Recommendations for modern integrated with tone & balance controls other than Mcintosh

@daodao 

The 550AXii arrived this morning.  First impression is how beautifully and carefully Luxman packed this component.  Second impression is how beautifully made it is. Third impression is how good it sounds right out of the box.

Although, I'm not 20 years old anymore, (HAH!) I was able to open the boxes, extricate the amplifier from all other packing material, and carry it unscathed (both the amp and yours truly)  to my audio rack. Regular yoga practice helps!

It's been playing for a mere 2.5 hours but I already am certain I made the right choice.  

More in another hundred or so hours.

Be well and good listening to all.

About 120 hours now and I’m starting to get a much better sense of how good this integrated amplifier really is. No, of course it’s not tubes, but it certainly has its own special charms. The phono stage is excellent, and my former passion for vinyl is now restored- I no longer am considering selling my Linn LP12.

Thank you Luxman. :)

I may be back with more after another 100 or so hours additional run-in time.

Be well and good listening to all.

Good to hear you are happy with the Lux. I too was looking to upgrade and looking at Belles Aria Signature. However, 2022 stock and bond market declines have put that on the back burner as I am focused more on just maintaining our lifestyle. Never working anywhere long enough for a good pension has me managing assets for income. Luckily I always invested bonuses etc so we will ultimately be fine but my income plan crashed with the market as bonds and stocks both went down. I will have to live vicariously thru others like you for awhile. Enjoy your new amp.

@ joekapahulu

Thank you sir.  I wish you success in navigating the world of finance.

The more I use the Lux 550AXii the fonder I grow.  I'm a visual and tactile person as well as as a "keen listener,"  and the Luxman delivers for me at every level.  What a pleasure it is to select either an LP or something via streamer, sit back, and simply enjoy the music. 

My suggestion is a Luxman 509.  I compared it to a Boulder 866, Esoteric F1, Gryphon Diablo 300, Krell 300i, Accuphase 380, McIntosh MA12000.  To my ears it was the best sounding of all the above integrateds.   Find one and demo it.