Luxman Amps Owners Thread

[Chigurh]

Does anyone on these forums have any insight as to when the next shipment of Luxman integrated amps is likely to land in Australia? I have ordered and payed a considerable deposit on a L-509X two months ago from a well known shop and they still can't give me an ETA. The best they can say is "late this year or early next year, maybe". A lot of shops with websites show this model as "in stock" but when I phone them, it's not. It's quite frustrating!

[audiojerry]

Greetings, I just joined SN, and Darryl suggested I post my intro in this thread, so here goes:

 

G’day Mates from the USA! More specifically Wisconsin, land of the cheeseheads (GreenBay Packers) and beer.

 

I just joined the forum to learn more about Luxman, which no longer appears to have a distribution presence in America.

 

I recently acquired a vintage Luxman L-507, and it sounds so wonderful, that it's making me consider replacing my current tube system: Audio Research Reference 3 preamp and Audio Research Reference 75 SE amp. That's $21,000 worth of gear sounding only incrementally better than the Luxman ($700 after having it serviced). So I'm looking into a newer Luxman, and after doing some research I've narrowed my list down to the 550AXII, the 590AXII, and the M-700 amp only. I don't need the volume control pre section of the integrateds because my DCS Debussy dac does a damn good job at controlling volume, but its the Class A power that I'm after. 

 

Anyways, when my research landed me on SN, it seems like lots of Aussies like Luxman. In recognition of Aussies' good taste, I would highly regard your advice!

 

I'd like to know if there is a consensus on whether the 590AXII offers a significant upgrade on the 550AXII, and since I only am seeking mainly sound quality from the amplfier section would it be wiser for me to seek a Luxman dedicated amp like the M-700. I learned that there a many many older Luxman models that are highly regarded and I would certainly consider one of those, but I would not know where to start. My dedicated listening room is mid-sized and heavily damped acoustically. I listen to my ProAc Response 1SC nearfield, so I don't really require tons of power.   

 

[BioBrian]

On 08/10/2022 at 8:25 PM, Chigurh said:

A lot of shops with websites show this model as "in stock" but when I phone them, it's not. It's quite frustrating!

 

With you there.

 

Especially when they say it was a "special order" and charge you a 15% "restocking fee" when it turns out to be excremental. (Not referring to Luxman, in this case).

[Jesse K]

Hi all, I recently purchased the new Luxman L507z integrated. I've been listening to it for the past few weeks and can report:

 

Compared to my previous amp, a Yamaha RN803 receiver (no slouch - measured very well at ASR with line-straight enabled), the Luxman initially felt brighter, thinner and more 'metallic' in the high end, on certain recordings. However, after attenuating higher treble by .5db (I use an RME ADI2 FS DAC which has parametric EQ), it now sounds just right to my ear. It is more detailed and 'purer' to me than the previous amp.

 

Vocals and certain mid-range sounds no longer 'overbloom' out as they sometimes did with the Yamaha. I believe what I heard as 'metallic or thin' was me getting used to a more accurate sound of those recordings with the Luxman. The Yammie rounded-off some higher register sounds. At any rate, the Lux is now in the Goldilocks zone.

 

Feel and finish is impeccable, the switching clicks and all round solidness feel first rate.

 

Very pleased with the purchase.

 

Edited December 20, 2022 by Jesse K

[Chigurh]

2 hours ago, Jesse K said:

Hi all, I recently purchased the new Luxman L507z integrated.

 

Would you mind sharing where you managed to get hold of one? Cheers.

[aussievintage]

Just noticed this thread.  Thought I'd join in with my extremely humble and ancient little 700X.   This baby gets everyday use as my main desktop amplifier for my computer and other stuff, like playing vinyl and shellac (I have a turntable beside my computer).

 

[Jesse K]

4 hours ago, Chigurh said:

Would you mind sharing where you managed to get hold of one? Cheers.

 

Sure. Clef Hifi, South Melbourne, Victoria Australia. 

 

www.clefhifi.com.au

 

Edit: I must point out though, it was actually bought in July, and I received it in September. I just hadn't unpacked it until a few weeks ago as I still had my Yammie and was waiting on some speakers. So not a recent-recent purchase.

 

Edited December 20, 2022 by Jesse K

[Steff]

On 08/10/2022 at 8:25 PM, Chigurh said:

Does anyone on these forums have any insight as to when the next shipment of Luxman integrated amps is likely to land in Australia? I have ordered and payed a considerable deposit on a L-509X two months ago from a well known shop and they still can't give me an ETA. The best they can say is "late this year or early next year, maybe". A lot of shops with websites show this model as "in stock" but when I phone them, it's not. It's quite frustrating!

 

I ordered mine from Clef Hifi just before X-mas and it arrived mid-January (just as promised) but they received a v. low volume of Luxman stock.

I read elsewhere (either on these forums or a similar type) that Luxman is unable to source key components, production might be slow/stalled.

Also precarious for a mid-size company of 40 or so staff, going into slow production mode, costs vs. revenue quickly tilts to negative, I imagine.

 

@Chigurh were you able to order / secure a unit in the meantime? It's v. annoying that many vendor websites do not get updated when out of stock. Bit of a time waster (and/or sales ploy).

Perhaps vinylrevival (Brunswick St) still has units?

Edited January 31, 2023 by Steff

[Chigurh]

16 hours ago, Steff said:

were you able to order / secure a unit in the meantime?

@SteffI'm still waiting. I have contacted the vendor a couple of times, most recently about a week ago. He said it should be arriving this month but I'm not exactly optimistic. I placed the order in early August 2022 and paid a $2500 deposit. I have heard that this particular vendor doesn't like refunding deposits and tries to take a significant "restocking" fee. Hopefully it won't come to that.

[joeling]

Just took delivery of my first Luxman, a M10X, late August. What a revelation. Sweet & powerful. Now waiting for the C10X to arrive. Lead time is a pain. Ordered the amp late December, dealer indicated delivery in June. Come August still nothing. Told dealer I want to cancel. Dealer did some magic, amp was couriered from Japan 3rd week of August. Hopefully, the C10X will arrive as per dealer end of December this year.

 

1) How is the stock situation in Australia ? I am considering to order a set for Perth. House will be ready end of 2024. I do not want to wait another 6-8 months for amps to arrive.

 

2) What is the recommended cables for this combo ? I will likely need speaker cables, XLR & RCA cables as well. Luxman has its own line of cables. Any good ?

 

3) Luxman SACD player - any good ? I like current DCS offerings but would like to hold off until I am finally immobile and stuck in Perth before I go all out.

[couchy]

On 05/10/2023 at 3:57 PM, joeling said:

Just took delivery of my first Luxman, a M10X, late August. What a revelation. Sweet & powerful. Now waiting for the C10X to arrive. Lead time is a pain. Ordered the amp late December, dealer indicated delivery in June. Come August still nothing. Told dealer I want to cancel. Dealer did some magic, amp was couriered from Japan 3rd week of August. Hopefully, the C10X will arrive as per dealer end of December this year.

 

1) How is the stock situation in Australia ? I am considering to order a set for Perth. House will be ready end of 2024. I do not want to wait another 6-8 months for amps to arrive.

 

2) What is the recommended cables for this combo ? I will likely need speaker cables, XLR & RCA cables as well. Luxman has its own line of cables. Any good ?

 

3) Luxman SACD player - any good ? I like current DCS offerings but would like to hold off until I am finally immobile and stuck in Perth before I go all out.

 Any Pics, I have the c7f and m7f and the magic mb3045 monoblocks.

[joeling]

 

[Tony B]

22 hours ago, joeling said:

 

It would be interesting to hear your comments on the how the 10x or maybe M-900u drives those big boys?

[joeling]

My M10X is paired temporary with the CL-38 on loan from my dealer, the Luxman is thick and sweet and layered. I like it. My usual amp is the Naim Statement. The Naim is slightly leaner but the attack and pace & rhythm is top notch. Both are different and good in their own way. 

[couchy]

Here is my luxman M-4000u.

[Philharmonic]

Hi All,

I first experienced Luxman somewhere around 1987. I wanted the LV-105 with its little glowing 6CG7 twin-triode tubes on display in the front panel. Unfortunately the budget didn't extend far enough, so I settled instead on the LV-102. A beautiful amp for its day and for the life of me I can't remember where it ended up or what replaced it.

Thirty-plus years later I again purchased Luxman - this time the L-305 integrated and a "matching" D-38u CD player (Pic 1) and finally got the glowing tube experience, albeit on a very small scale.

 

Later, as my system developed I was fortunately talked into a L550 AXii (Pic 2)...

 

And, because you can't have too much of a good thing, upgraded to the L590AXii...(Pic 3)

 

I have a pair of PMC Twenty5.26i's sitting spare in storage until I can find a bigger listening space, so this is where I'm at just now (Pic 4)

 

Modest by many standards, but I can't see the L590AXii losing its place anytime soon!

 

Edited January 10, 2024 by Philharmonic

[Steff]

@Philharmonic What a fine stack - visually I would prefer the 590 on level 2 and the PS Audio at the bottom, and isn't the 590 sending quite a bit of heat up toward the SACD?

If ever you wanted to try out the DA-250 (in case you don't already know its sound) I'd be happy to bring it around for a session.

[Philharmonic]

12 hours ago, Steff said:

@Philharmonic What a fine stack - visually I would prefer the 590 on level 2 and the PS Audio at the bottom, and isn't the 590 sending quite a bit of heat up toward the SACD?

If ever you wanted to try out the DA-250 (in case you don't already know its sound) I'd be happy to bring it around for a session.

Thanks for the input @Steff

I put the L590AXii on the bottom rack as it provides a heap more clearance to the next rack (i.e. plenty of circulation). To be honest I've never experienced anything other than a slight warmth coming off the amp... but I'll take more notice next time I'm deep into a summer listening session.

The DAC looks lovely (it's a Luxman after all!)

The Precision Link II DAC circuitry in the Mark Levinson No5101 gets very good reviews, but I've always wondered what difference a good, standalone DAC might make? Unfortunately I'm not in Melbourne to take advantage of your generous offer...

Edited January 10, 2024 by Philharmonic

[GregSki]

On 21/11/2023 at 4:07 AM, joeling said:

My M10X is paired temporary with the CL-38 on loan from my dealer, the Luxman is thick and sweet and layered. I like it. My usual amp is the Naim Statement. The Naim is slightly leaner but the attack and pace & rhythm is top notch. Both are different and good in their own way. 

Hello,

great set up! I have m900u paired with ps audio DSD dac as preamp/dac. Could you please comment on what cl38 adds to your system? Am considering getting one. Thanks! 

[joeling]

2 hours ago, GregSki said:

Hello,

great set up! I have m900u paired with ps audio DSD dac as preamp/dac. Could you please comment on what cl38 adds to your system? Am considering getting one. Thanks! 

 

The cl38 adds tube bloom at the expense of clarity to the SS setup that I have at the moment. I am actually waiting for the M10X front end. The CL38 is a loan piece from the dealer. For me, at the moment, my preference is SS so I am biased. Having said that, the CL38 is quite listenable & acquits itself well.

[GregSki]

1 minute ago, joeling said:

 

The cl38 adds tube bloom at the expense of clarity to the SS setup that I have at the moment. I am actually waiting for the M10X front end. The CL38 is a loan piece from the dealer. For me, at the moment, my preference is SS so I am biased. Having said that, the CL38 is quite listenable & acquits itself well.

Ok thanks for your feedback. Would be great to hear how you find M10X. 

[joeling]

2 minutes ago, GregSki said:

Ok thanks for your feedback. Would be great to hear how you find M10X. 

Dealer promised me December. It's Jan but still no news...

[Steff]

On 11/01/2024 at 7:55 PM, joeling said:

Dealer promised me December. It's Jan but still no news...

 

Luxman's organisational operation has been somewhat intransparent in recent years, and I would think dealers are also just operating on trust and their working connection with the distributor.

My surmise is that the company is dealing with a supply bottleneck somewhere in their production schedule, given the high demand in OZ and low number of units released.

The company website is also a source of frustration, broken links, no accurate updates...and no email contact published. A particular bugbear of mine is websites without timestamp...you never really know whether the information is up-to-date, etc.

E.g. Luxman have developed a streamer (already in release in Japan and the US) but no hint of it on the website. Given that particularly competitive market one would expect a little bit of advance promotion.

 

[RockandorRoll]

Hi All
Does anyone know what the difference is between the Luxman L550A ii and the L550AX ii

 

What does the X add, Im assuming its the Lecua tech? Is that a big upgrade?

[rantan]

1 hour ago, RockandorRoll said:

Hi All
Does anyone know what the difference is between the Luxman L550A ii and the L550AX ii

 

What does the X add, Im assuming its the Lecua tech? Is that a big upgrade?

 

AFAIK, the changes are the LECUA volume controller and also on the rear panel ,there are better quality binding posts, which are arrayed horizontally along the middle of the panel. I have not had a chance to  compare  them side by side, but although the LECUA is supposed to bring sonic improvements, I would be surprised if there were any (or many ) tangible sonic improvements.