Luxman L505uXii or Hegel H390

Tough choice--agree that it probably depends on taste and synergy.  It's kind of hard for me to imagine the lowest tier Luxman beating the penultimate Hegel.  I had the H390 and currently have the Luxman L-509X.  While I think the Luxman is the better and more natural sounding integrated, the Hegel comes pretty close on technical merits, and it just may be a matter of preference.  I heard the L-550AXii, and while certainly musical and enjoyable, I felt it lacked the depth, detail, and precision of Luxman upper end amps to a noticeable degree.

Doubtful it was the H390, which is anything but painful and "digital" sounding.  It's smoother and a bit darker than the 509X.  However, I have read that prior Hegel models, and I think those below H390 or H190, do have a more sterile and "neutral" presentation.