Luxman Integrated - What do they sound like

Does anyone know if there are any differences in the phono stages used in the various Luxman integrated models ?

arturgorniak:

I also have the Super Nines and I was wondering about the bass response using the Luxman 509x since it has a damping factor of 350?  When I owned the Devore 0/93's I auditioned an amp that had a damping factor around 270 and I felt the bass response was way over damped (for my tastes). (That amp also had other issues.)  Similarly, I heard a Pass XA 25 (350 damping factor) drive a pair of Zu Audio speakers and again I felt the bass response over damped and not "natural" sounding. From what I could ascertain, the Devore speakers seem to pair better with amps that have a low ( 4-25) damping factor. Even the Sugden solid state amps that John has used to demo his speakers have a low damping factor. And the tubes amps that are used certainly fall into that category.

Ive owned the 590axII as well as the 509x - I like the 590axII in regard to sound quality. The 509x is a hair more anylitical sounding? I don’t want to say dry - BUT I've had 3 590axII’s and they ALL buzzed - they all had audible transformer buzz, a mechanical buzz from the units and THAT drove me bonkers. The 509x is dead silent. They’re both gorgeous looking but if you’re in the 10k range for 2k more the Pass labs INT-250 is much better than either one... By a landslide. Not the 60 not the 25 (Ive owned them all) the INT-250 is a spiritual awakening.

Speakers I had with these units: Heresy 4, Forte 4, KLH Model 5 and Wolf Von Langa SONS. They all sounded really good with each amp BUT the forte IVs have something special about them.

I have a passing interest in a Luxman integrated too and find it really odd that there seem to be zero credible reviews on their products and none I can find on their "popular" integrated? Why? 

Sterophile and The Absolute Sound should have reviewed them at some point if they're "cult" classics with reputations for excellent sound and build no? Reviews from owners (unless consistently poor reviews) I ignore for obvious reasons. Also, there are many 505x11 listed for sale directly from Japan for 3k (non US voltage) brand new which is also a little suspicious- they need to be run with a step down transformer of course. Has anyone bought one of these versions ? 

Same with Accuphase, although now I see a few reviews on the lower end line.

I do not have personal experience with Luxman and step down transformers, I have  read that there are no issue with that setup. Might affect resale if you decide to sale. I recently purchase a Accuphase integrated for less than half what it would cost me in the states from Japan,.The ebayer I bought it from had it converted to factory 120. The unit arrived 4 boxes deep. I took the top off to see If I could detect any solder work and it just looked brand new inside. Needless to say I was very happy with the deal.  I understand luxman and Accuphase are somewhat similar in sound, and if that is the case, I can tell you, my Accuphase is one of the best integrated I have ever heard in my room. I own a Pass 250, Macintosh 352, Hegal 390. These all have there strength and weakness, but as of now I cannot find much fault with the Accuphase and I hear the same about luxman.