AudioNervosa
Systemic Development => Amplification and Preamplification => Topic started by: James Edward on June 08, 2016, 02:24:04 PM
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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.
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Congrats.
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I didn't mention the meters. I love the meters.
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I've been dreaming of getting an integrated recently, to simplify life.
Sweet unit, congrats!
-Mike
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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.
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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
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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?
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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.
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(https://i1.wp.com/onahighernote.com/oahn/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/151009_audiodrom_review_luxman_L-590AXII.jpg?w=975&ssl=1)
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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:
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I didn't mention the meters. I love the meters.
...and tone controls no less :thumb:
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Congrats and happy listening! :thumb:
SN
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Very very nice and I'm happy you are enjoying the Luxman.
Here are some additional pics of the rear and the top off.
(http://hifipig.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/4266_Luxman_L-590AXII_rear.jpg)
(http://hifipig.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/4265_Luxman_L-590AXII_internal.jpg)
Very well built piece of equipment there.
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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?
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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.
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Much to be said about integrated solutions. Great choice Jim enjoy !!
charles
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A month later...
I still wish I had gone the class A route much sooner. Nothing I've had comes close to this. I guess this something like what the SET fanatics hear.
No shit- I find myself wishing for winter- I feel guilty just wanting to listen on a gorgeous day.
Tone is beautiful, and somehow not totally euphonic- some recordings sound bad. Ironically, some of these are recordings I previously found quite satisfying.
The part that blows my mind in particular is the bass- it is both lower and tighter than ANY of the higher wattage amps I've used (Moscode, Bryston, Primaluna, Musical Fidelity, Conrad Johnson). And this from an integrated! It takes hold of the two 12" woofers of the Focus SE's, and doesn't let go.
I say that about the bass because of the power rating- 30 class A watts, not something you'd necessarily expect.
The mids and treble are liquid, fast, and hang in the air better than I have ever heard in my home.
More to come. I'm not a big believer in break-in, and this piece has been great right out of the box.
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There's also an amplifier version for 2K. . Interesting!
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-256037-luxman-m-200-stereo-power-amp.aspx
(http://www.musicdirect.com/images/product/large/ALUXM200_2_.jpg)
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That salada heatsink for single pair output stage! That means lots of class A bias! :thumb:
Your pegged fun meter has me looking for a pair of Focus now too. Waited long enough! Some of the best bass I've heard.
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James, if it sounds anything like the MB-3045 monoblocks (I am upgrading for a customer), it is one nice amplifier.
Cheers
Steve
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Anybody know what class the M200 is?
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Still loving this integrated. I'm 56 years old, and have been in this hobby since I was 14. Best piece I've ever bought. The only other thing that comes to mind is my discovery of ADS speakers in the late 70's / early 80's.
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Anybody know what class the M200 is?
Class A
http://thetannhausergate.com/index.php/2016/06/30/luxman-m-200-class-a-stereo-power-amplifier/