Luxman vs. Accuphase

I previously owned an Ayre AX7E and replaced it with a Luxman 505ux and I'm very happy. The Luxman simply sounds better to my ears. It does have decent phono input but not nearly as good as the Graham Slee Reflex C that I'm using. I also like the loudness option for low-level listening (my home office is also my music room!). I'm using the Luxman with Harbeth SHL5 speakers and it's a great match.

I have owned Luxman 590 integrated, M800a as monos, ARC Ref 250, Ayre MXR, Accuphase A70.  Both the Luxman to Accuphase are fairly supple and rich sounding as far as solid state goes.  In comparison to the Luxman, the Accuphase has better detail and micro-dynamics.   It has as much bass drive and dynamics as the M800a in monos.   Both have very high built quality.  The Ref250 has slightly better micro dynamics and a trace wider tonal palette than the Accuphase.   The Accuphase has more extended highs than both the ARC and the Luxman.  All these amps are very good.   Make sure you pay attention to phase if you use XLR.  Japanese configuration is different.  I also prefer the Accuphase to Xa100.8.    The XA has slightly better bass macrodynamic and channel separation but I prefer the A70 for micro dynamics, detail, wider tonal palate and a more supple top end.  

The Pass feels even more quiet and separation of individual instruments are very distinct.  I almost feel these qualities are artifactual as each individual instruments in an orchestra should not occupy so much space . The portrayal of strings has more  straight edges and violin sounds slightly stringent comparing to the A70 and the Ref250.   The accuphase better conveys how one note evolve to the next and this keeps it interesting for me.   

Both Luxman and Accuphase are considerably more expensive in the US than in Japan.  Accuphase has a particularly high mark up here, sometimes giving the impression that it must be in a far higher class than Luxman.  In reality, there is not a big difference in the actual prices.  Both the high end Accuphase E-600 and Luxman 590AX are about $5000 in Japan.  I think the Accuphase E-600 is about $15,000 here, the Luxman is around $9000.  Too bad that Accuphase Japan has so little interest in selling their products here, they are apparently really good. Both are made in Yokohama.

I bought a Luxman 507uX a few months ago and am very happy with it.  I would have bought a 550 but was afraid of the heat.

Andysf,

I'm glad you decided to get a Luxman.  I remember your initial post regarding the brand. Enjoy!