Luxman C-900u Preamplifier

audio.bill

audio.bill

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I purchased the new Luxman C-900u preamp back in August, and was absolutely stunned by its amazing performance level in my system. My initial impressions were posted on Luxman's US distributor On A Higher Note's website as seen here. Now the first professional review of this preamp was just released by SoundStage Hi-Fi, and I thought that it might be of interest to some of you. My findings are in complete agreement with this review; it's an amazing piece of gear that effortlessly displays the best characteristics of high end audio and the ultimate in musical engagement. :amazing:
 
Very impressive. I'd love to hear that preamp. What amp are you using Bill? The reviewer used the H30 Hegel. Hmmm. Very interesting.

"At this point in most of my reviews, I try to balance a product’s strengths with its deficiencies -- but I found no deficiencies in the Luxman C-900u. Music flowed from it in such a smooth, cohesive, natural way that the best thing to do is not criticize it, but highlight the one word that sums up its sound: faultless."
 
I'm running it with the Rowland 625 and the combo is truly magical! Granted that the Luxman is not inexpensive, but as soon as I heard it I had absolutely no regrets. It's the kind of piece that once auditioned reaffirmed my belief that the preamp is absolutely the heart of a great system.
 
Wow! So glad you are happy. Just when I think that I am all set, a piece like this comes along. Thanks!



audio.bill said:
I'm running it with the Rowland 625 and the combo is truly magical! Granted that the Luxman is not inexpensive, but as soon as I heard it I had absolutely no regrets. It's the kind of piece that once auditioned reaffirmed my belief that the preamp is absolutely the heart of a great system.
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We just need to keep planting more money trees to stay active in this hobby/obsession! I guess that there are much worse vices to have. Unfortunately the high markups on US imports of premium Japanese electronics like Luxman and Accuphase are a fact of life if you want to buy a product with US voltage and warranty. In this case as I previously stated, once you hear this preamp it is absolutely worth the going price if you can swing it!
 
I have the 600 version and its a wonderful piece.


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No worries, Cyril. You did a much better job than I did anyway with your post, including all of those nice pictures as well as mentioning the matching power amp. Also just to clarify its position in the Luxman lineup, the C-900u is their new flagship model.
 
Glad you are so happy with your Luxman preamplifier.
They are making wonderful products again.

I have both their Dac and turntable and couldn't be happier.
Strange that Luxman doesn't seem to get more recognition on the forums. The gear they are producing is absolutely tremendous.
Enjoy your new preamp!
 
Thanks for your kind wishes, J.J. Being another happy Luxman owner puts you in a position to really appreciate the quality and extreme performance level that they offer.
 
Bill - are you tempted to try the Luxman class A amp?

The synergy between my Luxman 600 amp and preamp is superb.


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Mike - Not currently since my Magnepan 3.7i speakers thrive on higher wattage amps like the Rowland 625. If I had different speakers then I would definitely be tempted! :audiophile:
 
XV-1 said:
Beautiful preamp - sells for 968,000 yen in Japan or around $US 8700. US retail $ 19,000. WTF!

Nice margins indeed. and some wonder why people buy from the grey market/direct.

PriceJapan.com
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Just to be accurate, when you click on the link provided on PriceJapan for the "lowest price in Japan" it shows ¥1,186,000 which I believe is the list price there. Also the list price in the US is actually $19,900 as correctly stated in the SoundStage Hi-Fi review.
 
joeinid said:
Bump.

Bill,

Do you still have the Luxman C-900u preamp?
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Yes I certainly do, and plan on adding the M-900u power amp as soon as possible! :P When I bought the C-900u they listed for $20K each but since Luxman assumed control of their own US distribution they have reduced their retail to $15K. That type of price reduction is to be expected by eliminating an entire level in the distribution chain which previously had to invest in inventory and support of the brand. Even with the older much higher US pricing this reference level of Luxman gear was felt to be competitive with the best from Accuphase at almost twice the price, and now they offer an even better value. :cool:
 
GSOphile said:
Joe,
Specifically on the C-900u and M-900u if not others.
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Mainly on the C-900u, I asked who sold them and some contact info.

audio.bill said:
Yes I certainly do, and plan on adding the M-900u power amp as soon as possible! :P When I bought the C-900u they listed for $20K each but since Luxman assumed control of their own US distribution they have reduced their retail to $15K. That type of price reduction is to be expected by eliminating an entire level in the distribution chain which previously had to invest in inventory and support of the brand. Even with the older much higher US pricing this reference level of Luxman gear was felt to be competitive with the best from Accuphase at almost twice the price, and now they offer an even better value. :cool:
Click to expand...

Excellent. I am so happy for you. It must be a great piece. There's some talk about it on audiogon that piqued my interest.
 
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