Take this with a grain of salt. The dealer whom I bought the L-590AXII from told me that he compared both AXII and AX1 and the new model sounds a lot better than the old one.
Luxman L590AX vs.590AXii
I am in the position of being able to buy either the 590AX or the 590AXii. The AXii is 2x the cost of the AX. I listened to the AX through Focal Kanta No2 speakers, which I own, and was thoroughly impressed. My question is this: what improvements did Luxman do to the AXii relative to the AX that might justify spending 2x the cash on it?
The AX I listened to was manufactured in 2015 and is in pristine condition.
TIA
21 responses Add your response
The main difference, as I recall, is a beefed up output stage in the MkII. Edit - Actually, it was the power supply - "The power supply uses a large power transformer with an E-shaped core and a thicker primary wire, as well as eight buffer capacitors of 10,000 uF each, rather than four as in the previous version." |
Found this also - Differences Between Luxman L-590AX and L-590AXII In order to achieve power without sonic compromise, Luxman implemented its ODNF 4.0 drive circuit utilizing a three-parallel push-pull structure with three-stage Darlington. A Luxman 'Ultimate Efficiency Power Transformer' – an EI type rated at 615VA – forms the heart of the amp's power supply, with plentiful regulation ensuring an unshakable response to any load fluctuations. A high-capacity block capacitor contributes to L-590AXII's ability to deliver lashings of power yet remain firmly in control, while the amp's low-impedance transmission design, carefully selected custom components and short, fully optimized signal paths deliver maximum sonic purity. Compared to L-590AXI, which had only four block capacitors, L-590AX MarkII has eight in total – four each for left and right, the same configuration as Luxman's M-700u. Similarly, whereas the L-590AXI had four output boards, the L-590AXII has eight output boards to drive even more difficult speaker loads with ease. |
@ryder - I did read this same response from you in another thread. Thanks for also posting here @builder3 - This is the info I was looking for. It appears the primary differences are the 8 vs 4 caps and output boards and PS. The attenuator and ODNF circuit also are upgraded. I may want to spend the extra cash for the 590XAll. - Thanks
|
I ordered a pair of Tekton DIs to run with my FirstWatt F6. The F6 did a decent job with my Focal Kanta No.2 speakers. I am confident the 590AXll will run the Focals very well. I was concerned about the 590AX. Perhaps my concenr is warranted. My intent is to replace the amps in my primary system, which currently consists of Rogue M-180s and the Focals. The Fritz speakers look very interesting. They certainly will be on my list of speakers to buy next. |
Personally, I'd buy the newer version, if nothing else, it's newer. I don't know what your situation is, money-wise, nor the cost of either. I'd opt for a 4 year old amp over a 10 year old one. Either amp will drive those speakers, I think there's probably little difference between them when it comes to actual listening. |
@builder3 I am leaning toward the 590AXll. Thanks |
@re-lar-kvothe I own the 590 AXII and I highly recommend it. It does all that I expect it to do. My only other suggestion would be to purchase this unit instead:
|
@re-lar-kvothe where we’re you able to find the 509axII for $7k? Or the mk1 for $3750? My speakers are pretty efficient and I may sell my First Watt SIT3 to try one. Thanks. |
An L-590AXll recently sold for less than $7K on USAM. There is an L-550AXll available now on the same site for $5400. Reverb has an L-550AX 120v US version for $3000. Ebay has all versions available from $3K but are shipped from Japan. If you have patience, I am sure one will pop up for sale again here in the US. I went another route and bought a Pass Labs XA-25. Now I am looking to sell my FirstWatt F6 |
I went with the XA-25 because I already have a history the FirstWatt F6 and I got to listen to the Pass on a set up similar to mine. Price was also a factor as was availability. For speakers I have used Focal Kanta No.2s, Moth Audio Cicadas, Zu Audio Soul MKlls, and my tried and trusty Mirage M760s. All sound great. The Focals are obviously in a league of their own however, and I know this will be difficult for some to agree or understand, but the Mirage absolutely love the XA-25 (and the F6 for that matter). I bought the Mirage in 1986 and used them with a variety of new/vintage amps over the years. Never did they sound mismatched with any of the amps. I have owned Spendors and Harbeths paired with a McIntosh MA-5200 as well. None have impressed me as much as the Mirage. Once I found the sweet spot for them I decided to sell the Focals and am in process of selling the Souls. I am going to keep the Cicadas for my low WPC tube amps. |
I was able to get the l590axii for a great price. I have to go out of town so I won’t receive it for a couple weeks. Curious if anyone has used one with an external amp? I love tube amps and have a couple plus a First Watt SIT3. I plan on playing around with configurations using the internal amp and external amps. Perhaps I’ll find the performance of the Luxman good enough to not keep the other amps? |
