2. amps-preamps
  3. 158059-1749

What integrated should I upgrade to?

Hi folks,

Firstly, my apologies for yet another "what should I" post.  But I'd like to seek the advice of my Audiogon brethren.  

Currently, in my second system used mostly for TV viewing, I have a pair of Wharfedale Reva 3 floorstanding loudspeakers, a Cambridge Audio CXA80 integrated amp / DAC and an Auralic Aries Mini streamer.  Wired with transparent Music Link / Wave cables and Shunyata Hydra Talos conditioner and Voodoo Fire power cable to the CXA80.  

I've been itching to upgrade the integrated amp, as I figure it is what's holding things back from a resolution standpoint.  I moved a better DAC (PS Audio Direct Stream Junior) to the second system and it didn't make a discernible difference given the existing gear.  I then moved the Reva 3's up to my reference system and plugged them in and they sounded wonderful!  I've got a Luxman 590axII integrated in that system with the PS Audio Direct Stream Junior DAC.  The power foundation is nearly the same; using Shunyata Denali there.  

So it leads me to conclude that the CXA80 needs upgrading.  

I have been considering a nice used Luxman 550ax or trying the new PS Audio Strata integrated.  I kinda know what to expect with the Luxman.  The PS Audio would be a greater unknown, but has the nicety of everything in one box: DAC, Preamp, amp and streamer.  The money outlay will be more for the Luxman, but not a huge difference.  It will be used rather than new.  Though, I would need a cheapy DAC just to accept the optical from the TV.  

Thoughts on this?  
jasonsim
ryder
1,686 posts
 
I see you are a Luxman fan having both L-590AXII and 505UXII in separate systems.

A word on the L-590AXII. It is very sensitive to cables. If you want to bring out the best performance from the Luxman, do not skimp on cables particularly interconnects connecting the DAC to the Luxman. Consider balanced connection if your DAC can take balanced. You won’t regret it.
ryder
1,686 posts
 
Hegel is midfi compared to Luxman and Gryphon.

The build quality of Hegel is like lo-fi in comparison to the Luxman. Sound quality-wise Luxman is on another level as well especially the 509 and 590 series.
jasonsim OP
111 posts
 
ryder,
Thanks for the words of wisdom!

I didn’t know it was sensitive to cables. I have never tried any other cables with it. Since I had separates before the 590axII, I just used the same cables. I only use and have Transparent Cables. For the 590 I use Transparent MusicLink Ultra XLRs from DAC to the Luxman, then Transparent MusicWave Ultra to the speakers. Transparent MusicLink Ultra from CD player. Transparent MusicLink Super on turntable and external phonostage.

For the 505uxII I use Transparent MusicLink Plus XLRs from the DAC and the Transparent MusicWave Plus (newest Gen5) to the speakers.

ryder
1,686 posts
 
That's good to know Jason. Full loom Transparent cables. Since it's XLR between DAC and Luxman, all should be good.
jasonsim OP
111 posts
 
Thanks. Hard to change now!  I think the retail on all my cables could pay for a new 509x. 
It just sounded great when I first connected it up and just forgot about it all. 
The power cables are Shunyata and Voodoo power cables connected to a Shunyata Denali conditioner. 
I think the next logical upgrade are the speakers. I am thinking a major upgrade will be needed there to better what I have. So, lots of saving and researching. 
More to discover