I too would like to know how it compares to K-01X or the new T+A Mike just got in...which Im sure needs to be broken in. Any insights would be gratefully appreciated.
The Luxman is not feature rich like the others. It doesn’t have a plethora of filters, digital outputs and external clocking options. It does not have a completely separate section for analog and digital, requiring a power cord for each. Aesthetically, it’s sexy in its simplicity of design. Build quality is excellent, but certainly not “Tank Like”, like the T+A.
But what it does, it does sooooo well. It transforms CD and SACD listening into a difference experience. It also offers USB for anyone wanting to add an Aurender, etc. I’ll be honest, I almost never bought it. The Luxman USA rep kept telling me about this piece. I kept thinking, “Christ man, what the hell do I need with another CD player?” He kept saying, “this is my favorite piece that we make, it might just be the best piece we make. Mike, you really need one. Mike, this thing sounds so analog, you won’t believe it.” Of course, my thought was “sure, sure, heard that all before.” But then I googled the piece and found the write up from audio.bill on the D-08u. I thought, well, maybe there is something to it after all. So Bill, it’s all your fault (in a good way). Thank you Bill. You got a good set of ears on you man!
Back to the D-08u....The transport mechanism is entirely built by Luxman and they do not OEM it. Luxman spent an inordinate amount of time on the analog output stage. The Luxman engineers felt that this is where they could make huge strides in getting that magic sound. So yes, it sounds VERY analog because of the analog output stage. Makes sense to me.
I have not done a head to head shootout, but I know what I hear when I bring a piece home. My home system is very revealing and I know it well after so many years. Perhaps if I had another system, I would prefer something else in my system.
I think all of these things are so system dependent. For example, I think I actually prefer the T+A MP3100HV with filter 3 in the Magico M3 system. But again, I haven’t done a head to head.
As a side note, Luxman corporate is handling their own distribution now, lowered prices and have a different go to market strategy. Ditto for T+A. A trend I’m seeing in the industry.
And for those wondering, no, sadly, the Luxman D-08u doesn’t get even remotely close to the MSB Select II DAC I had in my home system for a few weeks. The Select II, as I said, requires its own source category. But the D-08u at $14,995, makes a compelling argument as a true “analog sounding” digital hub for any home system.
