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Thread: Luxman EQ-500
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August 17, 2017, 03:24 PM #1
Luxman EQ-500
Any experiences with this phone stage?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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August 18, 2017, 12:23 PM #2
Re: Luxman EQ-500
Yes.. i had it for a couple of months.
the Local Luxman dealer is a good friend of mine and when those eq500 were out he brings one for his demo floor
we were using it a lot, and study it back and forth. its a very very versatile unit with balance capability, and three inputs! (something i was liking a lot for myself). the mc section is a SUT based so can be a bit tricky for some carts on the market although alot of them will fit it ok. its builds and looks great! we also tried tube rolling in mass proportion and figured that there no subtle changes with some of them (they came with JJ on stock).
i was replacing it with a PASS XP25 shortly after i bought my unit, just because i felt its to much tube like with my other tube bass system at that time. but - its a wonderful and very very good phono stage! this is NOT a resolution machine and dry like some of the big names...
it is very natural and open sounding with Luxman house sound. a bit warm and charming.
hope it help a bit.
A.Speakers: Boenicke W13SE+ ֿ/ Clarisys Audio Auditorium
Preamp: CH Precision L1
Amp: CH Precision M1.1
Cables: mostly Fono Acustica, VYDA, SAEC
Digital: CH Precision C1.2+ Streaming hd board/ RoonLab NUCLEUS/ SOtM Lan switches and clocks. / Aries Cerat Helene
TT:TT 1- V.Y.G.E.R INDIAN SIGNATURE + TITAN (KV9vta max /SAEC 4700 - second arm rotation)
TT 2 - CSPORT TATM2 + LINEAR ARM (SAEC 4700 second arm rotation)
Carts':AIDAS Tibetan Yak gold LE, Top Wing Red Sparrow, Etsuro Urushi GOLD, Sumile, Kondo IO-X, DS audio W3....
Phono: CH Precision P1+X1
Racks: ROGUZ carbon, ASR platform Ohio XL ...
Power treatment Ps Audio P10 ֿ/ VYDA PD1
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August 18, 2017, 12:50 PM #3
Re: Luxman EQ-500
Thank you for your kind response and sharing your insights. This is very helpful.
I read great reviews about the EQ-500 and thought I'd check for experiences with the Luxman. I think you will want some warmth in your system and the question is how to bring it in. That said, I understand the desire for detail definition as well and choosing the Pass as your phono pre.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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August 18, 2017, 01:34 PM #4
Re: Luxman EQ-500
The lux didn't lose any detail in a way. although the pass have a lot more on that side and resolution with their silk movement.
I was playing with a full tube system back then and it became too much for me in my small room!
now I playing thru the S3mk2 with a full lux system. now I curios how the 500 will preform vs the passSpeakers: Boenicke W13SE+ ֿ/ Clarisys Audio Auditorium
Preamp: CH Precision L1
Amp: CH Precision M1.1
Cables: mostly Fono Acustica, VYDA, SAEC
Digital: CH Precision C1.2+ Streaming hd board/ RoonLab NUCLEUS/ SOtM Lan switches and clocks. / Aries Cerat Helene
TT:TT 1- V.Y.G.E.R INDIAN SIGNATURE + TITAN (KV9vta max /SAEC 4700 - second arm rotation)
TT 2 - CSPORT TATM2 + LINEAR ARM (SAEC 4700 second arm rotation)
Carts':AIDAS Tibetan Yak gold LE, Top Wing Red Sparrow, Etsuro Urushi GOLD, Sumile, Kondo IO-X, DS audio W3....
Phono: CH Precision P1+X1
Racks: ROGUZ carbon, ASR platform Ohio XL ...
Power treatment Ps Audio P10 ֿ/ VYDA PD1
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October 3, 2019, 01:59 PM #5
Re: Luxman EQ-500
have been considering the luxman eq-500... thought i would revive this thread to see if there are others with experience or thoughts.
thanks!!viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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August 15, 2020, 08:17 AM #6
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- 44
Re: Luxman EQ-500
I’ve been using it for 8 months or so, it is a good phono for sure, elegant and no hard edges whatsoever, I thought it was very capable. However when I listened to another high-end phono in my system for the first time, the lux got smoked literally in one second. There’s just no comparison at all...density, dynamic, energy, timbre...got crushed on every single parameter, it was like a child fighting an adult.
Therefore it really comes down to what’s it up against, if you are serious about vinyl I would suggest go for the best phono you can afford as it’s a night and day difference.
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August 15, 2020, 08:45 AM #7My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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August 15, 2020, 09:26 AM #8
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August 24, 2020, 03:50 PM #9
Re: Luxman EQ-500
the specs on the eq-500 list a gain of 63 dB with the low-output MC cartridge setting... just wondering if this is enough for very low output carts?
anyone have experience (or an opinion) using this phono-pre with MC carts having output voltages as low as 0.2 mV ?
thanks !viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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August 24, 2020, 04:43 PM #10
Re: Luxman EQ-500
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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August 24, 2020, 04:51 PM #11
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Re: Luxman EQ-500
From the chart on KAB USA's website.
Chart of Typical Gain Values
Output Gain
3 - 6 mV 36dB
1 - 3 mV 43dB
0.3 - 1.0 mV 53dB
0.15 - 0.3 mV 60DB
For my Denon which is .4 mv I find that between 56-58 db is optimum. With the sensitivity of your speakers 63 db should be enough as long as your not trying to match the volume level of your digital rig. Another option if you want tubes in your phono stage is the Modwright PH 9.0.Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
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September 9, 2020, 10:24 AM #12
Re: Luxman EQ-500
two quick question on the luxman eq-500:
> anyone know how long an interconnect cable the eq-500 can drive ...assuming, shielded cables with conductor wire capacitance of 100 pF/meter or better ?
>also in terms of gain, the specs state:
Gain(1kHz, When the gain is set to 36dB) MM: 36dB | MC: high 55dB | MC: low 63dB
however, i see there are three possible "gain" settings: 36 dB, 38 dB and 40 dB. anyone know what effect selecting either 38 dB or 40 dB has on the MC-high and MC-low gain? would it simply be additive?
thanks!!viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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September 9, 2020, 01:13 PM #13
Re: Luxman EQ-500
It’s additive and 2M is ok.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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September 9, 2020, 02:07 PM #14
Re: Luxman EQ-500
viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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September 9, 2020, 02:11 PM #15
Re: Luxman EQ-500
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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September 9, 2020, 02:15 PM #16
Re: Luxman EQ-500
viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | almarro a318b + air tight atc-5 (phono) | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + diy transport + roon rock
alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii
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November 18, 2020, 01:24 PM #17
- Join Date
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- SF Bay Area
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- 73
Re: Luxman EQ-500
i bought a Luxman EQ 500 and it is outstanding! Coming from a Tavish Design Adagio (with upgraded transformers) which is no slouch, the Lux plays at another level, and it should since it is quite a bit more expensive. It is very powerful and dynamic sounding. It is also very quiet and may be the only phono stage I have ever owned over the years where I do not hear the least bit of hum! Sound staging is very expansive and images are solid. Vocals and instruments are more expressive. The overall sound feels like everything is firmly grounded. Also, it is easier to discern the recording venues, whether studio or live concerts, in large or small venues. I get much more of a sense of actually being there. Although the Tavish was good at that, using NOS tubes, the Lux (using stock tubes) is simply better. This is my end game phono stage. While there are undoubtedly even better ones out there, they will likely cost much, much more than I care to spend. Luxman is one of the few companies that has the 2 pin as negative instead of positive for balanced mode. Therefore, if you have one and are using the balanced outputs, you should use the phase reversal switch. Most if not all US and Euro companies use 2 pin positive for inputs and outputs.
Note: It appears that there are no longer any new units remaining in the US. Factory production in Japan has slowed or shut down again due to COVID and the distributor does not anticipate any new stock in the US for at least another 4-5 months.
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December 19, 2020, 11:53 PM #18
Re: Luxman EQ-500
Thank you for sharing your thoughts of the EQ-500 in comparison with the Tavish Adagio. I'm curious if there are others here that may have been able to compare it with other phono stages that would be willing to share their thoughts as well.
Any thoughts on how this would compare with the various Pass phono stages?
Thanks much,
Don
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
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