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
I don't know where you're located but my local dealer in Pennsylvania carries both Sugden and Luxman and has an outstanding record store attached to his store.  He knows vinyl.  I've never heard the Sugden stuff. I believe he has the Luxman 509 and the 590 in house. Could be worth a trip if your within a few hours...great vinvl and great audio all in one trip.
I appreciate the info, but unfortunately I live in Austin, Texas. I’ve got a local dealer that carries the full Luxman line, and I’m trying to carve out time for a serious listen.
Check out Sugden Masterclass. It's a big step up sonically from their less expensive gear.
The Allnic would unbalance your system.  In order to make it fully work you would have to upgrade your turntable/tonearm, cartridge, interconnects and amplifier.  If you were only going to replace one item, then the Luxman is an excellent choice.  However, I would suggest you take a slightly different path and replace the integrated amp, phono stage and DAC with a full featured integrated amp.  I would suggest models by Levinson and Denon (anniversary models).  You'll give up the class A amp and the tubes, but you'll eliminate most of your cables and power cords (a very good thing) and get better digital.  The analog would probably be a slight upgrade (similar to what the Luxman would provide).  Dollar wise I'm talking in the $5 to 10k range.  Good luck and keep us informed.

BTW, your system is not mid-fi.  A mid-fi system doesn't have NOS Mullards.