Originally Posted by
kimchee411
Just heard about this little guy and am my trigger finger is getting very itchy. Thinking about replacing my Luxman L-509x in my bedroom system with this. Am I crazy? The 509x is superb--I enjoy it more than the Hegel H390, LTA Z10, Accuphase E650, and ARC Ref 75 SE that came before it. But, when I use the pre-outs into my Luxman M800a its shortcomings (to me) become apparent. Soundstage is not nearly as deep and the presentation is just overall flatter, more forward, and crisp sounding, meaning that tonally it doesn't have the body and 3D realism that the big class A amp does. Still, if I don't compare it directly to the M800a, I am quite happy to settle down with the 509x for my secondary system.
Running it with MSB Analog DAC and Wilson Tunetots + REL T-Zero Mk III sub.
My space is fairly small, I don't listen loudly, and bass slam is not a priority. Rich tone, accurate timbre, soundstage depth and back of stage detail/nuance, 3D imaging of individual instruments are what it's all about for me. I like to be seduced by a good classical (small ensemble, soloist) or jazz performance, but listen to a lot of rock (more indie, less hard stuff), and some R&B, funk, hip-hop, electronic. I love SET tube sound, but heat is a concern. Apparently the Enleum runs hot, but since it's such a small surface area maybe the overall heat output isn't so bad?
Mike's comment about the INT-25 being a step above gives me pause. I had an XA25 and thought it was terrific, but it's too hot and overall the 509x is a better package for me.