The fixed cord from the transformer is thin like the one from my toaster!! So . . . I look forward to doing it right with a higher quality tansformer. Too bad because I was under the impression I'd get one with a higher capacity. They did offer a slight discount ($40) on the Kashimura, which I appreciate. Any clues as to where I can find an English owner's manual? |
Rosedanny - I am happy for you. I told you it's one of the best amps out there! Did audiocubes send you the 1000W Nissyo transformer? Kasimura TI-19 is also a very good transformer. Both are made in Japan. Enjoy your new machine! |
Wow! This thread sure morphed!
Well I bought the sucker, and he's in my house hooked up to my Vandersteen 2ce sigs. It's all I had hoped for! Better resolution (than my Rotel receiver)without being harsh. More punch. "Fast" is the adjective that keeps coming to mind. And it has lots of power--clearly way more than 100W per side. The phono stage is exellent. I'm hearing things anew from old records. But none of the detail and attack comes at a sacrifice of musicality. Great texture to the strings (very much like the LFD I heard once). It really makes my Vandersteens jump and groove! The only negatives are 1) the transformer was smaller and lesser build quality than I expected. I've already upgraded to a Kasimura TI-19. 2) No English translation of the owner's manual. Audiocubes won't supply one, and Luxman won't supply one becuse Audiocubes isn't an authorized Luxman dealer. If anybody out there can help me with this I'd really appreciate it. I'd even pay someone who has one for their time to copy it and send it to me!
Anyway, thanks for all your responses. I recommend this purchase and the seller if you're considering a Luxman.
Danny |
HI Jabas, care to share about what others you've tried?
Don't be such a tease!
how old is your lux 550a II?
Thanks
Chas |
Merlocpm ...
I'm using Hl5s with the lux 550a II. This after a series of amps, including bi-amping.
The Lux-Harbeth just sings. It's incredible. |
Merlocpm, there's a nice guy on here who has, maybe he'll chime in....not sure about the 505u, but he has the 550 and 590, which he seems to love...great bass, tone. |
I have a pair of Harbeth SHL5 speakers. Anyone had the chance to try L505u or L550 with those speakers? |
I auditioned both. You need to carefully match the 550 with speakers. It perfers the more efficient English speakers. |
Has anyone compared the L505u Class A/B 100W with the L550A II Class A 20W? |
Bongo, have you heard the other Luxman tube integrated also, the 38u? I've been hearing raves about it as well.
Not cheap, $6k. Like the Leben 600, but with phono stage as well. I've also heard great things about the two Class A Luxman's, although they are $4800 and $10k?
Oh, and I've read somewhere that Luxman now does have tech service available in the States. I think it took a while to get things going after seperating from the Alpine debacle. |
Leben is incredible, as well as Almarro. I love the N100 Neoclassical by Luxman. |
I've heard the L505. It's really sweet. I've also had the chance to audition the Leben CS-300. I'll stick with the LFD as long as no (more) repair issues ensue. We know different room/speakers/wires/etc. make A/B comparisons of amplifiers unpredictable as there is no place that has all this gear in one room connected to an A/B+ switcher. I'm thinking that because the LFD is aesthetically so very plain Jane (w/o remote capability and the bells and whistles others offer) without the name perception panache - most potential purchasers of the LFD get cold feet and move elsewhere. If I had a relative from Japan that could have brought back a Shindo, Luxman, Leben amp b-e-f-o-r-e I had heard the LFD, I would probably have one. It's obvious I like the LFD, but damn - I love tube amps very much too. |
Byegolly
LFD: I had one for three years with no problems. Sold it this year for 80 percent of what I paid. Replacing it with Luxman. |
Nice to hear.
Plus, he also carries Luxman and Lavardin!
now if only he had Leben.... |
This is a followup to my previous post about my LFD Zero with a repair issue:
Received complete satisfaction for my repair issue from the USA distributor of LFD Audio products: http://www.fidelisav.com/
Highly recommended outfit! |
Bongofury:
"The only other electronics I have heard that match Luxman are LFD from the UK and McIntosh from here in the US for sonics and build quality at this price point."
Build quality? My latest version of the LFD Zero Mk III broke. Fortunately the USA distributor is professional and responsive about the matter, but as with most broken consumer goods - it's a time/money waster. My mid-70's tuner is operating w/o a single issue after all these years, and I'd bet it was put together on an assembly line by low-wage working people who were not professors or audio engineers. |
If you purchase the Luxman L505u from Japan (100-volt model) you will save $1400. The reason I purchased one is because Luxman does not have a service center here in the USA. Even if you buy it here, if you needed service (which, due to it's quality I highly doubt would occur), you would need to send it to Japan. I am an electronic technician, recently repairing a Luxman R-1120A. The output transistor 2SD746 was not available in the USA, so I ordered it from the Far East (the only place it was available). I inspected the Luxman 505U to see if I could change it to USA 120-volt. It can only be done by replacing the transformer that must come from the Luxman factory in Japan. So, in my opinion, this is a very good deal for a tremendous INT amp. Luxman created a turntable in the late 1970's still considered as one of the finest ever made. Also, there are the 1987 DAC fluency and the 2000 ODNF technologies - impressive in their own right. Clearly, this company has a track record of ingenuity since 1925. In my opinion, Mcintosh has no comparable innovations. At any rate, I see this as an opportunity to purchase a tremendous amp at a discounted price. Thank you and good luck with your decision! |
