Luxman leaves me wanting


My current system is a Luxman L590-AXII driving DeVore Gibbon Super Nines. My source is Lumin U1-Mini (w/Sboosterj and Denafrips Venus II. Also a Rega P3. Speaker and interconnect cables are circa late 90s Cardis Cross There is a lot that is right about the sound of my set up, but I feel it’s lacking fullness in the midrange. When I turn on the loudness on the Luxman, I get the meaty weight in the mids I’m missing, but at anything but low volume, it alters the sound in a negative way. 
I had considered a tube Integrated before I got the Luxman, but liked the L590 when I heard it. Now I’m wondering if I should have gone with tubes. (At one point I had a BAT Pre w/ a Classe amp and loved the bloom in the mids and vocals).               I’m attracted to the LTA 40+ from the good reviews and long tube life. I’d be interested in hearing one with my speakers, but there are no dealers, so I could buy and return if I’m not thrilled, but wanted to know anyone has heard the 40+ with Super 9s. Also interested in other options to get a richer sound. Budget is around 8k.

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Showing 1 response by larryi

The LTA gear is voiced on the thinner side for tube gear.  They make good gear, but it is probably not the sound you seek.  My personal favorite integrated amp that can run your speakers is the Synthesis A40 (40 wpc) or the A100 (100wpc).  I think 40 watts would be plenty for your speakers.  The tubes they run are KT66.  These are warm and "beefy" sounding amps--the sound is full, but not sluggish or lumpy sounding; it delivers a lot of punch.  They come with a built in DAC that is no slouch.  At a local shop, I have seen customers trade in some very expensive Jadis, VAC, McIntosh, and other pricey gear that cost much more than these Synthesis models.