Decided to sell one thing and switch to another....

[Michaels HiFi]

So I've decided to sell my 3 month old Luxman LX-380 tube integrated. But why?

First, let me say I think it is the best looking Luxman amp and sublime sounding. I love the sound of that integrated.

But I find with so much gear coming in and out that requires burn-in, I simply use the 509x more than then LX-380 which has seen basically zero use as I don't want to always be changing cables needlessly.

Plus, I want to upgrade to the M10X at some point.

So what to do to retain that tube magic I love without a tube integrated but still wanting the Luxman sound? Order a Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic DAC tube DAC from Mike @ Suncoast!

Then, I can keep that familiar Luxman sound I love so much along with the tube magic no matter what Luxman amps I upgrade to!

Logical? Maybe, maybe not. But when do we ever do anything logical in this hobby?

 

[Puma Cat]

Logical? Maybe, maybe not. But when do we ever do anything logical in this hobby?


View attachment 32023

Hopefully, most of the time.

Also, and most respectfully, Michael, there's no guarantee that the La Scala DAC will give you what you got from the Luxman with respect to the "tube sound". Just because they both use tubes for the output devices does not mean the DAC will provide the same "qualities" you got from the Luxman integrated. I've heard legacy ARC gear that sounded cold and clinical. And SS gear that exemplified the best qualities of tubes (e.g. my E.A.R. 324 phono stage or my Lumin P1). My experience is that the specific circuit topology is much more responsible for the sonic "character" than any specific output device. Along these lines, the late, great Tim de Paravicini of E.A.R. said he could design either tube or SS componentry that would be identical in "character", regardless of whether it was tube or solid-state. And, here's the thing: Tim was right.

But then Tim, IMHO, was a genius :einstein: (RIP Tim de Paravicini)

As is Nelson. And, I think Nelson would agree with Tim.

 

[Michaels HiFi]

Hopefully, most of the time.

Also, and most respectfully, Michael, there's no guarantee that the La Scala DAC will give you what you got from the Luxman with respect to the "tube sound". Just because they both use tubes for the output devices does not mean the DAC will provide the same "qualities" you got from the Luxman integrated. I've heard legacy ARC gear that sounded cold and clinical. And SS gear that exemplified the best qualities of tubes (e.g. my E.A.R. 324 phono stage or my Lumin P1). My experience is that the specific circuit topology is much more responsible for the sonic "character" than any specific output device. Along these lines, the late, great Tim de Paravicini of E.A.R. said he could design either tube or SS componentry that would be identical in "character", regardless of whether it was tube or solid-state. And, here's the thing: Tim was right.

But then Tim, IMHO, was a genius :einstein: (RIP Tim de Paravicini)

As is Nelson. And, I think Nelson would agree with Tim.

All good points.

I had an old E.A.R. 834 tube integrated. It's the only piece of gear I've ever owned that I wish I never sold.

It's OK - I love the journey in this hobby, so even if the DAC isn't what I want, we'll find a way to get there.

 

[Puma Cat]

All good points.

I had an old E.A.R. 834 tube integrated. It's the only piece of gear I've ever owned that I wish I never sold.

It's OK - I love the journey in this hobby, so even if the DAC isn't what I want, we'll find a way to get there.

I think that's the best philosophy and viewpoint to have, Michael. Enjoy the journey and the process of discovery. Cheers, mate.