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New Integrated amp recommendation

Greetings:

I’m looking to upgrade my Yamaha 801 to drive my Revel 328s

Unfortunately I live in South Carolina and auditioning equipment requires a fair amount of time and travel. 
The room is 20x25 loft open to one side to a staircase and 11 foot ceilings (not ideal but limited amount of conditioning will follow) 

Almost always classic rock and contemporary jazz never above 80db Vinyl/CD and streaming

I’ve read a number outstanding reviews on Luxman integrateds and that is the first question..Is the 505z a good fit? If so does stretching the budget to the 507z offer a sonic difference? If not Luxman any other recommendations. I’m not necessarily looking to color the sound of the Revels but the Yamaha and maybe the room lack a bit of low end clarity and maybe a bit of fatigue from the Be tweeters.

Finally has anyone had experience buying direct from Japan? Can I assume the transformer is going to add unwanted noise?

Appreciate any thoughts love the forum. Learn from it everyday.

Thank you

JF

 

 


 

jwfitzdo
dr-boop
109 posts
 

The 507 and 509 have a more refined sound over the 505 that is going to be noticeable on your Be. I think the treble refinement and warmer character of the 509 is your ideal. Still, you have 328s and they really should be fed some massive power. The Luxman will get it done, but not quite what they really want for power. Someone mentioned Anthem STR integrated. If you can manage separates, the STR power amp is really where you want to be looking, power wise.

Integrated amps, unless they have BIG power, are going to let you down on 328. Strap big power to them and you'll get superb bass!

arcam88's avatar
arcam88
445 posts
 

+4 for Anthem STR!

I've had mine going on 7 years.

Very solid build, never had any issues.

Great sounding amp throughout the sound spectrum!

Very happy customer!☺️

secretguy
1,983 posts
 

 Someone mentioned Anthem STR integrated. If you can manage separates, the STR power amp is really where you want to be looking, power wise.

Integrated amps, unless they have BIG power, are going to let you down on 328. Strap big power to them and you'll get superb bass!

My STR Int laughs at the allegedly power hungry Maggies.  Effortless from top to BOTTOM.

doyle3433's avatar
doyle3433
388 posts
 

Several excellent suggestions for sure. Hard to go wrong with the Anthem, Yamaha, Luxman or Accuphase. (Either Luxman or Accuphase will be the next in my rack).

By your listening preferences might i suggest the Cary SLI80HS? I have had mine for almost two years and it has been excellent. With my pretty efficient Volti Razz it really sings. The newer versions of the Cary use a solid state rectifier section as opposed to the older ones which used a tubed rectifier. The difference is a much tighter, less honey sweet (and sometimes too sweet) sound. 

Only one state over from you, no tariffs and I'm sure you could work out a home audition solution.. 

westcoastaudiophile
819 posts
 

JF, I would recommend to look into separates also.. it leaves you more flexibility later on changing only power amp, for tubes etc..

I have Accuphase pre (2450+AD2850 phono), which is very good perfect to drive Luxman MQ88uC tube amp or Accuphase A48/P4500.

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