Just received new Luxman from Mike!

Michaels HiFi

Michaels HiFi

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OK guys -

For those of you who say my video, I wasn't that impressed with the Pass INT-60. It just didn't work out in my system.

So what to do? I ordered a Luxman 509x from Mike!

It was originally a toss-up for me between the two and I decided to try the Pass. I'm glad I did as now I know the Pass sound doesn't work for me (I did a comparison on it against Naim in my review).

I received the Lux yesterday and after a couple of hours of warm up I listened to it (knowing it was a LONG way off from being burned in).

Here is literally what I sent in my email to Mike last night:

O
M
G

The Lux (in my OPINION) SMOKE the Pass Labs. It's not even close.

So what was the next logical step (at least in my crazy mind)? Instead of waiting for Mike to get in the other Naim piece I wanted, to instead order a Luxman L-595se from him!

I'll post link to my review on the 509x later this week after it has some time to burn in, but before my new speakers arrive so I can keep the variables down to just the amp itself.

Even my wife thinks it's beautiful:

IMG_0543 copy.JPG
 
Congrats ! Since I don't know what speakers you're driving perhaps the fact that the Luxman has dbl the power of the Pass accounts for the difference ?
 
Mikado463 said:
Congrats ! Since I don't know what speakers you're driving perhaps the fact that the Luxman has dbl the power of the Pass accounts for the difference ?
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Hello!

I currently have the Klipsch Cornwall IV's which are around 100db's of efficiency and will be moving up to the La Scalla's over the next week or two. They are about 105db's of efficiency.

In both cases bass is handled by an SVS sub that I have x-overed at about 36 hz - just enough to fill in the low end.
 
Awesome, congratulations! I’m sure it’s a wonderful integrated and great combination. Enjoy!
 
exupgh12 said:
Congrats on you new amp.
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Thank you! I've got it burning in by running the TV through HDMI on my Rose 150b through the Luxman.

Gong to wait for 100 hours before I so more listening to it, though I hear the Luxman's need more time than that for full burn in.
 
Just curious in what areas you observed the Luxman being better in over the Pass? I haven't heard much Luxman yet but my impression is both them and Pass are a bit laid back or polite in presentation.
 
Mr Peabody said:
Just curious in what areas you observed the Luxman being better in over the Pass? I haven't heard much Luxman yet but my impression is both them and Pass are a bit laid back or polite in presentation.
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In my system, they were pretty much diametrically opposite and could not have been more different.

The Pass was a bit sluggish, a bit rolled off in HF detail (I do NOT like bright systems so for me to say that is pretty big), and soft and rounded sounding like a really old school tube amp. It did however sound spacious and had good detail. I talk about it in great detail in my video review where I compare it to my Naim. It was so boring, lifeless and soulless I literally had no desire to listen to music. I'm sure this is all system synergy related though other reviewers, including Steve Gutenberg have noted the Pass stuff can sound a bit sluggish (I only mention him as he's one of only. a few people who has spoken about this which makes me think it really is system dependent).

The Luxman (still breaking in) had HUGE amounts of energy, rhythm, and soul. I literally have not head this much rhythm EVER in my system up till this date - even besting my Naim. The Luxman sounded so alive, yet natural, unforced and like real music that had me tapping my foot even on songs I previously had not.

I also noticed a great amount of micro-dynamics with the Luxman where with other gear was more flat and not with as much inflection. I also felt like the tone and texture - especially on Holy Cole Trio for instance - was so palpable it was truly an OMG experience. And I felt I could actually hear the room the music was recorded in, which was never there with the Pass - even after 300 hours of burn in.

Honestly, I never expected the Luxman to be this good. It's stupid-good.
 
I've been doing some listening with the source direct button both engaged and disengaged. Pretty noticeable difference when the source direct button in engaged thereby cutting out the bass, treble and balance controls from the signal path.
 
MichaelsMinute said:
I've been doing some listening with the source direct button both engaged and disengaged. Pretty noticeable difference when the source direct button in engaged thereby cutting out the bass, treble and balance controls from the signal path.
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It is noticeable, but in theory it should not until you touch a Tone Knob. I have tried several times to use the TCs as well as Loudness but always just go back to Line Direct.
 
Shadowfax said:
It is noticeable, but in theory it should not until you touch a Tone Knob. I have tried several times to use the TCs as well as Loudness but always just go back to Line Direct.
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I agree. I was also surprised by the sound difference with/without.
 
Congratulations, Luxman L-509X is one of the high quality amplifiers and it is also a very beautiful component
 
MichaelsMinute said:
I've been doing some listening with the source direct button both engaged and disengaged. Pretty noticeable difference when the source direct button in engaged thereby cutting out the bass, treble and balance controls from the signal path.
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Every single piece of gear I have ever owned sounded better by bypassing the tone and balance controls. Very nice piece of gear and congrats!
 
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