Going japanese..which power amp to buy?

[Will Mac]

Want to purchase an amp to go with an oppo sonica.
My current listening room is fairly small, 4×4.5M. I dont play my music loud but do like electronic and rock. Speakers are DIY 88db / 6 ohm with viawave ribbons.

So I spotted a Luxman sale in Bangkok, most of the lower priced solid state and tube amps (greatly reduced). What caught my eye was a MQ88u SE power amp w/variable input, 20-25 tube watts per channel, KT88 tubes. One of 100 units, price is half what it shd be.
The shop also has a classic Accuphase P260 power amp for sale in good order at around $1400. Guessing this would be a late 80s amp so caps and other parts may need upgrading.

A few different amps to choose from.. but with a 'vintage sound'
Aesthetically the MQ88u and oppo wd look better. I will try and audition both these with the oppo this week.

What would you choose?

 

[Mike]

The Luxman sounds like a good bet.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Will Mac]

Visited the shop earlier and the vintage stuff is on sale in 2 weeks. So the Accuphase P260 may be discounted to around $1000 plus they have a s/h E350 integrated in perfect condition, also in the sale(around $2000-2200)
Realise I shd consider an integrated for convenience.
They also have new Luxman
L507UX at $3800
M700U at $4500
L590AX at $4800

All stunning to look at.

Pic of P260 power amp

 

[Will Mac]

Forgot to mention the MQ88. They had the standard version on display; it is beautiful but surprisingly dainty.
The small footprint alone made me wonder about matching to 'difficult' speakers

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Hounddog]

I don’t know luxman, but love accuphase. I wish I were able to get those pieces at those prices.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Nikhil]

Visited the shop earlier and the vintage stuff is on sale in 2 weeks. So the Accuphase P260 may be discounted to around $1000 plus they have a s/h E350 integrated in perfect condition, also in the sale(around $2000-2200)
Realise I shd consider an integrated for convenience.

Those are mouth watering prices! You can't go wrong with any of those.

Regards

 

[Will Mac]

The Luxman M700 is stunning, built like a tank with a beautiful chunky top plate. Was so in love with it that I forgot to take a pic.

 

[Will Mac]

Those are mouth watering prices! You can't go wrong with any of those.

Regards

Re the P260, due to age of amp cannot find one single review or much info regarding its SQ

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk