Sonic Differences Between the Luxman 509x And Luxman 590axii And Selected Other Amps

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bluegrassphile

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As some here know, I'm locked in pretty intense research for an integrated amp to go with my Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary model speakers. So I have some more questions regarding choices for an integrated amp.

I'm not averse to separates (or tubes). But my amp budget is about $12,500 max, so I have to keep that in mind during my search. I also think I'm leaning more toward a slightly colored sonic character vs analytical/ultra-accurate.
On a continuum, with ultra-accurate on the extreme left and colored on the extreme right I would be somewhere around a "4" in my choice of amp sonic personality, if that helps any.

So, here are some questions...

How do the Luxman 509x and Luxman 590axii compare sonically?

Will the 590axii have enough "horsepower" for distortion free/compression free transient peaks at high volume through the Harbeths?

I've read the 590axii is very sweet and full sounding with a big soundstage.

But I've also read where the 509x and any model of Harbeth speakers are an unbeatable, also very sweet sounding combination...albeit a little farther to the left of the 590axii on the colored vs ultra-accurate continuum. Perhaps a "2" or "3"?

Using "ultra accurate/analytical" on the extreme left vs "colored" to the extreme right, on a scale starting from 1 on the left to 10 on the right, how would you describe the over all sonic personality of the following amps?

Luxman 509x
Luxman 590axii
Hegel H590
Gryphon 120
Moon 340ix
Moon 700i v2
NAIM Supernait 2, or 3 if you've heard one. Likely not released yet.
Audio Research
VAC

Mike, feel free to chime in here since you're very familiar with most of these.

0-1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10
<Analytical Colored>

Don't take this too seriously. I'm just doing this mostly for the fun of it. Feel free to add your own descriptors. I know my descriptors leave a lot of things out. But that's on purpose. I'm trying to narrow things down even if it's just a little bit. These are the amps I've narrowed my choices to so far. I'd really like to hear from people familiar with any or all of them.

I know this is similar to some of my earlier posts except I've added the continuum in an effort to hopefully describe the general or over all sonic character of each amp.....according to your ears.
 
bluegrassphile said:
Anyone?
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As you know with this hobby, you can ask 100 different people and they will likely give you close to 100 different answers.

One man’s warmth is another man’s distortion. One person’s idea of “analytical” is another’s for detail, resolution and true to recording.

You get the idea.

The only way to be sure of amps synergy to the speakers in question. Is to go through every amp on your list and pair with your speakers.

In an A to B comparison ; then chose the one whose sound is subjectively your favorite.

The only problem with that is that it requires a lot of Time and patience.

Neither of which I have. So, I wish you all the best in your quest.
 
Over the past 8 years I have bought, auditioned and sold enough gear to stock an audio store.
I've done the research on each piece, reading all of the glowing reviews. Only to find that I did not hear the same thing from
the piece that the "golden ear" reviewers had heard and described.
All of my purchases were done without actually hearing the piece.
You have an excellent opportunity to go to, IMO, the premier audio store in the US to hear these items yourself and to draw on Mike's
vast knowledge and experience.
Everything else is just an exercise in futility.
But then it's fun to dream.
 
The Diablo 120 Has high resolution and quickness but with my Magico S3Mk2’s after a few months with the 300 I started wanting a different presentation. I had already tried an AR amp preamp combo and I didn’t care for it. Then I tried the Vac 170 integrated and the more relaxed organic sound made me realize that this was a presentation that I could live with long term. Sorta like a spouse. That party girl that’s so much fun long term may not be as good a choice as the other more boring one that can cook well!
:happy:
Harbeths are not as quick as Magico so the synergy may work out better in this combination.
The Luxman integrated was too silky smooth for my taste.
I matched the amp flavor to the speakers. Magicos are so transparent , resolving and quick that the amp personalities can really shine through and you can make them sound completely different according to the amp you match them with.
 
mdp632 said:
As you know with this hobby, you can ask 100 different people and they will likely give you close to 100 different answers.

One man’s warmth is another man’s distortion. One person’s idea of “analytical” is another’s for detail, resolution and true to recording.

You get the idea.

The only way to be sure of amps synergy to the speakers in question. Is to go through every amp on your list and pair with your speakers.

In an A to B comparison ; then chose the one whose sound is subjectively your favorite.

The only problem with that is that it requires a lot of Time and patience.

Neither of which I have. So, I wish you all the best in your quest.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I debated whether to make that post because I pretty much knew the answer. And I will be making the trip to Suncoast Audio. That will likely answer all my questions.
 
gvelez1 said:
Hi,
Just wondering what was your conclusion after your visit to Sound Coast Audio? Thanks
Click to expand...

Psst….”Suncoast Audio”.

He bought the Harbeth SHL5+ and Pass INT-250. Smart man.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Thanks,
I too have the same question about the 2 intergrateds. However, I just bought the 509x this Easter and it's still burning in. It takes 300-400 hrs, but sofar it seems too dynamic of forward on my Sopra No3's, so I'm wondering if the 590axii would have been the better choice. The bass is starting to really come in, but the latter has me concerned.
 
gvelez1 said:
Thanks,
I too have the same question about the 2 intergrateds. However, I just bought the 509x this Easter and it's still burning in. It takes 300-400 hrs, but sofar it seems too dynamic of forward on my Sopra No3's, so I'm wondering if the 590axii would have been the better choice. The bass is starting to really come in, but the latter has me concerned.
Click to expand...

Yes the 590AXII would probably have been a better choice for the No.3's but the509x is a fantastic amp, let it run in properly before making any firm judgments.
 
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