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.
Hey Deaf in left eye, I beg to differ about Luxmans rep being ruined by Alpine after 1984. If i am not mistaken, the great M-05 105 watt per channel class A amp was made from 1984 to 1988. In fact, there is a professional reviewer who posts and says it is one of the best amplifiers he ever heard. I agree. I have one with a set of infinity Rennaisance 90s and an Ear 864 pre. It is quite outstanding in all respects.
I had the 505u running through a pair of Harbeth Compact 7s and was amazed at the sound. It's, like the Merlin, a somewhat neutral and musical speaker. There are folks at HUG too running the same amp through the P3ESR with fantastic results. It's hard to understate how much power the 505u has and how non-fatiguing the sound is. I'm surprised the Luxman isn't a more popular suggestion around here.
I'm surprised that Luxman is not more popular as well. I have been listening to an L-550ax integrated for about a month now - it's a great piece! Beautiful to look at (those yellow backlit meters are nice). Sounds superb, the loudness control is very useable; for context I live in a condo surrounded by neighbors, so sometimes I listen at low volume and the loudness is great for this. The phono input means I don't need another box (I've got a Dynavector 20XL2, low output, I use the MC setting on the Luxman). The knobs, the switches, the connectors, the casing, all seem to be top shelf. I'm sure this is carried across models. Why is Luxman not more popular? I moved from a CJ Premier 140 amp and an EAR 868 preamp, no regrets at all.
I have a Luxman 509u integrated amp driving Verity Audio Parsifal Ovation speakers. This is a powerful and musically satisfying combination that I have lived with for almost two years. They are keepers!
The headphone jack on Luxman integrateds is not an afterthought as you are tapping into the same circuit that powers the speakers. I have the excellent Beyerdynamic T1 headphones, and don't feel any need whatsoever to obtain a separate headphone amplifier.
I am told that the phono stage is also very good, and I am about to find that out.
Though expensive, the Luxman integrateds are very musical, extremely well built, and provide good value and exemplary performance.
I think the 505u as Luxman's entry level is a lot better than some other folks' top of the line. It makes my little MMGs sound a lot more expensive than they should. I can hardly wait to move up the Maggie ladder. Maybe even the Luxman ladder too, highly recommended! Especially if you're tired of expensive products that don't live up to expectations.
I am using luxman 550 A II harbeth compact 7 ES3 The most satisfying combo ever to my ears. Coming from more expensive gear, luxman is another level in audio. Regards
Here is a write-up I found that explains the changes made in the L-505ux model ===================================================
LUXMAN L-505u versus L-505uX
Tonally both amplifiers were voiced the same by Hashimoto-san at Luxman, Yokohama.
Sonically: The L-505uX is quieter, more liquid mid-range and a more three dimensional soundstage is thrown. The new model is a little more refined, a little more detailed and even nicer to use than before.
Features: Both amps have most of the same features:
The L-505uX has a LECUA* discrete volume control based on the C-1000f preamplifier design no moving parts, no tracking issues at low volume. Much more transparent sounding and will sound the same at every level. This is the most important of all the upgrades and the most expensive to implement, as the individual resistors need to be measured by hand.
The L-505uX has MONO, SUBSONIC (Rumble) & LOUDNESS Filter switch on the remote control, Loudness is a wonderful feature for late night, quiet listening. It also has a few buttons that support the D-05/06/08 CD SACD players basic functions.
The L-505uX has a newly redesigned phono stage; which is both more refined, resolute & musical
The L-505uX has ODNF** 3.0 performs three passes of the audio signal, checking for noise & distortion, while the ODNF 2.1 in the L-505u does two passes.
Chassis: There are only a few differences between the two amps. --The L-505uX now comes with a metal remote control. --Both the volume control & the selector know have a more tactile feel to them --The L-505uX now has higher quality speaker terminals, spread out horizontally to allow easy access for large cable. --The L-505uX no longer has the Line Phase Sensor it does not comply with CE / UL regulations.. --The L-505uX now has LINE STRAIGHT (engage / disengage the tone controls) & SEPARATE available on the remote control. There is no excuse for not using the tone controls, especially when they can be engaged / disengaged from the comfort of the listening chair.
LECUA* = Luxman Electronic Control Unit Amplification ODNF** = Only Distortion Negative Feedback
Well its 11 years later and probably no one will ever read this.My 505 was purchased from Japan in 2009 and i used a step down transformer until recently.Acquired a service manual and now my 11 year old 505u is operating on 120 VAC.The Japanese 100 V units do have a multi-voltage transformer and the conversion takes a few minutes.
The distinguishing features from the 505 and 507 and 509 are the additional power supply size and output stages.
If you know you are going to play 2 pairs of speakers at the same time the 507 is going to be better. Also, keep an eye on the minimum impedance, as using A+B requires 8 Ohm speakers in any case.
You must have a verified phone number and physical address in order to post in the Audiogon Forums. Please return to Audiogon.com and complete this step. If you have any questions please contact Support.
