Preamp for Luxman M-10X other than C-10x


Hello everyone, I’m looking for some suggestions for a good preamp to go with Luxman M-10x.

I know the matching C-10x is a great option but there aren’t any in the used market right now and a new one would be beyond my budget. Any suggestions? Is Gryphon Zena a good match? Would it outperform C-900U when paired with M-10X? My speakers are Focal Scala Utopia Evo.


Thanks in advance!
baidingnk

I am familiar with the Luxman M-10. The answer is very much dependent on the sound quality you are going for. Both luxmand and Focal are very trebly and detailed oriented. If you are going for hyper detailed / analytical system then the C-10 or other bright preamp will do that. But, I would be concerned it might be too much. 

If you want to maintain some natural / musical focus I recommend a warm natural sounding preamp. Audio Research Reference 6SE, Conrad Johnson ART 88, or VAC Signature M preamp. I would highly recommend trying any preamp in your system. I would look first at the Conrad Johnson. 

I have the Audionet G2, it is an excellent preamp. This is a pretty good deal:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650179752-audionet-pre-g2-in-very-good-condition/

I was also pleased with its predecessor, a Pass XP-12, which was a bit warmer, but the Audionet is more in line with the M-10. 

I would suggest you look into either an Aric Audio Motherload XL or the new Raven preamp at Spatial Audio. Both stellar performers and under your used budget new.  

Plus 1 @fthompson251 

That is exactly what I have! It give me the sound I want just as @ghdprentice described. I had the c900 and Aric Motherload at the same time but I ended up selling the C900 as I like the warmer sound of the tube preamp.

 

https://atc.audio/hi-fi/electronics/amplifiers/pre/sca2/

This preamp replaced a very competent Luxman C900 u preamp.  More everything and particularly more energetic.  This thing has slam!  Not bright, just slam.  Class A circuitry and it just gets up and runs.  More detail, wider sound stage, faster attack, deeper bottom and blacker background.  Ignore the fact that the design is 30 years old.

It’s running my ATC 50 active which demand the best and have crushed tube gear (too slow).  It is not a warm sound nor thin and edgy.  I was surprised.  Best of luck on your quest.  $11,500 new.  Talk to Tom at Big Ear Stereo.

If you want a detailed preamp that is slightly warm, then the Holo Audio Serene would work nicely with the Luxman M-10. I have owned the Serene and have heard the M-10. The M-10 is similar to my CODA #16, and I used it with the Serene for a few years. 

I will eventually need another preamp (when I move house) and this tube preamp is the top contender.

Raven Preamplifier — Spatial Audio Lab