McIntosh to Luxman?

I cannot comment about the specific model you've mentioned, as I've never owned it.  Below are comment's on what I've owned and hopefully they may be of some help to you:

My first step from a common receiver to separates was first a used McIntosh, than a brand new unit. I do not remember the model numbers of the amp and preamp. At that time, for speakers I've owned B&W 802 series 3. After few months I've stepped up to CJ Premiere, because of sonic preference. After couple of years to Thor Audio. Regretfully, having issues with tubes made me sell them and return to solid state.

Luxman 600 series amp and preamp were my first Luxman components. I liked them so much, I've stepped up to their 900 series after about a year. I've added more Luxman. products later. I have not found the sound lean as one of the entries noted. It is all about the system as a whole. SYNERGY is key. In my case, Luxman electronics, Focal Sopra Speakers, Shunyata Sigma 2 cables are a good match. 

Be well,

vic

Soix

“My experience with Mac is that it’s very tonally rich but is rolled off in the upper treble range that veils upper-octave detail and the openness of the overall soundstage.  My experience comes from working for Magnolia at Best Buy and hearing the KEF Blades driven by Mac gear and it sounded like a blanket was thrown over the KEFs relative to how I’ve heard them sound at audio shows.  It was a disgrace and total sonic mismatch IMHO.  My guess is Luxman will do a better job in this area without ever sounding etched or hyper detailed.  Given what you’re looking for I think Luxman could be a considerable upgrade.  Just my $0.02 FWIW”.

It’s because the Magnolia at Best Buy has to follow the ridiculous floor plan which the setup is a disaster for sound quality.  If you have ever been to a place or speak with the KEF Group, you would understand that the KEF Blades. Reds a lot of room.  You don’t put that kind of speaker next to a wall.  It even sounded horrible with the Mark Levinson Gear.   Not a place to go and listen to a system that’s it setup properly. The amplifier and speakers are not the problem. The room and the setup is along with the folks trying to sell you the gear. 

Reds***Needs 

CORRECTION!!!

It’s because the Magnolia at Best Buy has to follow the ridiculous floor plan which the setup is a disaster for sound quality.  If you have ever been to a place or speak with the KEF Group, you would understand that the KEF Blades need a lot of room.  You don’t put that kind of speaker next to a wall.  It even sounded horrible with the Mark Levinson Gear.   Not a place to go and listen to a system that’s isn’t setup properly. The amplifier and speakers are not the problem. The room and the setup is along with the folks trying to sell you the gear. 

@decathlon1991 At my Magnolia the Blades were set up in their own room and 5 feet away from the back wall so setup wasn’t an issue and they still sounded like crap with the Mac gear.  But I agree in the main listening room the speaker setup is a total joke.  In fact, whenever I did an audition for someone I always pulled the speakers out and set them up so the customer could get a real idea of what they could do.  I will say though that their home install service is exceptional and would recommend it highly even if you don’t buy your equipment there.  They are very professional and experienced, and the price you’re quoted is the price you pay regardless if they run into unseen issues and need to eat the added cost of equipment and labor.  They just do it right, which isn’t always the case with independent installers.