Luxman vs. Accuphase

Routeman21,

When buying my E-550 integrated, I have compared quite a few Accuphase integrated, i.e. E-350, E-450, E-550 and E-408 (the predecessor of E-450), and my preference was E-550 > E-408 >= E-450 = E-350 (by ">" I meaning marginally better). Because of the large price difference between the E-550 and E-408 (8500 vs. 4000 euros) I wanted to buy the older E-408 model. In the end I bough the E-550 as the dealer offered me a very good price for it (the E-550 was about to be replaced by the E-560).

I have also listen the E-460 and E-560 models (the E-560 I have compared directly with a E-550) and IMO my initial assessment is still valid, i.e. the sound difference between previous and current generation models does not justify the huge price difference. Consequently, my advice is to look for dealers that still have models from the previous generation, e.g. E-350, E-450 and E-550. You should be able to get these for 30-40% less money (probably a bit more on the 2nd hand market).

Hgeifman,

Only the top of the line Accuphase integrated, i.e. E-530, E-550 and E-560, which all run in class A mode, double up their current output as the resistance halfs, i.e. 30 watts into 8 ohm, 60 into 4, and 120 into 2. All these three integrated are more powerful than the specs suggest e.g. my E-550 made speakers like Wilson Sophia and B&W 802D cry like babies). However, if one listens to large orchestras or big bands at loud levels than the models from the E-4XX series are more suited, viz. they are much more powerful even though they do not double up their current output as the resistance halfs.

Regarding fully balanced designs, the preamplifier and power amplfier stages of all Accuphase models I have mentioned so far have a balance design (what Accuphase called MCS or MCS+ circuits). However, it seems that only models built like "instrumentation amplifiers" (again Accuphase jargon) can be called fully balanced designs. However, this is can be deceiving. For example, the E-550 model which is not an instrumentation amplifier design is superior to models like E-250, E-350 and E-450 which are designed as instrumentation amplifiers.

Best wishes,
Paul

Hgeifman,

Since you will take your speakers to the dealer why not taking also your electronics there and do a direct comparison. Your Ayre integrated is very good, and I do not see a reason to hurry things up. Take your time listen to as many integrated amps as possible and wait for the best bargain. (A few years ago, when I bought my Accuphase combo, I have actually compared the E-550 vs. the entry level Ayre integrated. The comparison might not have been fair for the Ayre, i.e. top-of-the-line Accuphase vs. entry-level Ayre, but nonetheless... With my speakers, i.e. Micro Utopia Be, the Accuphase was better than the Ayer, but the Ayre sounded very very good too. I could have live with it.)

Regarding prices, as Nagoya pointed out earlier in this thread, Accuphase prices are crazy outsize Asia. However, you should be able to get a healthy discount from the retail price, I'm thinking 20-25%. (I am saying this because in the Netherlands quite a few Accuphase dealers offer very good discounts, e.g. 30% off, around Christmas and Ester). Maybe that is also the case with the Luxman components which seems to be more earthly priced and consequently seem to be a better bang for the buck.

Biggy79,

Some of your comments above are simply incorrect. At least that is my experience. Any Accuphase integrated can drive without problems the B&W 803 speakers (not that anybody here asked this). Also, the E-408/450/460 models will make the 802D B&W speakers cry like babies. So did my E-550 integrated (30 class A watts into 8 ohms), which was in full control of the woofers, but just as you have mentioned not the best choice for dynamic music, e.g. big bands or orchestra music with large dynamic variations. Of course, you are right that the Accuphase do not come out of the box with a phono section. You have to buy one of the available option boards which again cost a ton.

Regards,
Paul

Hi Hgeifman,

I am glad to hear (though a bit surprised) that the Luxman was that much
better than your Ayre (maybe I have listen to a different Ayre integrated).

In the Netherlands the L-550AX is 5800 euros while the L-590AX is 9350
euros. They certainly ain't cheap, the prices being comparable with Accuphase
prices. Unfortunately, that is about the only thing I can say about these two
amps as I have never listened at length any Luxman. When I bought my
Accuphase combo the dealer told me not to bother with Luxman. I have no
idea why he said that as he carries both brands. Probably, he makes more
money when selling Accuphase units. :)

It is hard to say whether or not it is worth while make an effort and buying the
L-590 AX. If, usually, you keep your electronics for 4-5 years or more it is
definitively worth it. Otherwise, probably not. Try to compare the two.

Regarding the wattage, I can tell you that the 30 class A watts (into 8 ohms) of
my Accuphase can go a very long way. However, if you listen to large
orchestras or big bands, i.e. music with large dynamic variation, than 20-30
class A watts will most often not be enough unless you use horns. In the
dealer's room, the power indicators of my E-550 went into the red zone a few
times for a fraction of a second, but this never happens at home.

As mentioned before, don't hurry and do not pay full retail price for the
Luxman. If you bought the Ayre form the dealer that sells the Luxman, he
should offer you 20% discount for the L-550AX and even more, say, 25% for
the L-590Ax. It might also be a good idea to listen the Accuphase E-560
and/or E-550. Here in Europe the E-550 goes for 4000-4500 euros, i.e. less
than a new L-550 AX. Both Accuphase units have a remote control (I read
somewhere that Luxman class A integrated do not have one) and can drive
loads up to 1 ohm (the Luxmans might too do that, though the Luxman site
mentioned power figures only for 4 and 8 ohm load).

Keep us posted!

Best wishes,
Paul

Hi Hgeifman,

Congratulation for the new amp!

IMO it was definitively a good move to order the L-590ax especially since you plan to keep it for a long while.

Best wishes,
Paul

Hi Jriggy,

A few years back a dealer in The Netherlands ( AudioLife ) has organised an Accuphase vs. Luxmann show. Unfortunately, I could not go. You might want to call them. They are very friendly and if you explain them the situation they might be willing to share with you a thing or two (English is not a problem for them).

Also, have you seen the review below?

Luxmann L-590ax

I am an Accuphase guy, however, the few times I have listen Luxman electronics I have liked them very much. IMO both companies make very very good products and neither can be considered as being totally superior. Accuphase is more expensive and IMO has a more classier look and it is a bit more flexible (e.g. you can add a DAC to it and it also has a numeric indicator for the volume control). The Luxman looks a bit funny IMO, it has eyes, ears and teeth. :) However, overall, the Luxman probably offers a better bang for the buck as it is significantly cheaper.

Buying the Accuphase without being able to try it in your system might be a mistake as you might end up paying more for something that will give you less. At this level system synergy and personal preference are very important.

Also, be aware that Accuphase has introduce the E-600 class A integrated, i.e. the evolution of E-560 (which will be discontinued). Thus, you should be able to get a significant discount for the E-560.

Finally, be warn that these Japanese boxes are very addictive. Once you have one in your system you will want more! :)

Keep us posted.
Paul

Dave, I have answered your question in a PM.

Bvdiman, it is funny to see how some products receive awards the moment they are released...

Jriggy, the few times I have listen to Luxman electronics they give me the impression they do not sound as full as Accuphase. Some may like that while other may not. Also, it could have been the speakers and/or room that gave me that impression - I have never compared the two in the same room with the same speakers.