Luxman L-590AXII vs Pass Labs INT-60


Folks, I was just wondering if any of you guys managed to compare both Luxman and Pass Labs amps in your system or at the dealers. Some brief description on the differences between both amps would be great.

Personally I own the L-590AXII but am curious about the house sound of the INT-60. FWIW I find the Luxman to be very balanced. Although it's a Class A, it does not sound overly warm. The L-590AXII is fairly detailed, refined and nuanced while showing a very slight hint of warmth in the midrange. Bass goes deep and is defined and controlled while the treble is sweet and extended without showing any sibilance or brightness.

In short, I find the Luxman L-590AXII to sound rather neutral, tilting slightly to warmth on the scale. Although it's tuned to sound delicate and refined, the Luxman can rock too and is capable of sounding dynamic and lively when the music calls for it. On the other hand, the same cannot be said about the Accuphase as I read that it sounds quite a bit warmer than the Luxman, sacrificing a little on punch, slam and dynamics. In other words, the Accuphase sounds too smooth with rock or dynamic music.
ryder

Showing 1 response by jjgasp

Interesting, two of my more recently owned integrated sand I think of both longingly, like ex-girlfriends of yore.  I won’t go into great detail, but instead get down to the highlights.   What I liked about the Luxman - tone controls, built-in phono preamp and headphone amp, and those damn meters.  What I like about the Pass Labs - that tone!  Had that nice deep, thunk when you turned it on.  Both integrateds were matched with Zu Audio Definition IV’s and then Volti Audio Rivals, each high efficient speakers, though they get there differently.  Same preference regardless of speaker.  
Eventually, I ended up with Linear Tube Audio Ultralinear integrated, which I won’t be parting with soon.  But, in certain moments, I think back on the Pass Labs INT-60, never missing the Luxman.