McIntosh to Luxman?


Hey everybody. I need some advice.  It's fair to say I've lusted over Luxman equipment for a few years now.  Something about Japanese hifi that just gets me. Anyway, one of the online retailers of new and used equipment has a Luxman L-507uX (not the mark ii) for sale.  I do really like the sound from my hybrid MA252 integrated, and it drives my Maggie 1.7s with ease.  Most of my listening is of the streaming variety (Bludesound Node/Qobuz), and some vinyl (Music Hall MMF-5). 

Here's my question: what will the Luxman bring me that the McIntosh isn't providing?   More refinement?  More authoritative bass? Better soundstaging?  If the answer is yes, then I may pull the trigger on the Luxman.  By the way, I can get a nice trade-in on my McIntosh, so my out-of-pocket won't be too bad.    Please weigh-in if you've had both McIntosh and Luxman gear and what your experience with both brands has been.   Thanks in advance!   ~ Jerry

jrod68

Showing 2 responses by caphill

@jrod68 

You will need to upgrade your source component (your Bluesound streamer) to something better. Your Bluesound streamer is the bottleneck and is holding up your entire system setup IMO. 

 

As for Luxman vs Mac I would say it’s a matter of preference. both are great but I found in general the Luxman sounded more tubey with lush sweet highs and midrange and holographic imaging and soundstage, and while the highs are extended but it’s very smooth with perfect amount of details and resolution. The Luxman IMO has better dimensionality, textures and image specificity compared to comparably priced Mac. The music would sound more dimensional with better instrumental/voice textures and imaging with the Luxman. I felt the Mac slightly lacks the last bits of details, resolution, texture and dimensionality in comparison to Luxman. But again it also depends on what type of speakers you are driving. I’m not sure about your Maggie’s or any Maggie’s speakers in general as I don’t have much experience with Maggie’s at all.
 

My preference would be for Luxman but again it also depends on the synergy between your speakers and amp and other upstream electronics and cables. It’s all about system synergy. There’s no absolute answer in this hobby. Mac gears will pair better with certain speakers while the Luxman will probably pair better with other sets of speakers. 

@paul8088 

 

As for upgrade streamers/DAC from the Bluesound there are many countless options out there : Aurender, Lumin, Linn, Naim, Chord, Simaudio, PS Audio DS DAC with networked bridge ii, Cary Audio, Teac, Esoteric, DCS, and many others depending on your budget.