Sugden/Allnic or Luxman L-509X?


I’m at an interesting crossroads in my audio upgrade path, and would love some forum feedback.

I currently have a Sugden ANV-50 integrated at the heart of my system. Analog source is MoFi UltraDeck +M fed through a Lounge Audio LCR III (Gold+ upgrade) with LPS upgrade, via Morrow Audio PH6/MA6 cables. Digital source is Black Ice Audio Glass FX II DSD DAC upgraded with NOS Mullard CV4004 tubes, fed from Roon ROCK, and cables are Morrow Audio MA6. Speakers are LSA-10 Statement monitors augmented by an SVS SB-3000 sub.

I would call my system mid-fi, and I’m relatively happy with its current performance. Digital playback always seems to get the upper hand over the analog lately, so I’m taking a hard look at upgrading the phono pre amp.

The issue is that I’ve pretty much talked myself into the new Allnic H-5500 (which I know is superb) to replace the Lounge LCR, but for that price I could probably upgrade to the Luxman L-509X and replace both the Sugden and the Lounge…

I think the Allnic would be a HUGE step forward in analog playback, but I wonder if the rest of my current system would be able to resolve all of that. The Allnic would also be a truly end state phone pre for me. An heirloom that would be passed to my kids someday. The Luxman would most likely be the same, an end state integrated that I would pass on to the next generation.

If I go the Allnic path, I won’t be in a position to upgrade my Sugden for years. So I’m wondering if perhaps it’s better to tackle both the integrated and phono in one shot. The cost of the Allnic plus trade in or resale on my Sugden and Lounge Audio would get me where I need to be on the Luxman.

I know the Luxman has a great phono stage, but I doubt it’s up to the performance level of the Allnic. I will also eventually upgrade to a Soundsmith or Hana MC cart when the MoFi MasterTracker is done, but I’ll stay with the UltraDeck for a while. Am I trying to go too high end for my phono pre, where the Luxman may provide a more noticeable sound upgrade?

These are good problems to have, but I’m stuck square in the middle, and would appreciate any feedback from Sugden, Allnic, or Luxman users.

EDIT: I should add that if I do go the Allnic route right now, I definitely intend to upgrade my integrated at some point. Probably not to the Allnic level ($$$!), but something like a Line Magnetic, Luxman, Accuphase, possibly Sugden IA-4. That’s about a 2-3 yr timeframe.
jonstine

Showing 1 response by ihcho

What matters is that you like it.
I have Allmic H1202 and I like it too. 
However, as others suggested, I also think that Allnic H5500 have more potential than your integrated amp, analog source, and speaker can afford. 
Enjoy the music for a (long) while, and worry about upgrades later on when you can.