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McIntosh to Luxman?

Hey everybody. I need some advice.  It's fair to say I've lusted over Luxman equipment for a few years now.  Something about Japanese hifi that just gets me. Anyway, one of the online retailers of new and used equipment has a Luxman L-507uX (not the mark ii) for sale.  I do really like the sound from my hybrid MA252 integrated, and it drives my Maggie 1.7s with ease.  Most of my listening is of the streaming variety (Bludesound Node/Qobuz), and some vinyl (Music Hall MMF-5). 

Here's my question: what will the Luxman bring me that the McIntosh isn't providing?   More refinement?  More authoritative bass? Better soundstaging?  If the answer is yes, then I may pull the trigger on the Luxman.  By the way, I can get a nice trade-in on my McIntosh, so my out-of-pocket won't be too bad.    Please weigh-in if you've had both McIntosh and Luxman gear and what your experience with both brands has been.   Thanks in advance!   ~ Jerry

jrod68
jrod68 OP
42 posts
 

Back to my assessment of the Luxman...

1.  The lady of the house says "Did you get a new stereo?" 😀😀  She thinks it looks really cool.

2.  Build quality is top-notch.  Dials feel great. Input dial moves from position to position with a nice "thwunk".  Very solid. I do with the meters were a tad brighter.

3.  I Listened to Coltrane and Hartman last night.  Vocals were spot-on.  Johnny was in my living room!

4. Bass. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the 1.7s now have bass!   Tight and full, but not bloated.  Certainly not the type of bass you feel, but bass that has texture and speed.  Very cool.

5. Soundstage.  In my room, I'm not noticing a bigger or deeper soundstage than the McIntosh.  I'll keep listening.

That's it for now.  I hope the moms in you lives have a wonderful day today!

~ Jerry

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,702 posts
 

That's a great piece, enjoy!

decathlon1991
212 posts
 

@JRod 

I’m glad you’re enjoying you Luxman/Maggie 1.7 combo.  Would love to hear more about it.  I’m a big fan of the Magnepan speakers especially if you do the upgrades to them.  I’ve owned several models in the past.  The only issue I’ve experienced with the speakers over the years was the Lack of Dynamic Range.  In your assessment with your system in your home.  Have you experienced that at all?  What lease share your thoughts!

 

Thanks

decathlon1991
212 posts
 

*** Please share your thoughts!

jrod68 OP
42 posts
 

@decathlon1991 

I've only had Maggies in the last 20 years. I owned Klipsch Heresy speakers for a few months, sold them and took a bath on the price.  Oh well.  My point is, I don't have much recent experience with "dynamic" speakers.  However, I've never felt that I was missing anything from my 1.7s (or 1.6s before them), especially from a dynamics perspective.  Having lived with the hybrid McIntosh for 3+ years, I now understand that I was depriving the 1.7s of high-quality (and abundant) power.  Not to say that I didn't enjoy my time with the MA252...I did!  They're just two very different amps. I will miss that midband "lushness" of the McIntosh by the way.

Enjoy your day!    ~ Jerry

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