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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.

128x128steverrino
yyzsantabarbara
4,808 posts
 

@steverrino

i do use Roon, but have not tried the EQ filters or room correction - but that’s a great idea. I’ll start there. I have thought of adding a tube pre to my L590AX-II, and am glad to hear that hsounds had good results doing so.

If you want to leverage the full power of ROON to tailor your sound with DSP (or Convolution filters) give Mitch Barnet a call or email. He has a remote service to do EXACTLY what you are looking to do. The dude is a professional sound engineer and will use very advanced and pricey audio software. To do similar task using built-in DSP in audio hardware is very limiting. This is because a computer is infinitely more powerful (just upgrade computer/server when needed).

Digital Room Calibration Services, Convolvers, Headphone Filtersets (accuratesound.ca)

Mitch setup Convolution filters for my small office setup when I used Thiel CS3.7’s. It was a great result. However, I sold the CS3.7’s and bought Magnepan LRS+ and did not need to use DSP. A better speaker fit for the room.

I have speakers in my Livingroom system that are sound amazing. However, for $750 I will get Mitch to remotely analyze my room (seating position, etc) and create a few Convolution filters for ROON. I am curious if I can get even better sound than what I have naked.

The filters are applied BEFORE the signal hits the DAC.

 

 

grk
223 posts
 

Also, consider the PrimaLuna EVO 300 integrated from Upscale Audio. They have a 60-day return policy for a full refund, so you really have nothing to lose!

lucky_doggg7
120 posts
 

If you’re sticking with an integrated, get one of these!

A fella on Canuck Audio Mart is selling one; here is that link:

ps
747 posts
 

As brother ghdprentice said, and speaking from extensive experience with a Luxman 550AXII, the word "sparkly" is an apt descriptor. The Lux offers a lot for the money, and I enjoyed that amp quite a bit. But ultimately decided to delegate solid state integrated chores to an Accuphase E-280, which I simply find more relaxing, less "hi-fi," warmer.less analytical, and easier to listen to. The one thing I wish the Accuphase had is a loudness control button on the remote.

Now if that isn’t a first world nitpicking, please tell me what is. :)

deep_333
1,373 posts
 

The "lack of fullness" in the midrange is not the Luxman’s fault...it’s that useless speaker known as the Devore ’Gibbon’ that you are running with.

(Surprised some poor lil cable didn't get blamed for the scooped out midrange, 😂)

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