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Thoughts/Experiences on Luxman Sound

Good day, guys!

I have a question on Luxman and hope you guys can shed some light.

I tried various models of Yamaha, Kenwood, Technics, Nakamichi, NAD, Onkyo, Carver, etc. with various speakers and finally settled for Harman Kardon stereo (HK6500/PM 645) with Tannoy DC3000/633 speakers) paired with a Technics EQ which I’m happy with. I’m not into the whole pure audiophile sound, doesn’t like the tubey sound much but rather like my music very detailed, clear and don’t mind them being a bit colored.

I’m thinking of trying out a Luxman & listening to each one before buying is not an option, so I have a few questions:

 How do you compare HK stereo sound to Luxman as a whole?

  1. Few Luxman models are available. LV-90 & A-331 is cheaper while LV-111 & L-410 is kinda expensive. Any thoughts on this comparison?

 Your thoughts and experiences are much appreciated. Thanks guys.


xxtremevish
5 responses Add your response
mastering92
870 posts
 
Smooth, clear, detailed, transparent, consistent transient response.

Nothing really "stands out" to take your attention away from the music. In other words, the music simply flows like a river. That's been my experience with their Class A models.

With lesser amplfiiers, one or more octaves in the frequency spectrum "stand out" and impart significant colorations to the sound. I wouldn't say Luxman are colored-sounding, but they have a kind of "house sound" that is rarely attainable. 
builder3
758 posts
 
The models you're asking about is from a period when they were under different ownership, and producing mediocre gear of lesser quality than today.
coralkong's avatar
coralkong
651 posts
 
I would say the Luxman sound is probably most comparable to some of the older Yamaha amps (out of the amps you have listed, and the ones I have experience with on your list....)

And that’s not a bad thing at all.
"Warm-ish/slightly laid back, smooth but with lots of power/control" would be how I would categorize the sound.

I’ve also had HK before and I would categorize their sound as more forward, more emphasized, especially in the upper midrange and treble. HK’s sound is not bad, but it lacks the control and punch of the Luxman, imo. 

I imagine your Tannoy’s would appreciate the power and control a Luxman brings to the table. To me, that sounds like a great match, but of course, your tastes might be different than mine.


jsqt's avatar
jsqt
117 posts
 
You’re asking about gear that may be 30ish years old at this point - as someone else mentioned, during the Alpine ownership of the late 80s and early 90s and little in common with the Luxman of today. You will probably have better luck getting info by posting over at audiokarma.org. 
coralkong's avatar
coralkong
651 posts
 
@jsqt, I wish I knew how to quote that. Good stuff.

Yeah, it's 30 years old. FINALLY, something I know what I'm talking about.

Some of that old gear is plenty, PLENTY "good enough".
;)

Happy Listening!
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