Bryston B-100 or Luxman L-507u?


First post. ;-)

Plan to upgrade my integrated amp to a Bryston B-100 (basic model) or a Luxman L-507u.

Has anyone compared these two? My system, albeit modest, is a pair of B&W 805 matrix on the 805 Sound Anchor stands, the other end is an Oppo BDP-83SE. The amp that either of these would be replacing is a 15 yr-old Cyrus III with PSX-R.

I live in Japan (expat Canadian). The Luxman I can get for a fair amount cheaper here, than it goes for stateside. The Bryston, I'd buy from a someone back home and have it sent over to Japan.

I Iike the simplicity of design (inside and out) of the Bryston, but the fact that the Luxman seems to be a good deal here, is tempting.

Would appreciate any thoughts comparing these two amps.

Thanks

Peter
128x128petehb123
Having owned a few Bryston separates, and the Luxman 505u, the 505u is my cup of tea.
The Brystons are really bult like a tank, durable & superb customer relationship. A-1
But in terms of sound, i find the Lux musicality quite beguiling.
Best if you can audition both but personally i would go for the Lux.
Good luck
I live in Canada, and last year made a serious investment in a new audio system after much research and auditioning.

I really wanted to try to put together an entirely Canadian made system, but that would have entailed certain compromises.

I did buy oustanding world-class Canadian speakers (Verity Audio Parsifal Ovations) powered by Japanese electronics (Luxman 509u integrated amp and Luxman D-06 cdp).

I looked very closely at Bryston separates, and even though I live driving distance from the Bryston factory and hence good pricing, I ended up buying more expensive Luxman electronics. Bryston is solid well made gear that is perfectly acceptable in most respects, but Luxman is more refined and luxurious, built to a higher standard, and much more musically engaging.

I had to pay an extra premium for Luxman vs. Bryston, and I have no regrets. You don't have to pay a premium for Luxman, and so there is really no contest.
I haven't heard either of the two, so take that into account. That said, I own the L-590A II and have heard the L-505U at a show and I think quite highly of them. Being that you can purchase the Luxman at a great price, I would do so and not think twice.
Agree=Luxman is luxurious in feel and in sound.
Another one that one should consider are the Accuphase.
Thanks to all for your quick responses! ;-) I had the chance to listen to the Bryston B-100, Luxman L-507u, an Ayre integrated, as well as one big brute made by Marantz in a shop in Akihabara yesterday. But the listening conditions were far from ideal. People kept on coming in the door off the street, sirens going by outside, speakers were not the same as mine, delays in switching between the amps, etc., etc. So I can only take my own impressions with a hefty grain of salt. FWIW, I thought the Luxman had amazing imagery, very 3-D like but sounded bright to my ears. I'm afraid that I may get tired of this sound. But who knows, it may match OK with the 805's for example. Marantz, was not bad but didn't prick up my ears in any way. Ayre was laid back, pretty neutral sound, nice. Bryston, more of a forward presentation than the Ayre, yet seemed equally neutral. I seemed to think this was the best sound for me. I should really try to listen to these again several times but I have a chance to pick up a new Bryston at a good price and time is running out. So, Bryston it will probably be. ;-) But I really appreciate your comments and glad you are happy with your choices.
@Xti16. I mailed James Tanner, VP of Bryston about the voltage concern early last week and he replied back in minutes that, it would no problem to use the Canadian version in Japan which is 100V.
@Toronto416. I read your other posts on the on the L-509u. I think a lot of people really are thankful for the information you shared. Maybe I will try to listen to 509 today if I can.