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

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.

Anyone?

Originally Posted by bluegrassphile

Anyone?

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.

Originally Posted by mdp632

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.

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.

Hi,
Just wondering what was your conclusion after your visit to Sound Coast Audio? Thanks

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.

Originally Posted by gvelez1

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.

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.