Why does my Yamaha sound better than the Luxman 595?

Dman777dman777 said:
Just to clarify... I like the sound of the Luxman over the Yamaha AS-3200. But put the Yamaha r-n2000a as a preamp with the Yamaha-3200 and it's really impressive.
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I don't understand how putting an inferior piece of gear ahead of a superior piece of gear makes the superior piece sound better. Granted, the r-n2000a is a darn nice receiver, but the As-3200 is a heck of a lot better integrated amp with much better components and preamp section.
 
chops said:
I don't understand how putting an inferior piece of gear ahead of a superior piece of gear makes the superior piece sound better. Granted, the r-n2000a is a darn nice receiver, but the As-3200 is a heck of a lot better integrated amp with much better components and preamp section.
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The AS-3200 is too neutral and sounded very boring by itself. It's bass and treble did not have much effect. The r-n2000a as a preamp adds color to the sound.
 
I just realized that the Yamaha uses optical in from the cd player while the Luxman uses RCA cables. Would that have a profound effect on the Luxman not sounding as open?
 
Dman777dman777 said:
I just realized that the Yamaha uses optical in from the cd player while the Luxman uses RCA cables. Would that have a profound effect on the Luxman not sounding as open?
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profound ?, depends on your definition, regardless, any comparison that is not done with at least a semblance of 'apples-to-apples' will produce flawed results
 
Dman777dman777 said:
I just realized that the Yamaha uses optical in from the cd player while the Luxman uses RCA cables. Would that have a profound effect on the Luxman not sounding as open?
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Usually the coaxial digital connection as you are using on the Luxman is the preferred connection.
 
Dman777dman777 said:
I just realized that the Yamaha uses optical in from the cd player while the Luxman uses RCA cables. Would that have a profound effect on the Luxman not sounding as open?
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Did you hook your system up or did someone else hook it up?
 
Dman777dman777 said:
I just checked and I did not see a coaxial connection on there. Are you sure the 595 has one?
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No I thought you are using an optical digital cable on one and a coaxial digital on the other.
I realize now that you mean you are using an optical digital output to the input of your Yamaha , but on the Luxman amp you are using analog RCA cables from the output of the CD player into it.
That being the case it is possible that the sound could be quite different. In the Yamaha version you are not using the internal DAC in the CDP as you are using a digital output. By using an analog input into the Luxman amp you will be using the internal DAC of the CDP.

So yes this could definitely change the sound as each DAC may sound different and you are not just comparing the sound of the amps as you judge each set-up.
 
No I thought you are using an optical digital cable on one and a coaxial digital on the other.
I realize now that you mean you are using an optical digital output to the input of your Yamaha , but on the Luxman amp you are using analog RCA cables from the output of the CD player into it.
That being the case it is possible that the sound could be quite different. In the Yamaha version you are not using the internal DAC in the CDP as you are using a digital output. By using an analog input into the Luxman amp you will be using the internal DAC of the CDP.

So yes this could definitely change the sound as each DAC may sound different and you are not just comparing the sound of the amps as you judge each set-up.
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Oh, I did not realize that! I have a 1990s Sony ES 779 cd player. Could the dacs in it be not as good as the ess pro dacs?
 
Question please.... With the Yamaha r-n2000a, it has a dedicated dub line out. I have a REL t/7x sub. I can hear it really good on low volume on the Yamaha...I have the crossover at 30% and vol at 40%. But if I use the pre out on the Luxman, I have to turn the sub's volume and cross over up like 60% and even then it's not as clean sounding as when using the sub line out of the Yamaha. Why is this?
 
Dman777dman777 said:
Question please.... With the Yamaha r-n2000a, it has a dedicated dub line out. I have a REL t/7x sub. I can hear it really good on low volume on the Yamaha...I have the crossover at 30% and vol at 40%. But if I use the pre out on the Luxman, I have to turn the sub's volume and cross over up like 60% and even then it's not as clean sounding as when using the sub line out of the Yamaha. Why is this?
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You are comparing apples and oranges.

Does your Yamaha have a built in sub crossover that may be turned on?

You should NOT be turning up the crossover frequency - you want to keep it as low as possible. As for the volume on the sub, your Yamaha may be boosting the sub volume at low volume levels.

I mean this with the utmost respect - but I think the Luxman may have been too big a jump too quickly. You should not be comparing it to the Yamaha in any way as one is an audiophile integrated and one you are using is an audio/video receiver.

If you like the Yamaha - and there is nothing wrong with that - then you should probably stay with it.

I'm going to suggest you find a high end shop in your area, build a relationship, buy from them and let them come help you get it set up correctly and find the right piece that will fulfill all your needs.

Again - I mean this all with respect but you are going to drive yourself nuts and you won't find any happiness this way.
 
MichaelsMinute said:
You are comparing apples and oranges.

I think the Luxman may have been too big a jump too quickly. You should not be comparing it to the Yamaha in any way as one is an audiophile integrated and one you are using is an audio/video receiver.
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No problem, thank you. I am going to order a streamer to get a updated DAC to see how it sounds on the Luxman. Question, please.... later down the road I was going to also buy McIntosh 12000 and I will stop at that to complete my amp collection. It also has a hdmi input. Because it has hdmi input, like the Yamaha, wouldn't that be considered a audio/video receiver? I thought Mac was an audiophile integrated?

Also, on a side note.... I was using old Monster cables speaker wires. I recently switch to Micca cables and it feels like it open up the sound a lot more on the Luxman (I have not tried them on the Yamahas). I can't tell if it's just the different CDs I have been listening to, but it sure seems like it.
 
Using analog outputs from a 90's Sony CDP is certainly not giving the Lux the quality signal it deserves and I'd say is the reason for your not being fully happy with the sound. You seem to have the budget buy yourself a nice Streamer with a DAC, Lumin, Esoteric, Aurender etc. You could just buy a DAC then use the Sony as a transport like you do to the Yamaha.

I don't have hands on experience with your Luxman it does look to have a nice size power supply and shouldn't have any difficulty driving most speakers within reason.

If you could borrow a quality DAC you can go optical from the Sony into the DAC then RCA from the DAC to the Luxman. If not familiar with the DAC this could be just another variable but you'd at least het to hear the Luxman at a more fair comparison.
 
Mr Peabody said:
Using analog outputs from a 90's Sony CDP is certainly not giving the Lux the quality signal it deserves and I'd say is the reason for your not being fully happy with the sound. You seem to have the budget buy yourself a nice Streamer with a DAC, Lumin, Esoteric, Aurender etc. You could just buy a DAC then use the Sony as a transport like you do to the Yamaha.

I don't have hands on experience with your Luxman it does look to have a nice size power supply and shouldn't have any difficulty driving most speakers within reason.

If you could borrow a quality DAC you can go optical from the Sony into the DAC then RCA from the DAC to the Luxman. If not familiar with the DAC this could be just another variable but you'd at least het to hear the Luxman at a more fair comparison.
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Thanks, you're correct. I have on order a ever solo z8 streamer that I'm going to use. But it's going to take a couple of weeks.

So, I really haven't heard the luxman 595 as I should. I also want Mcintosh 12000 and I feel some buyers remorse even though I haven't really heard the 595 as I should.
 
Dman777dman777 said:
Thanks, you're correct. I have on order a ever solo z8 streamer that I'm going to use. But it's going to take a couple of weeks.

So, I really haven't heard the luxman 595 as I should. I also want Mcintosh 12000 and I feel some buyers remorse even though I haven't really heard the 595 as I should.
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Hi - again - I mean this to help as I have made the same mistakes I see you making. You seem to simply be buying for the sake of buying with no plan.

Why would you put that DAC with a Macintosh or even a Luxman? What are the speakers you own? What are the cables you run? How is your room set up?

I'm going to say it again - I suggest you put purchases on pause until you come up with a more holistic way to approach this so that you don't end up wasting money and having more frustration.
 
MichaelsMinute said:
Hi - again - I mean this to help as I have made the same mistakes I see you making. You seem to simply be buying for the sake of buying with no plan.

Why would you put that DAC with a Macintosh or even a Luxman? What are the speakers you own? What are the cables you run? How is your room set up?

I'm going to say it again - I suggest you put purchases on pause until you come up with a more holistic way to approach this so that you don't end up wasting money and having more frustration.
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Agree 100%. Throwing money at a problem without a plan, is basically frustration in action.
 
I'm not familiar with Ever. That Luxman looks to be a special piece, I'd give it a chance. Especially if you've not had it long, break in is real. I recently purchased my Esoteric N05xd, I was going to give it back to the dealer, luckily we couldn't get back together for a couple more days where I continued to put time on it, the unit began to sound better over that time.

Some debate break in but me personally I have sent a few pieces back because I just wasn't happy after allowing time. So if I end up liking a piece, it changed, not me. If something continues to annoy you don't just get used to it.
Dman777dman777 said:
Thanks, you're correct. I have on order a ever solo z8 streamer that I'm going to use. But it's going to take a couple of weeks.

So, I really haven't heard the luxman 595 as I should. I also want Mcintosh 12000 and I feel some buyers remorse even though I haven't really heard the 595 as I should.
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Dman777dman777 said:
I have on order an ever solo z8 streamer that I'm going to use. But it's going to take a couple of weeks.
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Just an FYI, EverSolo DAC-Z8 is just a DAC, not a streamer, but it should serve well as a DAC.

MichaelsMinute said:
Why would you put that DAC with a Macintosh or even a Luxman?
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What would be wrong with using that DAC? Seems like a well engineered DAC with an ES9038PRO chip. Although no good reason to use it with McIntosh MA12000 since it already comes with a DA2 module, but should work well with a Luxman.
 
MichaelsMinute said:
I suggest you put purchases on pause until you come up with a more holistic way to approach this so that you don't end up wasting money and having more frustration.
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Thanks, I am new to this hobby and still trying to figure things out. For instance, a local hifi shop has a McIntosh 1200 and Focal Kanta 2 speakers that I like. But that shop does not have luxmans to compare against or Cornwall 4 speakers to compare with. The only thing I can think of is just buying the equipment and if it does not sound right, send it back or sale it. Is there a better way to go about that?

EDIT: Forgot to mention I use Sonus Faber Lumina II speakers. The cables I am using are Micca 14 gauge.
 
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