2. amps-preamps
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Finally got a Luxman

So I’ve been at this hobby 35+ years and while I’ve had some good pre/amp tube gear from AR and BAT it’s all been used vintage gear. Good gear nonetheless but old tech (30 years in some cases) and finicky at that age. Though the BAT preamp has never had a hiccup. 

Today I got my first new high end integrated amp from Luxman, the poor man’s integrated, the L-505uxII.  I’ve always wanted a Luxman, but it’s always been out of my price range until recently.

I’m running it on a pair of Forte IV’s (technically Forte III’s that have the upgrade kit to make them the same as Forte IV’s).  Even though it’s got less than an hour on it, it’s blowing me away.  The tone is so smooth and it’s way more refined. .

I look forward to the next 100 hours to see how this thing changes.

last_lemming
speedthrills
160 posts
 

Nice ! I had Klipsch Forte and Cornwall and liked them a lot too. Can the Forte 3 really be upgraded to be exactly the same as the version 4? I didn't think they could be ? 

 

Also, does anyone have experience with buying this exact Luxman amp from the many sellers on Ebay that are selling it for $2700 new in a box and shipping directly from Japan? I assume it needs to run on a converter? 

 

brianh61
78 posts
 

Poor Man here also with a 505UXII. Went from separates for convenience and ease of use for my wife and very happy. Drives a pair of Fyne Audio F502SPs with ease. The Phono is very good as well as the headphone section. Running my Rotel 1572 fully balanced.

Congrats and enjoy!

 

last_lemming OP
631 posts
 

Yes you can upgrade the forte 3 to forte 4. Just type in forte 3 upgrade kit in google.  Well worth the $800 IMO. 
 

I think the cheaper units that come from Japan will require a step down transformer, but I’ve also read there is something you can switch on the inside of the unit to switch the voltage as well. But I’m not an expert on this and you need to verify this info. 

lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,533 posts
 

Luxman is very nice, congratulations :-)

 

jafant
18,825 posts
 

last_lemming

Wait until you pair the Luxman and Thiel speakers.

 

Happy Listening!

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