I have been looking at something in Japan too. Unfortunately, the 15% tariff bumps up the price too much. You might want to look for something used here on Audiogon, or check the consolidator www.hifishark.com. Here is the link for the 507Z. https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=luxman+507z
My opinion is the Luxman products are generally quite good. I personally prefer the Pass Labs products. I doubt if you would be disappointed by either brand.
Here is another option: I upgraded my pre-amp last year to the LTA MicroZOTL and love it. They have a nice integrated too. https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/z40-integrated-amplifier
Lots of choices. Have Fun.
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Thanks thriftyaudio
Have never seen Linear Tube Audio gear before,does look like another interesting option
JF
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There should be plenty of options here in the US without having to get something from Japan and deal with shipping, customs, possible damage, lack of support, etc. Rather than changing your amp, have you looked at proper room treatments, setup (toe-in/ out), adding a subwoofer, etc first?
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Atlanta metro could make a pleasant weekend trip or 3 day vacation. Don’t depend on reviews or forums to make a decision for you.
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that’s a very large space, and some day you may want to try speakers a bit less sensitive than your existing Revel’s 91 db, so if you find choices, keep future options in mind.
This Adcom is twice the Yamaha’s power, yet only half the Phase Linear’s Power, (twice the power is only +3db) so details, the ability to deliver for instantaneous peaks and impedance dips can be more important.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/236254910713?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=05c3af28-8d80-11f0-b757-346135396336
Note: seller mentions he is selling his Adcom Preamp also.
btw
I just realized you said Integrated, I’ve been thinking Amp(s), as I would always want to option for a tube preamp and SS amp for enough power for that large space.
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Here is another option: Vinnie Rossi L2i SE integrated amplifier with phono stage, dac and tube preamp see here!
Mike
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btw,
I love the sound and features of my Little Luxman, and the 505,7,9 z would be amazing
https://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=40
however, unless more efficient, i.e. horns, in that large space, I would want more power for your Revel speakers.
505, 507, 509, the difference shows up more at lower impedance 4 ohm output, do the Revels have low impedance dips?
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Here are Stereophile measurements from the 228Be that likely has similar specs to your speakers, and given this I’d want more juice than the 505z can provide…
My estimate of the F228Be’s voltage sensitivity was 89.1dB/2.83V/m, slightly below the specified 90dB/2.83V/m but within the margin of error. The impedance magnitude remains below 8 ohms for the entire midrange and bass, with minimum values of 3.42 ohms at 98Hz and 3.55 ohms at 290Hz (fig.1). There is also a demanding combination of 5 ohms magnitude and 39.5° electrical phase angle at 390Hz. While its nominal impedance is specified as 8 ohms, the Performa F228Be would work best with an amplifier that’s comfortable driving 4 ohm loads.
Given what you’re looking for I was also gonna recommend you look at the Coda CSiB and saw this used one available, which if I were you I’d strongly consider. Hope this helps, and best of luck.
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650239771-mint-3yr-old-coda-csib-integrated-black-v1/
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+1 on Anthem STR. I had it in my system for a couple of years and found it to be an excellent choice for the money, but also an absolute terms. Produces a natural, detailed sound, well powered and superb build quality. Worth checking out
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Having owned a Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 600 I can say this integrated should be in the discussion.
Only sold because the 80 pounds was too much for me to handle after a major leg injury.
I would buy one again.
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PrimaLuna EVO 300 hybrid integrated. The change out all the preamp tubes to NOS. Contact Brent Jesse
I am using Amperex 7316, Telefunken, and RCA Clear tops
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Accuphase Laboratory, Inc. Aka Accuphase intergrateds are the real deal. I have a Rogers tube intergrated also recommended.
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I have Revel Salon 2 speakers in a room that’s not as large as yours, driven by a Hegel H590 integrated amp with spectacular results. I use a reference level outboard DAC with the Hegel and not it’s internal DAC. The Hegel H590 and Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC combination is just truly, simply, incredible!!! I’m confident I’ve found a combination that I can live with for the foreseeable future. I would highly recommend one of the higher powered Hegel integrated amps for your Revel speakers. Happy listening.
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A pricey option though usually available on used market is the Ayre AX-5 20 or their less expensive EX-5.
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Rotel MICHI X5 Series 2. Their top of the line beast. Suggest considering for an integrated amp. I’ve have a great experience with Rotel equipment over the years. Good luck with your decision.
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Synthesis A100 Titan. It will drive just about any speaker out there, including yours, and it has a very nice onboard DAC. I've owned a bunch of integrateds over the years, and this one is simply above and beyond.
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Few years ago went thru 3 Luxman receivers , all had reliability issues and there is no parts for them. I have a McIntosh MA7900 integrated 200 WPC into 8 ohms great soundstage , has it all. They were mfg 2013- 2017 and you can probably find one for about $6,000. The newer model MA8900 great also. No need to demo it but you will need a study table it weighs 75 pounds and has a 5 band graphic equalizer built in also. I pair it among other things with a McIntosh MR-71 tube FM tuner the finest sounding radio I've ever heard. There are many other choices but with the Mac you know it's quality , parts are available , repair shops that specialize in them and a solid resale value. I'd pesonally never buy anything from Japan. Shipping , returns can all be a problem and it's all 100 volt over there unless made for U.S. market. Happy listening.
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Let's see. The OP states he never listens above 80db. His speakers need less than 1/2 watt on average to achieve his goal. Even allowing for huge peaks, he could achieve his goal with a quality low wattage/high current design.
Yet post after post is for high powered unliftable mega-amps. (i.e. let me tell you about my favorite amp that you don't need).
Brother.
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Personally, I like Accuphase. But if you like Yamaha gear, I’m a big fan of their heavyweight integrateds, all together different animals from your 801. The A-S2200 and A-S3200 are very, very good. Simple, straightforward gear, quality parts, real knobs & switches, and, yup, meters! Any Accuphase and these two Yamahas are rock solid, and could easily be the last integrated you ever buy.
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@gemoody +1 Except last sentence could be age dependent.
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again, so many good choices recommended here and i'm sure u would be happy with most or all of them....so much great gear out there..... can't go wrong with virtually any of these recommendations...please remember all depends on the proper room acoustics, proper power setup, proper mlp for concentrated listening
want to point out a brand not recommended much as integrateds....but they make 2, 1 all tube, 1 preamp tube, amp solid state...either would be fantastic, solid state may be recommended with hard to drive speakers, and if room temperature is a concern.....
Balanced Audio Technology VK-3500 BAT For Sale | Audiogon
here's the solid state, i would recommend this for an integrated as while i like the tube amp sound a better, it gets hot!.... so this is the best of both worlds...and again, opinions vary, but after years and years of trying different equipment and losing hundreds and thousands of dollars, i finally found the music enjoyment that just plain makes me happy......thanks to BAT....yes i'm a fanboy, ...live close to them..been there, met some of their nice folks...can't do better sound quality wise, build quality wise.... 'us company that will be there for u if u have a problem...i will say that i'm an old school separates guy, but i won't try to talk u out of an integrated, in fact, if u have to settle for an integrated, then i don't think u can do better than this.... and if u want separates, which i would recommend, please though, not trying to resurrect this age old argument, i'd still say owning BAT will get u off the equipment merry go round...
just one man's opinion...and as the saying goes....opinions are like a******s, everyone has one....
just enjoy your music...that's what this should be about!
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@jwfitzdo
Avoid the tariffs and check out the superb boulder 866. Good luck!
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+1 @yogiboy .
I have a Belles Aria integrated and it’s as smooth as a gravy sandwich.
You don’t have to spend a bundle to get quality sound, especially used.
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The Belles Aria does possess an excellent liquid midrange but that is where it’s strengths end. Both treble and bass are truncated, the soundstage collapses at higher volume levels and does not like speaker impedances that approach 3 ohms. The Aria will work best with highly efficient and easy load impedance speakers with a V curve type of voicing. My deduction is not a viable match with a Revel loudspeaker in a 20x25 room.
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Auditioned and bought a Hegel H400 at an audio store in Wilmington, DE. A great store that had a pair of Magnepan 1.7s to compare against my current integrated. Unfortunately they don't have Revels in their line up. It's a long drive from S Carolina but the advantage is there's no sales tax.
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+3 Anthem STR. Very good MC & MM phono stage. Decent DAC.
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Grist for the mill: That's a very large room with dimensions requiring serious consideration (i.e. ceiling height; loft; etc.), not to mention speaker placement. Most high-end audio shops are likely not going to have audition rooms remotely similar should you decide to venture out for some critical listening time (i.e. shopping). That being said, considering the amount of dough you are considering spending, what's a little travel time? One way or the other, I would recommend you do business with someone who has a generous return policy (i.e. as little hassle with returns, return shipping and no or low restocking fee(s)) in the event you bring something home that just doesn't quite cut the mustard in your room, if you know what I mean.
I spent many, many hours of critical listening time the last time I went hunting for an integrated amp. I very much enjoyed my time with a Luxman, as well as a McIntosh, Musical Fidelity and Simaudio Moon. Back in the early 70s, I loved the time I spent with a Phase Linear amp but this was before they became jokingly referred to as "Flame Linear" due to their propensity to overheat and, some say, sometimes catch fire. I've also spent time with Anthem amps and liked them very much, as well. I've owned a Yamaha 80 watter with "Pure Direct" circuitry, but this would obviously be much too underpowered for your room. Adcom impressed me, back in the 80s, as well. More recently, I found a few Rotel and Denon integrateds interesting but not in the same class as and others I've mentioned here. I've read great reviews of some of the products others have mentioned in this thread but haven't heard them. If you can, you might want to have a listen to a McIntosh MA 7200 with the DA2 DAC option. Just sayin'. Extra (clean) power isn't only about "loud" but also about headroom, the ability to appropriately handle tone bursts in music and a few other considerations.
So, all this boils down to another opinion of what MY ears and some other ears like, which very well may not be what YOUR ears like. In your position, I wouldn't let travel time concerns dissuade me from scheduling some critical listening sessions. Have fun with it and, as always, trust YOUR ears!
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Thanks everyone this has been very helpful
Looks like I need to get in front of this equipment,just wish I could tote my Revels with me.
JF
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I would suggest looking to TMR audio. A plethora of high quality used gear with an easy return policy if you want to explore the used route. These guys are great to deal with. Shipped to you so you can demo in your own space. Ask them for a recommendation. Sure, you have to pay to return the gear you don't care for but no travel time and expenses either.
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I had the 228Be and my favorite amp with those speakers was the NAD M23. The similar integrated is the M33. These are class D amps.
I’ve owned a lot of amplifiers, including tube, class A and class AB Luxman integrateds, and a lot more, and normally would not recommend a class D amplifier. There are some good ones out there but most never really sounded musical for me. This NAD/Revel combo however is very good. I haven’t heard Hegel but it’s also probably a great recommendation. Revel speakers are clear and accurate and musical in that way. A clean/clear, powerful amplifier mates well with them. The Luxman are good but may not pair well with them.
Lastly, in that off shaped and large room you might really find great benefit from some room acoustical manipulation (that is, DSP) which the NAD has excellent software in DIRAC.
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@oldaudiophile I was wondering when the “Flame Linear” moniker would show up!?
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Modwright makes a nice US made hybrid integrated. I appreciate the ability to directly contact the manufacturer. Not a blow the doors off amp. Just quality watts. Hard to predict how it would marry with that room and those speakers. No built in Dac.
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I just recently acquired a new amp from Belles....Aria 501. It's driving my Merlin TSM MMs very nicely. Talk to Rich Brktch at Signature sound re; whether a good match or your speakers.
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bit of a drive for you but great store in Winston-Salem, NC: Ember Audio. He carries a bunch of great integrated brands, including Hegel, Atoll, Accuphase, Simaudio, Octave (tube), and others.
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Dayglow.....re: Aria...say what? I just like the way they produce music. I quit being that analytical when I retired from public accounting. The closest I come to it anymore is trying to figure out what trout fly to use.l
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Options are endless... how about a Plinius, Hautonga? Haven't heard an integrated under $10K with this type of low end grunt & growl. I like Accuphase & Luxman a lot too but maybe think out of the box. If I were looking at SS Plinius would be in my sights. Just my opinion
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@troutbum Not critizing the Belles Aria it just has obvious limitations. The Plinius Hautonga is a good high powered integrated amp but lacks the refinement of a Norma IPA-140 at similar used/new price points.
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