Completely agree with OP. When I first went to audition the Luxman 590AXII, I was expecting this warm, lush, rolled off sound. Why? Because that's what I had read about them. I was completely wrong!
Compared to 509, the 590AXII tilts towards warm, but only by a smidgen. After living with it for a few months now, I would say the 590AXII is fairly neutral with just a hint of warmth. And as Eric said, the extension on both ends is really amazing.
Previously, I had the Audio Research GSi75 which is renowned for its wide soundstage. Let me tell you that the Luxman has a soundstage that would rival, if not outdo, the soundstage width of ARC. It controls the woofers of my speakers much better. However, the one area where the ARC had a leg up was palpability and the extra air around instruments that only a good tube amp can give you. But in all other areas, the Luxman takes the cake.
Compared to 509, the 590AXII tilts towards warm, but only by a smidgen. After living with it for a few months now, I would say the 590AXII is fairly neutral with just a hint of warmth. And as Eric said, the extension on both ends is really amazing.
Previously, I had the Audio Research GSi75 which is renowned for its wide soundstage. Let me tell you that the Luxman has a soundstage that would rival, if not outdo, the soundstage width of ARC. It controls the woofers of my speakers much better. However, the one area where the ARC had a leg up was palpability and the extra air around instruments that only a good tube amp can give you. But in all other areas, the Luxman takes the cake.