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Experience with Luxman L-550 AXII

I'm considering the Luxman L-550 AXII to drive a system with Klipsch Cornwall IVs during summer months.  My Class A 805 SET amp is a 100lb space heater and I dislike having my package AC unit on the roof of my music room running more just to keep up with the heat the amp creates. 

I've heard some folks love the pairing between the CW IV and the LUX 550.  I am a touch concerned though that this Lux might not be warm enough for my tastes.  Although, I have tried a Marantz PM KI Ruby integrated that uses a Ken Ishiwata tuned Class D design that sounds lovely--despite my bias that it would sound too lean and cool. 

I do prefer a little warmth yet synergy is everything. 

Does anyone have experience with this amp?   I know this is likely something that I'll just have to try out anyway but I'm looking for user experiences, thoughts, and even other recommendations. 

128x128jbhiller
webking185's avatar
webking185
178 posts
 

I have the 590AXII, its not a warm amp. Its a neutral amp that matches well with easy to drive speakers. The amp is very refined and detail, I've alwasy found Klipsch speakers to sound a little bright due to the horn tweeter.  You cannot compare a class D amp with Luxman Class A.  I pair my Luxman with Silverline Sonata II and they sound awesome.  My Yamaha AS-3200 is warm sounding.

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 

Thank you folks. Sounds like I'll need to give it a go.  Your responses are checking off my initial concern boxes in a good way.  

Even though I want to avoid a cool sounding amp, I don't necessarily need warmth. I like having different gear for different sonic moods.  

richdirector's avatar
richdirector
266 posts
 

I have the 550ax2 with tannoy Arden ....so 15 inch coaxial.... Very well behaved and great control of bass with delicious midrange. Any speaker above 92/93db sens should behave with these

jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,361 posts
 

One more question for the group--

How do you like/rank the phono stage? 

ps
740 posts
 

I have the 550AX II and would say that the phono stage is excellent. Given my listening tastes and background as a musician, I do not find the amp to be "warm-sounding," especially when compared to the various tube components I’ve owned over the years. Speakers are Sonus Faber GH and while the Lux does a good job driving them, I still prefer tubes.

As many others have observed, Luxman build quality and reliability is superb. I suspect you will like the 550AX II. It runs warm, but much cooler than tubes of course. :)

A suggestion for an integrated which you might like a lot is the Wells Audio Majestic.  I enjoyed mine a great deal but gifted it to a close family member.  IMO, it's warmer-sounding than the Lux.

One last thing: I’m quite intrigued by the Ruby you mentioned and hope to audition one some day.

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