replace Mcintosh with Luxman

Thank you tsushima!!! I am sorry I am new to this discussion board, and I am little awkward on how to write replies 

The minute I made the switch to the Luxman I heard a boost in bass.  

 

In terms of solid state, I can't argue with you, especially the extension and control in the bass.  Maybe this is why I'm less interested in a sub for music?  While the mid and treble are very liquid and smooth I can also see where a real tube-phile would still stick to tubes.

If I had spare cash I'd probably really like trying the Luxman tube integrateds for a while too.

Awesome!! glad to hear that.. I have the Luxman D03x DAC/CD player.. The DAC on the Luxman is so much more luxurious, exceptional clarity and rich compared to the DAC on the Mcintosh mc53 . I have tried them both with the Lumin streamer that I have and I love the Luxman. That is the reason where I am in awe of the Luxman brand and I started to have the itch on maybe moving from the mc462 to the m10x.. And I am still well within the one year full trade up window with my dealer here. This feedback really helps.. Do you include any subs with your setup? The A3 goes down to 26Hz.. Just curious what did you end up paying for the previous versions of the Luxman Amps.. The 10x is at listed $20K..

The minute I made the switch to the Luxman I heard a boost in bass.  Its my opinion the Luxman are better than the Mcintosh  in every way.  I was using a Lyngdorf mp60 a/v processor for movies and two channel.  I currently got the Linn Climax DSM and Magico S7s and moved the S5s in the back surround position.  For the money I don't think the Luxman can be beat.  Jay of Jays Audio Lab did a review of Luxman on you tube that I thought was accurate and influenced me to switch yo the Luxman.  

For my part I have found more audio reproduction similarities between McIntosh amplification and Luxman amplification than dissimilarities however I have generally felt that Luxman exhibited micro detail better than the Mc amps , slightly cleaner in transigents , both manufacturers produce amplification that tends to deliver a harmonically rich comfortable listening experience however I would go Luxman for the slight nuances that I have alluded to .  

Thank you!! do you have any particular reason for that recommendation.. I have not had a chance to audition the Luxman m10x yet.  thanks again.. 

For my part I would go with  Luxman.

guyt, I am in a similar situation and I hope to hear from you on what your experience is with the move if you did do it. I have mcintosh mc53 preamp and mc462 amp. Would like to move from the 462 to the Luxman m-10x. I currently drive Magico A3's with the 462.. Please let me know if you'd advice a switch from Mcintosh to Luxman.. thanks

vocals were lush… definitely better highs, I just heard more… best way to describe it is luxman was dynamic while having a more enveloping sound. I am sure there are plenty out there who would prefer the pass amp, and it is very good. but maybe in my case, the synergy between luxman and my speakers is better. Also I am in Asia where luxman is more reasonably priced. 

chainsdb

 Can you please describe the jaw dropping difference between the two amps?

The M900u from the reviews sound like an awesome amp.

Today I put in a m900u in place of a pass 350.5. For me it was a jaw dropping difference. Speakers are giya G2 s1. 

Thanks Decathlon - agreement is hard to find on this site!

what the hell needs that much power?

decatholon

My point is our journey to obtain material objects is driven by emotional appeal and subjective characteristics as much as it is by objective measures. For me, it is more interesting and sonically rewarding to match amplifier and pre-amplifier tubes than matching various manufacturers of components.

That said, there may come a day when the opportunity to add a Luxman or Pass Labs integrated to the mix presents itself. Fascinating hobby.

Same reason Harley Davidson Motorcycles depreciate the least but are hardly the best.

There are literally millions of harley owners that would have a field day with that comment.

Same reason Harley Davidson Motorcycles depreciate the least but are hardly the best.

So here is a question for all of you Mac haters.

Why do McIntosh components hold or increase in value over time?

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/brands-that-have-the-least-depreciation

Hello,
 The Luxman M900U is on a little bit of a backorder. Popularity and the Pandemic has slowed down production. 

My mc462 puts a smile on my face every time I listen. That is what we all look for.

I second having a listen in the lower states or even in Canada at Audio Excellence. Great guys to deal with and will give you an honest opinion vs BS to make a sale. Have you thought about several of these amplifiers? I love the sound quality better than Luxman.

- McIntosh MC2301 Tube Monoblock amplifiers 
- Mark Levinson No536 Monoblock 
- the Coda was also mentioned 
- Dan D’Agostino Progression 
- Audio Research Reference 250SE or M160 Monoblock 
- Accuphase Monoblock
- Esoteric Monoblock 

Some of these are tube amplifiers but all can more than definitely handle the power you are looking for. All can handle 4ohm loads and the speaker you have really doesn’t need anything lower than that. The trade off for incredible sound is worth it with these choices especially before you drop 40K on amplifiers. All have a great resale value as well but I don’t think you will sell once you own any of these beauties.

just a thought and best of luck

Check out the AGD Vivace or Gran Vivace- Had Mc and the Luxman before-- trust me-just demo a pair-- 

I went from Mac solid state (MA6900) to tube (C2300/MC275) and have been more than pleased ever since. For me it was more about finding the right complement of tubes between the two components.

Have never owned Luxman or Pass but understand they are excellent in many ways. Nice choice to have.

A long time ago, my local Audio Research dealer carried Luxman.  I think of it as akin to Linn:  Very good but not the best or the money.  Ditto Mac, but probably better than the former two.

The thing is that they definitely sound very good on their own. But whenever I compared them to what else I could get in the market, I always found another brand that offered the same or higher sound and build quality at a much lower price point. I feel that with McIntosh you’re paying a substantial premium for pedigree or pride in ownership, or whatever you want to call it. This is important to a lot of audiophiles, nothing wrong with it

Never owned any Mc. I have auditioned it and talked to their reps at my local dealer who feature it.  Also talked to their support about my Wadia that Mcintosh Group now own.  Most overrated product on the market.

Being remote in Alaska, I'd consider reliability to be the most important thing.  The most reliable audio vendor in the world is Bryston.  I wouldn't fool around with anything else.  Especially McIntosh.  Not as well made and reliable as you'd think.

I was considering a McIntosh to drive my Tannoy Gold Reference Sterling speakers that I acquired for an excellent price. Thats was before I spoke to a Luxman dealer who told me that customers who buy McIntosh from him very often bring it back and trade it in for a Luxman. I purchased the Luxman L-507-ux also for an excellent  price. It's worked out very nice for me. 

I did just the opposite. Went from Luxman solid state to McIntosh tubes. way more pleasing to my ears.
I still keep the 505 UxII in the rack for the times when the 2500 pre may go down.

Reading the enthusiasm here, I’ll add to the endorsement of the Luxman over Mcintosh. My single experience with the Mcintosh back in the day was with the MC275 mk4. At first it’s a nice, warm tubey sound, rather pleasant but that’s about it. After trying different gear throughout the years, I realized that the Mcintosh I had was quite colored in its presentation. Perhaps it’s a tube amp or it’s just this particular model, I’m not sure. The sound lacked clarity and detail as the finer nuance in music was somewhat missing and not reproduced by the speakers.

I currently own a mid level Naim pre/power and Luxman L-590AXII integrated, and the Luxman actually outshines the Naim in most aspects of the sound reproduction. The tonality and refinement of the Luxman are very good although it’s just an integrated amp. It’s truly quality. In general, I find the Luxman to have very low coloration as it doesn’t add or take away much from the music or original recording. The finer nuance and detail in the music are all beautifully reproduced by the Luxman. With other amps, you don’t hear much of the refinement.

I don’t have experience with the larger Luxman separates but if this is the quality I’m getting from the integrated, I’m convinced the pre/power will send you to heaven. That’s a bit of an exaggeration there but you can guess I am very pleased with the performance of the Luxman in my system. It’s the first amp that got me off the merry go round of upgrades after all these years.

I am a tube fanatic, so I like my Luxman CL1000 preamplifier better than the Luxman C900u's I tried out awhile ago. For my taste, Luxman products are wonderful, unless you want the McIntosh "house sound", whatever that is...

May I ask where did you get this rumor from? 
 
The M10x is shown on the Luxman site (Japan) and my local dealer told me it will be in the US in October. 

Outstanding move to Luxman you`ll never look back. MC is very dark and veil the only thing I like about MAC is a vintage MAC tuner which I have MR73 I like a dark tuner.   I started out with MAC 1981 C28 preamp 2105 Power amp truely sucked sold it bought something that was much cheaper that just blew it away in SQ Dynaco Pat 5 preamp Dynaco 400 power amp saved over 2,000  Mc`s only a dinosaur name.  Enjoy you LUX.

m2team005 posts08-19-2021 5:06amRumors are that the M900u replacement, the M10x is about to be announced in Oct. M900u’s are sure to drop in price. Maybe hold off until then.

May I ask where did you get this rumor from?

I own 2 Lux M900u’s as monos. I have experienced using one amp in stereo mode with good results with Wilson Sasha DAW. The Luxman musicality was there but the Bass control lacked until the other amp was introduced. I haven’t noticed any added noise or distortion, just better depth way better imaging,  gobs of endless reserve power and control of the low frequency that we all covet. oh that Bass!! I finally have heard the lower halves of my speakers but cabling is important. I spoke to a South Florida Magico and Luxman dealer , Suncoast Audio about the Magico and Lux Combo. He told me that he ran the Luxman m900u monos with the M6’s at the Florida audio show two years ago with outstanding results. 

Rumors are that the M900u replacement, the M10x is about to be announced in Oct. M900u’s are sure to drop in price. Maybe hold off until then.

I have never owned a Mac (it's on my bucket list though) but have heard a few of their integrated amps at various dealers and friends systems in the last few years. The thing is that they definitely sound very good on their own. But whenever I compared them to what else I could get in the market, I always found another brand that offered the same or higher sound and build quality at a much lower price point. I feel that with McIntosh you're paying a substantial premium for pedigree or pride in ownership, or whatever you want to call it. This is important to a lot of audiophiles, nothing wrong with it.

So my problem is not that I don't like the way they sound, just that they are asking for more than they offer in today's market. Also, I was a little disappointed with the build quality, e.g. compared to Luxman -- the knobs, buttons, and overall appearance doesn't justify the asking price.

Of course, this is purely my opinion and admittedly subjective. I'm sure diehard fans will disagree :)

For those interested I decided to go for the Luxman amps(2)  In regards to the Mcintosh I found them to be almost painfully bright sounding in the higher frequencies.

You absolutely will love, love, love Luxman.

For those interested I decided to go for the Luxman amps(2)  In regards to the Mcintosh I found them to be almost painfully bright sounding in the higher frequencies.  I spoke to a dealer who told me his store has had both amps hooked up to the magico M2 and in his opinion the Luxman magico combination was superior.   I guess I will find out.  In regards to crusty coot concerns switching the M900U into mono mode your opinion is appreciated.  I have done all I can short of demoing the Luxman, which is for me is impractical because I live in Alaska.  For what it is worth Jay of You Tube's Jays audio lab indicated with some stereo  amps switching from stereo to mono was disappointing but that was not the case for the M900U.  Again thanks for your input.
Guy T.

Buy American! 

My apologies I am considering m900u amp and not preamp.  The plan  is for two Luxman m900u (in mono mode) for the Mcintosh.  
Thanks to all for the input it will help me decide.

I use a mc255 mac 5 channel amp for 3 channels.  Seems very nice but no one seems very happy about mac gear. Seems overated.

As vinyl_rules implied, when a stereo amp is operated in BTL (Bridged) mode, its ability to drive low impedences is halved, b/c each channel's xsistors is "seeing" only half the load.  While the M900U is indisputably a magnificent stereo amp, I'd throw up a caution flag on intentionally buying a pair for monaural use.  Look for mono amps that are purpose-built as such.

I think it would absolutely be the right way to go for me. :)

However, if you are happy with the Mc sound especially in the high frequencies you may find the Luxman to be warm by comparison.

Luxman's are neutral, extended, and have a magical midrange.

I question how much of a difference you'll get with replacing a nice pair of mono blocks with another pair of nice mono blocks?  Maybe the preamp would be worth a second look?

Hello,
I would call both manufacturers and ask them if the other brand works well with their product. Also, talk to a dealer who is a dealer for both of those products. They might say it works great or give you a better option. Make sure you let all the people know as much information as possible. Type of music you like. Size of room
Do you have subwoofers and how are they connected. 
Treated or untreated
The cables that will be connected 
All of this information makes a big difference 
I hope this helps. 

I have a better product for less if you don’t mind having to see the meters , the Excellent Coda CSIB integrated amplifier stereo timesgreat review ,best of 2020
for $6500. The best integrated under$10 k 
and better then any separates made in USA  10 year warranty
and powerhouse 3,000 va potted, not open transformer 
Mc ,or lux man 1/4 the size and 3 choices for power 
the lowest 150,300,600 has 18 first watts in pure class A.

My Magico S3MK2 are powered by 2 Luxman M900u amp (using C900u pre-amp)
without knowing your room i can almost assure you you will get improvement in all aspect 9more refined sound, more dynamic and micro dynamic, plenty more details and control over the speakers)
a friend of me have the same combination (Luxman 900 series amp & pre + Magico S3MK2) but also Mackintosh MA 9000 he use to power his focal speakers on the other room.
one day we switched the amp just out of curiosity, so we powerd his Magico's with the Macintosh, the Luxman combination was far better to our ears

The m900u mono was exceptional when I demoed it and way better than the 509x which I had demoed first that same day in the same store (TAD ME-1 speakers). Though, I am not sure if the Luxman in stereo has enough power for the Magico S5 V1 for a big room.

I have recently bought the CODA #8  ($6.2K) and it sounds a lot like that Luxman m900u. I drives my hard to drive Thiel CS3.7 easily and likely your Magic S5 V1. However, since you are willing to go to $15K MSRP you should consider the CODA #16 which is the higher model from the #8. The CODA is American made and likely offering you more value for the same price vs the imported Luxman. 

Not a fan of MAC's.