McIntosh to Luxman?

I also grew up with a mcintosh in the house,  and when it was my turn to buy I auditioned a lot of the mcintosh amps. The ma5300 and ma7200 were just okay and I can understand a lot of the criticisms here about the veiled treble and lack of resolution.  I felt that way too. But then I went to a top Mcintosh dealer here in S. Cal, the AV Source and auditioned the ma352 and ma8900 with Sonus Faber Nova l, 2, and 3s. The clarity was absolutely stunning and crystal clear. Literally sounded life-like, organic, and real.  I think a lot of people who are saying the amps never sounded resolving probably weren't using the right cables,.conditioners, and speaker combos. It took me a lot of time to find and money to find the right combinations, but my ma352 now is highly resolving and engaging. I use a synergistic research loom for power cords and interconnects, and a portable, battery operated power supply. In my set up the clarity is crystal clear , but it wasn't always that way .

I know I maybe late to the party on this....But here it is

Considering an upgrade to my current amp which is a Emotiva TA-1 running a pair of Klipsch Heresy IV's. I have a separate phono-stage with the McIntosh MP100 and a LP8X Turntable with a ORTOFON LVB 250 MM Cartridge and a Bluesound Node as my network streamer. Everything sounds heavily already......However

Got 2 offers at a great price between the Luxman 505uxii and a McIntosh MA252. Trying to decide and ChatGPT can only advise you so much LOL...JK

I am auditioning both on Sunday but wanted to get people's thoughts on this or if anyone has owned any of these 2 devices with my speaker pairing. 

I have heard the tubes are great for the Heresy's and have already been advised by some of my audiophile buddies that my system even with the Heresy's leans more neutral than warmth. The MA252 will add, but if you want to stick to the clarity, go with the Luxman.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Have checked reviews and the LUXMAN has had glowing reviews for the most part and the MA252 somewhat lukewarm but more positive than negative. Thanks in advance!

@sidewinderrr hey never too late to the party! I’m on my 3rd integrated in about 2 years. I traded in the Luxman for a Vincent SV-500.  Man, the Vincent just checks all the boxes for me at this point in my life. I sold the Luxman to pay some bills after my house renovation, but I certainly miss it! The McIntosh didn’t drive my Maggie 1.7s as well as the Luxman, and the McIntosh sounded “thick” in the mid bass.  The Luxman was more neutral I guess, with a more forward top end (compared to the Mc).  The Vincent is warm and inviting (lol) and clicks with my SVS ultra monitors. I’m able to enjoy the music now, and not get too worried about what I might be missing. I’d say go the Luxman route, as there’s nothing like a big ol’ hunk a Japanese gear (IMHO).  Take care! 

I've had a fair amount of McIntosh over the years as well as Luxman and now I have both. Yes!

Luxman integrated amps can sound overly smooth (e.g. their class A amps) and need to be paired with non laid back speakers.  

The newer "Z" integrated amps are more detailed and sound excellent. 

Newer McIntosh POWER amplifiers are as smooth yet detailed as anything out there- the midrange is the star- such bloom and clarity- is what sold me on them.  

Their preamps and integrated amps tend to be softer sounding in the treble but still sound amazing when paired with the right speakers.