Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Hello all!
I haven't posted much here yet but I have been following various threads and have been taking note of the speaker or amp adventures certain members have been on. I think I'm at the end of my most recent journey and will probably be done for a while. I don't want to miss out on the fun though so I better post up a little blurb about my Luxman 590aX and the journey it took to get there before it becomes old news.
It started with the purchase of my Revel Studio 2s. At the time I was using a Simaudio I7 integrated amplifier. This was actually quite a satisfying combination and truth be told, I probably should've never left this setup. But (as I can imagine similar for many of you) internet forums got me into trouble and I couldn't ignore the buzz about the Ncore amps from Hypex. I would simply sell my integrated and upgrade to these newfangled amplifiers and recoup some of the money I had spent on the Revels in the process. Needless to say the rest WASN'T history and I was back in search. After auditioning and owning several combinations over the course of a year and a half I decided to take a risk and order the Luxman sight unseen as I had their 507u in my system for a while and had a hunch that it would be just what I was looking for. I got lucky and the 590 has met all my expectations. It exhibits an excellent synergy with the Revels evidenced by that telltale sign of music flowing effortlessly from them and filling the room with ease. The Luxman is full and rich lending instruments greater body and truer, more natural timbres. One thing that I really felt was lacking with some of the amplifiers that I had in my system was the quality of sustain, especially in the bass. Many amplifiers seem to curtail the bass of the Revels, sounding more incisive but less natural and complete. The 590 seems to strike an excellent balance for my system in that regard.
I should note that while it isn't a macro-dynamic champ it is still very good on crescendos and I've
never felt that I needed more power. I could see this being an issue for me if I had a significantly larger room, but for now I do not usually find myself running the amp hard (per the meters). The Revels by the way are 89db/watt and the Luxman has been measured to put out 78 watts into 8ohms and 148 into 4. (Those numbers are from memory but if not absolutely correct then they should be at least very close.)
Over all the unit is musically satisfying for my eclectic music tastes, beautiful, well-built and has a nice phono stage for my entry level analog setup. So while I think I would've remained happy had I never sold my Simaudio unit, saving me a year and a half of searching not to mention a considerable amount of money, I do feel that nonetheless I have made a worthwhile upgrade and have a system I'm set to enjoy for a while.
Anyhow, my real name is Warren and I'm from the Twin Cities area in Minnesota. If you guys have any questions please ask. Also I'll post up some pics because that's really what you want to see right?
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Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Warren, thanks for sharing. From the Luxman gear in the range that I have heard it looks & sounds terrific.
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Awesome story Warren. I've owned Studio2's and have wanted the Salon2's but that's another story. I am so happy you are loving the Luxman and Studio2 combo. These are two solid brands that will never disappoint. I think you can post photos after 10 posts. We look forward to seeing the goods :)
Thanks!
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Quote:
Originally Posted by
nile49
Hello all!
I haven't posted much here yet but I have been following various threads and have been taking note of the speaker or amp adventures certain members have been on. I think I'm at the end of my most recent journey and will probably be done for a while. I don't want to miss out on the fun though so I better post up a little blurb about my Luxman 590aX and the journey it took to get there before it becomes old news.
It started with the purchase of my Revel Studio 2s. At the time I was using a Simaudio I7 integrated amplifier. This was actually quite a satisfying combination and truth be told, I probably should've never left this setup. But (as I can imagine similar for many of you) internet forums got me into trouble and I couldn't ignore the buzz about the Ncore amps from Hypex. I would simply sell my integrated and upgrade to these newfangled amplifiers and recoup some of the money I had spent on the Revels in the process. Needless to say the rest WASN'T history and I was back in search. After auditioning and owning several combinations over the course of a year and a half I decided to take a risk and order the Luxman sight unseen as I had their 507u in my system for a while and had a hunch that it would be just what I was looking for. I got lucky and the 590 has met all my expectations. It exhibits an excellent synergy with the Revels evidenced by that telltale sign of music flowing effortlessly from them and filling the room with ease. The Luxman is full and rich lending instruments greater body and truer, more natural timbres. One thing that I really felt was lacking with some of the amplifiers that I had in my system was the quality of sustain, especially in the bass. Many amplifiers seem to curtail the bass of the Revels, sounding more incisive but less natural and complete. The 590 seems to strike an excellent balance for my system in that regard.
I should note that while it isn't a macro-dynamic champ it is still very good on crescendos and I've
never felt that I needed more power. I could see this being an issue for me if I had a significantly larger room, but for now I do not usually find myself running the amp hard (per the meters). The Revels by the way are 89db/watt and the Luxman has been measured to put out 78 watts into 8ohms and 148 into 4. (Those numbers are from memory but if not absolutely correct then they should be at least very close.)
Over all the unit is musically satisfying for my eclectic music tastes, beautiful, well-built and has a nice phono stage for my entry level analog setup. So while I think I would've remained happy had I never sold my Simaudio unit, saving me a year and a half of searching not to mention a considerable amount of money, I do feel that nonetheless I have made a worthwhile upgrade and have a system I'm set to enjoy for a while.
Anyhow, my real name is Warren and I'm from the Twin Cities area in Minnesota. If you guys have any questions please ask. Also I'll post up some pics because that's really what you want to see right?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed reading it. [emoji4]
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Very nice. Thanks for sharing.
What is that thing putting out all kinds of laser beams? I'd love to get myself one of those.
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
+1
Awesome photos. Thanks !!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kzhtoo
Very nice. Thanks for sharing.
What is that thing putting out all kinds of laser beams? I'd love to get myself one of those.
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Thanks guys!
That fun little tool is the Bosch 3-plane alignment laser.
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Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Thanks Warren! And congrats on a great system :congrats:
I grew up in St.Cloud and Brooklyn Center. The Twin Cities are a fantastic place to live !!
Except for the winters.................
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Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
nile49
Nice system bet it sounds great.
I just happened to get a 590ax myself and so far think it the best amp I have ever owned. Mine might be broken though, I can't seem to get it to shoot the laser beams :P
Don't have enough posts to insert images :(
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BeerCan
I just happened to get a 590ax myself and so far think it the best amp I have ever owned. Mine might be broken though, I can't seem to get it to shoot the laser beams :P
(
Thanks Beercan!
I'm definitely continuing to learn about the Luxman's abilities. It already has me imagining the performance gains I could reap with source upgrades. And as well as I can remember this is the best system I've ever put together.
Right now I'm agonizing over footers for under my speaker on a carpet over concrete floor and am trying to find the most neutral solution. May start a new thread regarding that endeavor.
Cheers! [emoji481]
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Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Quote:
Originally Posted by
nile49
Thanks Beercan!
I'm definitely continuing to learn about the Luxman's abilities. It already has me imagining the performance gains I could reap with source upgrades. And as well as I can remember this is the best system I've ever put together.
Right now I'm agonizing over footers for under my speaker on a carpet over concrete floor and am trying to find the most neutral solution. May start a new thread regarding that endeavor.
Cheers! [emoji481]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The most neutral that I have come across that actually bring benefits are Stillpoints Ultra 5's. If the cost is a limiting factor go for the Ultra SS's & when you want to upgrade, put them under an amp & put the new 5's or 6's under the speakers.
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bzr
The most neutral that I have come across that actually bring benefits are Stillpoints Ultra 5's. If the cost is a limiting factor go for the Ultra SS's & when you want to upgrade, put them under an amp & put the new 5's or 6's under the speakers.
I've actually had the Ultra SSs going on two years now and while I like them, I wouldn't necessarily say they are a slam dunk in my system.
I have heard that the Ultra 5s are definitely better and more neutral as well, however there is no way I can swing that $5600 investment.
Stillpoints just introduced spikes for their Ultra SS's to use in lieu of the hardhats and I think I will try those out first. I'm thinking that those stand a good chance of being excellent in my system.
The Ultra 6s are definitely an interesting development as well, and from what I have read are actually NOT intended for use under speakers.
Thanks! Warren
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Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Just answered your own question Warren, well done. :thumbsup:
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
I love what you've done. Simple, clean, I bet a million it plays the crap outta music. Congrats on a fine system. There's something so Japanese garden about that gear--very cool.
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
this is one amp I would like to try one day amongst others
Re: Luxman L-590aX Integrated Amp
Warren, that's a great system and great setup you have. Have you listened without the cover over the TT? BTW, The proper points to put under your components and speakers are what makes your system sounds better. For example, usually you would use brass if you need more highs and to tighten up the bass, "isolating" feet to soften the highs and add more bass.
