Author Topic: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2  (Read 11121 times)

Offline James Edward

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Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« on: June 08, 2016, 02:24:04 PM »
I recently purchased this integrated amp. It is a class A, 30 wpc beauty.
It's like I went from a watercolor painting to oil on canvas. Everything has a newfound vividness, with new details emerging from out of nowhere.
Although a chief concern of mine was the rather low 30 watt output, I had really enjoyed class A systems I'd heard at some shows. My Legacy Focus SE speakers are specified at 95 db efficient- if this spec was remotely for real, 30 watts might do the trick.
Well... The Legacy efficiency claim appears to be true, and the amp wattage claim appears to be conservative. Together, they rock, they jazz, and they vocalize beautifully. Classical is more 'hall-like', and folk seems more intimate.
The icing on the cake- even my wife clearly notices and appreciates the change. A lot of equipment has passed through my living room; the last time she really took notice was in 1996, with my then new PSB Stratus Gold speakers.
I've never been happier with a purchase.
Luxman L- 590 AX MK2
Esoteric K-07X
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB
Audience Au24SE
PI Cat6
Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S
Stereo Hsu ULS-15 Mk2
Supra Classic 6.0

Offline Hugh

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2016, 03:12:36 PM »
Congrats.
Hugh Nguyen
Angel City Audio
Exclusive Melody US Distributor

Offline James Edward

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2016, 04:00:30 PM »
I didn't mention the meters. I love the meters.
Luxman L- 590 AX MK2
Esoteric K-07X
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB
Audience Au24SE
PI Cat6
Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S
Stereo Hsu ULS-15 Mk2
Supra Classic 6.0

Offline mfsoa

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2016, 04:16:38 PM »
I've been dreaming of getting an integrated recently, to simplify life.

Sweet unit, congrats!

-Mike

Offline James Edward

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2016, 04:24:17 PM »
That's one reason I did it- my system is in my living room. I went from a transport/dac and amp/preamp to this. I didn't want to sacrifice sound reproduction, but it does cost to simplify.
My new CD player is the Esoteric K07-X, and this piece also kicks some serious audio ass...
More to follow- these new pieces are only 2 weeks in.
Luxman L- 590 AX MK2
Esoteric K-07X
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB
Audience Au24SE
PI Cat6
Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S
Stereo Hsu ULS-15 Mk2
Supra Classic 6.0

Offline richidoo

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2016, 04:55:39 PM »
I didn't mention the meters. I love the meters.

 :thumb:

Good to know there is good synergy with the Focuses.

It has a DAC in it? Nope, you got CDP
« Last Edit: June 08, 2016, 04:59:36 PM by richidoo »

Offline James Edward

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #6 on: June 08, 2016, 05:17:26 PM »
No dac Rich- completely analog. Like 1977. It does have a phono stage, and I have not used it, but the reviews are favorable. It also has a built - in headphone amp, which I have used. Sounds great. Have I said I love this amp?
Luxman L- 590 AX MK2
Esoteric K-07X
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB
Audience Au24SE
PI Cat6
Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S
Stereo Hsu ULS-15 Mk2
Supra Classic 6.0

Offline James Edward

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2016, 05:35:21 PM »
To address the class A heat/electric usage: my old amp was left on at all times- it sounded better to me that way. The amp idled at 170 watts. The Luxman idles at I believe 230 watts, though it sounds great after about 20 minutes warm up. So I don't leave it on continuously.
Luxman L- 590 AX MK2
Esoteric K-07X
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB
Audience Au24SE
PI Cat6
Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S
Stereo Hsu ULS-15 Mk2
Supra Classic 6.0

Offline James Edward

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #8 on: June 08, 2016, 05:47:01 PM »
Luxman L- 590 AX MK2
Esoteric K-07X
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB
Audience Au24SE
PI Cat6
Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S
Stereo Hsu ULS-15 Mk2
Supra Classic 6.0

djdube525

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #9 on: June 09, 2016, 07:06:49 PM »
Now that's a damn sexy looking beast.

I know it doesn't even come close, but reminds me of my father's Marantz Model 2275. Good memories, as I'm sure this will bring to you.

Congrats!

 :thumb:

Offline Emil

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #10 on: June 10, 2016, 04:58:30 AM »
I didn't mention the meters. I love the meters.



...and tone controls no less :thumb:
"Today I didn't even have to use my A.K.
I got to say it was a good day"
    --Ice Cube

Offline StereoNut

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #11 on: June 10, 2016, 05:43:40 AM »
Congrats and happy listening! :thumb:

SN
"Friends, Romans & Countrymen; lend me your ears"

• Primaluna Dialogue Tube Pre-Amp
• N.Y.A.L. Moscode 600 Amp
• Bolder/EE Minimax DAC
• Cambridge D-500SE CDP
• Von Schweikert 2012 Mod.VR-4 Gen.III speakers
• VPI Prime/Soundsmith MMP3/DV20x2H
• T.W.L

Offline sleepyguy24

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #12 on: June 10, 2016, 06:43:46 AM »
Very very nice and I'm happy you are enjoying the Luxman.

Here are some additional pics of the rear and the top off.





Very well built piece of equipment there.

Offline Emil

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #13 on: June 10, 2016, 06:46:30 AM »
It's like I went from a watercolor painting to oil on canvas. Everything has a newfound vividness, with new details emerging from out of nowhere.
Really? Wow!

Must be the meters :lol:

I know you had the Dehavilland but what amp were you using?
« Last Edit: June 10, 2016, 06:59:11 AM by Emil »
"Today I didn't even have to use my A.K.
I got to say it was a good day"
    --Ice Cube

Offline James Edward

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Re: Expectations Way Exceeded- Luxman L-590AX MK 2
« Reply #14 on: June 10, 2016, 01:24:39 PM »
I almost hate to answer about the amp, because I believe it is the Luxman creating the magic. The amp it replaced was a Bryston 4BSST2. But like everything else, I've had a parade of amps in my system:

Moscode 402 6H30 tubes
LSA Signature Integrated 6922 tubes
Lab 47
Primaluna Integrated EL34 tubes
NAD Masters M3 Integrated

NONE of the above amps came close to what is happening now. I'm listening as I write this. Beck is here with me.

Luxman L- 590 AX MK2
Esoteric K-07X
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB
Audience Au24SE
PI Cat6
Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S
Stereo Hsu ULS-15 Mk2
Supra Classic 6.0