SHL5 or C7 ES-3, good matching with Luxman L505u?

[tozen]

Hi Sebastien, there is a Luxman distributor here in the UK so I am not needing to use a transformer. I think the distribution network is pretty good, but it obviously hasn't reached Cananada yet. I hope you enjoy your 505U when it arrives.

[Sebastien]

Any other feedback about the need to unplug the step-down transformer when I don't use the Luxman L-505u?

Since I prefer to let it on standby, your opinion will be appreciate.

Sebastien

[Tudor]

Hi Sebastien,

I also have the right electrical version for my country (220 V) and I don’t need any transformer. I hope that the transformer will not influence the sound. I let the amplifier in standby all the time, except when I leave my home for over one week, in holiday.
It will be very interesting to compare your Simaudio phono with the built-in phono stage of L 505u. I use it for my vintage Tesla turntable (1980 year) and I appreciate it very much. Of course, there is no comparison with Rega, although I changed the original cartridge with a Shure one.
Enjoy your new “toys” and tell us some opinions after receiving them. I have the feeling that your new setup Rega+Luxman+Harbeth will sound great!

[Tudor]

Hi tozen,

Thanks for your reply. In fact there is no problem with the owner’s manual for Luxman L 505u. As I said, it’s very easy to use it even if I haven’t a manual. I am really more interested in an owner’s manual for DU-50. Thanks again for your kindness!

[Sebastien]

Hi everyone,

I've just received my Luxman L-505u today. Wow! I plug the beast with my differents sources and my pair of speakers and I start enjoy it. It is truly in an other league of audio gear than what I am used to. One month ago, my system was amplified by an Antique Sound Lab AQ-1001DT, a 60W push-pull or 29W triode tube amplifier.

Now, I've got this robust 100W transistors amplifier, Japanese crafted. He is very, very well built. Obviously, easy and friendly to use. Even with my old Camber 3.5 monitor, I hear an incredible, and I ponder my word, an incredible difference from my last amplifier.

Dynamics are wonderfull and add to the realism of the music. Bass delivery and control are exceptionnal. The treble is amazing, superb on cymbals and snare. Tone are right, balanced. Soundstage is well define. Medium is a bit veiled but this is Camber's limitation. No concern of that with the coming SHL5.

On the step-down transformer question, absolutely no problem. No hum or irregularity. Just a stable electricity, adjusted by a quality transfomer who's cool like a breeze and have plenty of power in reserve.

For my first impressions, this is it. More will come when I'll discover more of the Luxman L-505u. And then, there will be the Harbeth...

Sebastien

[Tudor]

Congratulations Sebastien!
When you’ll receive the Harbeths and attach them to your new Luxman, never leave your home!
Finally that transformer could be a good thing. It could operate like a power conditioner too.

[Sebastien]

Finally that transformer could be a good thing. It could operate like a power conditioner too.

Absolutely. My brother you knows a bit in electricity present that thing that way. The same opinion came from other people in audio.

The Kashimura 1500W voltage transformer is built like a tank and actually works very well with the Luxman. As it is so cool, I decide to let the amplifier on stand-by last night and today while I'm at work. The stand-by only generate 1.2W

Sebastien

[Sebastien]

For Luxman amplifier owner, you know that there is a line phase sensor behind each amplifier. You push the button and if electricity's phase is inverted, an orange-red light will light. I've try it today. It appears that my current is swapped. I try many different positions of cable. First, in the outlet in the wall, then with one end of the power cable itself. Surprisingly, I end with a position where the "orange-red" light is on but very very low in color.

Do you have any other feed-back regarding this line phase sensor?

Thank you,

Sebastien

[Tudor]

Be carefully when you push that phase sensor with your finger. Don’t touch with your hands other parts of the amplifier, this can influence the light of phase led indicator.
However if you can’t find a position of AC outlet in the wall, so that the LED’s light will turn off, check the electric circuit – the live (phase) and neutral.

[Sebastien]

Hi Tudor,

Thanks for the advice. Now my amplifier is in place, so I'll keep everything like this for a while. It's also possible that a problem remain in the "electric box" in my basement. Maybe a cable placement there is wrong. After all, I'm listing music with this electrical set-up since years and I don't see much problem at all with it. I like the sound I get.

Sebastien

[Lorpuris]

Actually Coredump, the L 590 ll is the ultimate model. The L590ll is rated at an absurd 30 w/ch. It is likely a super clean 120 w/ch I have never run out of power with mine. The L 550 is also amazing as well, but does not have that CAT JL1 bass that the L 590 has. While the 505, 507 and 509 are all great off the hook amps, this listener prefers the 590 above all. Oh , I have a set of SHL 5s and a set of P3s (and a L 550 too). Happy listening !- Bob

[petzzz21]

Actually Coredump, the L 590 ll is the ultimate model.

Bob, the L 590 ll is their top Class A Integrate but the ultimate model is the L 509u... Luxman gave the L 509u their best parts and when compared side by side, you can see that the volume and the selector knobs are of a different class as well as the upgraded RCA CD input as well. Also, Lux decided against issuing a remote control for the L 509u for sonic reasons. Check this link http://www.onahighernote.com/luxman/?c=8&id=32

I own a L 550 ll and was looking to upgrade so I tested several of the Lux models recently. In my audition, I found that the Luxman units have quite different sonic signatures as the class A amps are smoother and thicker sounding compared to the L507 and L509 which throws a bigger sound field, quicker and has tighter bass.

[Lorpuris]

When I purchased my 590 from Philip, His words , although not exact were that the 590 was the best sounding integrated by far. It is possible however that the 509 is in possession of the best parts. By the way, I think the 550 may be the best deal on the planet. It has a quality of lightness that I really love. Like I tell everyone, I own a 590 because of the bass, simple as that. Oh I also do have a set of CAT JL 1 LE with a CAT Ultimate pre-amp. This has sadly made it very expensive for my office system ! Yikes, I also had to get a DU- 80 which is actually better than the source equipment in my big system. Funny, I rarely listen to that system anymore.... Cheers !

[Jonesboy]

Hi, my first post here but this thread got me interested. I currently use a pair of P3 ESRs with an old Sugden A21 (wooden sleave), I am currently saving for a Luxman L550 IIa, is this the best match for the P3s or would the 505u be better?

[hifi_dave]

May I suggest that you audition your old Sugden against whatever amp you take a fancy to before you splash the cash. I have been knocked out by the current Sugden A21 which punches way above it's weight. You could spend a whole heap of money and get far, far worse.

If you think your old amp is anywhere close to the amp you audition I would urge you get your old amp re-capped and set up by Sugden. I think you will be well pleased. If you don't agree, I will buy the Sugden from you.

[Jonesboy]

Hi Dave

I am in the unfortunate sitaution were I bought an amp and mono blocks from a dealer last year (not something I have ever done before as I normally buy second hand). The amps were around £2K and I traded in some valve amps I was using (annoyingly to good effect) but after a week or two I was yearning to put the Sugden back on so I sent them back. So now I am in a position that I have just short of £2K credit with the dealer. In an ideal world I would keep the Sugden as it is fantastic and a great match for the Harbeths but that leaves me with the mad situation of this credit and nothing to spend it on. Patrick at Sugden looked over the amp last year, it has a cracked circuit board which can not be fixed but work fine at the moment. I wouldn't sell it for all the tea in China. It's a tricky situation and one I wish I wasn't in now as money isn't as flush as last year and Luxman's are far from cheap.

Luxmans do have power meters though and that is an atteaction in itself. I also know the Sugden won't last forever.

[Sebastien]

I am currently saving for a Luxman L550 IIa, is this the best match for the P3s or would the 505u be better?

Hi Jonesboy,

Since I own a Luxman L-505u, I can tell you straight that it will be more than fine with a pair of P3ESR. I can put my hand in fire to say that this amplifier can also drive easily a pair of Harbeth M40.1, the largest in the range. The L-505u is a true "race car" but with all the refinement you can expect.

Talking about the Luxman L-550A2, I've already read in HiFi News that it was mesured at 87 Watts/canal. Well, you know that's a class A. It will run hot. Not the most power-efficient on the market. Those two amplifier should be a great match with your Harbeth. Have you listen to that combo yet?

Finally, you said that they are much expensive on your island. How much are they?

Sebastien

P.s.: I sympathize, I also live on an island.

[Jonesboy]

Hi

I think the 505u is about £2800 and the 550 is around £3300. I'm sure either would sound very good with the P3s just as many other amplifiers. The Sugden is certainly a good match and so was the Eastern Electric Minimax pre and power. Probably shouldn't of traded them in.

[Sebastien]

...The Luxman sound has fast,deep and rythmic bass drive ... am still amazed how much low end impact I am getting from this amp...

I've visited yesterday our Quad specialist here just North of Montreal. He repairs old Quad since years, even from people in Europe because is work is cheaper than Net Audio and it is better done. This guy told my that "Japanese design" including Luxman, always had +3dB in the bass and +3dB in the treble as regular.

Is that true?

Sebastien

[Lorpuris]

Sebastien -

There is a time when I would have believed that, perhaps in the late 1980's or mid 1990's when Luxman was not the OE manufacturer of the receiver and amp lines we got in the US. They did send over some tube gear that was 100% Luxman though. What you and I have is all Luxman. I'll run this by Philip O'Hanlon but I can not imagine that this is happening on any modern day high end gear. At least I hope not !