Hacking a Luxman Integrated

I was using the pre out from my 509X to feed an SVS SB-16 Ultra, while running my La Scala IIs full-range from the 509X. Using the SVS app I was able to set the crossover and slope pretty well dead-on so the blend was perfect with the bass-shy LSIIs. 

I don't listen to a lot of bass-heavy music, but it definitely added a little presence on things like kick drums, double bass, etc that really filled in the sound where the LSIIs are lacking.

I'm currently running an AVM 60 for home theater into the Main In and running my subs/LFE out of that amp's sub pre out. I am using Anthem Room Correction to EQ the subs, and by using the 2nd output of my DAC into the Anthem, I'm able to listen to full, unadulterated 2 channel audio from the 509X out of the LS IIs, while the EQ'd bass is now coming from the Anthem. 

When it comes time to watch movies I hit the "Separate" button and get the full room-corrected L/R mix from the Anthem into the 509X. 

Prior to this, I had a vintage Luxman CL40 preamp I was running into the Main In, and would use the "Separate" function to listen to the tube pre going into the 509's amps. Sounded amazing but in order to use the full system for home theater, I moved the preamp back into my vintage system. 

VERY useful function!

I use mine to drive Vandersteen 5A speakers, and have the low pass filters attached, without this feature I could not use this integrated.  Its great, by the way.  And so are the loudspeakers.  

Hey maxwave :
I didn't call it that because the Luxman behaves a little differently than the traditional  HT bypass features, but yes, you can achieve the same results.

Interesting post erik, thanks...:-)

I'm definitely thinking of getting either an Anthem processor or Anthem receiver. The latter are cheaper, and have at least 5 channels of amps, letting me drive my C and Surround speakers without additional amps.

Interesting! Thanks @erik_squires  !

I have the Luxman L-509x.

So, the "separate" function would be used if I would want to drive the Amp function of my Luxman via the preamp section of my DAC? Then, would I need to connect my sub to my DAC RCAs out in this case?

@thyname,

Hey buddy! When I was driving my Luxman CL40 pre into the 509X amp's section I ran the SB-16 from the pre out of the 509X and did all the crossover settings in the SVS app. 

Now that I'm using it for HT in "Separate" mode, I'm using the sub out from the Anthem AVM 60. In this situation when I am listening to 2 channel audio I'm running dual outs from my DAC into the 509X for the full-range L and Rs and into the Anthem - I have an input set up on the Anthem for 2 channel listening that only uses analog inputs and L/R sub. So you're hearing the ARC corrected/crossed over bass from the SB16, and your 2 channel music is being played through the 509X pre and amp (unadulterated pure, full range analog from the DAC).

I love the Separates mode.  I have my Marantz 8805 connected to the 509X for L/R and another amp driving my center channel.  I switch to full integrated mode when using my DAC. Awesome combination.
 
I do have a question, are the two sides (amp/preamp) operating completely independently?

When I have the 509X in separates mode and just using the amp side, the sound cut out briefly when I change things on the preamp side.  I could swear this is a new occurrence.  When I used to change the input or Line Straight mode, the amp side was not effected.  Are you guys seeing this too?

Good to see some folks are using the feature of this integrated, I am strongly considering this  option for myself and purchasing the Luxman to power my R/L towers (Focal 1038be II via Marantz 7705 processor) in my HT. With it being mostly used for home theatre and rated at 120 WPC,  has anyone using this noticed any clipping or decrease in sound quality in the right and left channels using the luxman versus a different amp strictly for home theater? Thank you!

Hi @jzim1973

I use speakers which are probably a little less efficient than the 1038be's - in HT I run them full range and have never run near clipping.

I use Class D monoblock amps with similar power ratings for the remaining 3 channels.

I'm hoping to get some feedback here as I just purchased the 509X and it ships out Monday.

I have a new Denon 4700H and plan for the 509X to power my front channels (Focal Aria 926 towers) in my home theater.

My primary 2 Channel listening is my Marantz TT-15S1 turntable

Issue:  I want my two SB3000 subwoofers incorporated into both home theater and 2 channel listening.

1.  Preouts from Denon front channels to "main in" on 509X for home theater where Luxman powers front channels.

2.  Turntable to "Phono In" on 509X

3.  Do I have this right?  "Preout" on 509X back to the Denon analog input.

In this situation, Denon is involved discretely in preamp mode but wouldn't my sub preouts on Denon supply a signal to both subwoofers in home theater and 2 channel listening?

Sorry for the lengthy post but I wanted to be clear and get any feedback I could.

Cheers and thanks in advance!

Adam

Hi Adam,

Preouts from Denon front channels to "main in" on 509X for home theater where Luxman powers front channels.

Yes.  Be aware the Separate button on the remote needs a long-hold to activate it. 

but wouldn't my sub preouts on Denon supply a signal to both subwoofers in home theater and 2 channel listening?

Only if the Denon is also your source selector.  Anything connected to the Luxman inputs will not go to the Denon.  To use a sub for anything on the Luxman you'll need to use the Luxman Pre outs to your sub. 

I currently (without the 509X) use the CD source on my Denon which connects to my phono preamp.

Can I continue that exact path but just send the preouts from the Luxman to the CD input on the Denon?  If so, wouldn't my subs then work.

My goal is to use both subs in home theater and 2 channel listening but I do not want the Luxman compromised at all.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Adam,

Yes, but you are now bypassing the Luxman Pre which is a huge contributor to the sound.
Here's what I suggest:
Try both ways for the CD, without a sub.  If you don't hear a difference, and are just going to use the Luxman as a straight 2 channel amp, then your path makes sense.

Is using the "recorder out" an option for connecting subwoofers?  It can be turned on and off and would solve my problem.

Is using the "recorder out" an option for connecting subwoofers? It can be turned on and off and would solve my problem.

No, it's before the volume control.

Sounds like an RCA switch for subwoofers may be my best bet.  Anyone have one they recommend?

What about connecting the pair of SB3000’s to both the Denon and the Luxman?

Subwoofer output from the Denon to each of the LFE inputs on the subs, the Left line level from each of the Luxman preouts? (Sub 1: Luxman Left preout, Sub 2: Luxman Right preout).

When using the Denon in HT Mode, the Luxman will be in Separate mode and the Luxman preouts will be disabled and the subs will be driven/controlled by the Denon’s subwoofer out.

When using the Luxman for music, sources will be directly connected to the Luxman, the Denon turned off and the subs will be driven/controlled by the Luxman preouts.

That's a good thought.

I was also thinking of using speaker B outs on Luxman with  a speaker level to line level converter then rca to the subs.

Speaker B out of Luxman can be turned on and off as needed as I understand it.

Are you sure the pre-outs are disabled when in separates mode?

I read they were still  "active" in the original post.

I had a discussion on this with Luxman USA via email.

If there are no active signals connected to the preamp side of the Luxman while in Separate, then the preouts will be silent.

So, if using the Luxman in "HT Mode" by way of using the Mains In connection on the Luxman from the preouts of the AVR, then when in Separate there will be no signal on the preouts (meaning the Main In signal from the AVR preouts will not be sent back to the Luxman preamp section and then on to the Luxman preouts).

That makes the solution easier thanks.  

Which scenario is best then:

1.  Just send left preout to left sub and right preout to right sub.

2.  Run adapters and splitter from each preout to send right and left to both subs eventually through one line level rca.  I have what's needed to make this happen.

Thanks for the detailed help.

Adam

I deleted my last post because it is same as @erikt recommended.

Subwoofer output from the Denon to each of the LFE inputs on the subs, the Left line level input from each of the subwoofer connect to Luxman preouts (Sub 1: Luxman Left preout, Sub 2: Luxman Right preout).

Thanks for the help.

I'm now ready when the box comes through the door this week.

Cheers!

Adam

Hi all

Have any of you tried to biamp with a Lux integrated and a Lux power amp added via the pre out?

 

Currently own a 590AX, but could be a fun experiment to try biamping with m700 for example.

I haven't found any numbers for the gain in the 590.

 

Thanks

I haven't found any numbers for the gain in the 590.

Based on the specs of input sensitivity 550mV, gain = 29dB.

Thanks a lot.

I see all current and last generation Lux power amps are 29dB as well, so it looks like I'll have a go at biamping sometime in the future

.