Phono stages - Rega Aura vs Luxman EQ 500
Hi guys,
I just recently upgraded my vinyl rig to a Rega P8 and Aphelion 2 cartridge. Now it’s time to look at a new phono. Currently, I have a Pass XONO but I feel my new table/cartridge could benefit from an upgrade from the 20+ year old Pass.
Two phonos that have caught my eye are the Rega Aura and Luxman EQ 500. I have briefly heard the Aura (and liked it) but a couple friends told me the Lux is wonderful. I unfortunately cannot hear the Lux (before purchasing) as it’s now discontinued. Has anyone heard or compared these 2 exquisite phono stages?
I know many will want to share their favorite phonos but right now I would like to hear only from those who have direct knowledge of one or both phonos.
Also, I just have one table, so the extra inputs on the Lux are really not important to me, just the sound quality.
2 different sound presentations. Subjectively, the tubed Luxman might be heard as more believable/organic. Luxman EQ-500 For Sale | Audiogon Asking price isn't terrible, but a selling price is ALWAYS negotiable. I would start at BELOW 1/2 retail price and haggle away.
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I recently upgraded and using the EAR 88PB tube Phono with the EAR MC4 SUT and I’ve never heard a better phono in my system. I’ve had some very expensive phono preamps in the past and this one is special. It’s dead silent, organic and exactly what I was looking for in my vinyl playback. There are several reviews out there and it’s received lots of phenomenal feedback. |
I have the Rega Naia with Aphelion 2 cartridge. That being said I have a second non-Rega turntable with a soundsmith sussuro cart on it and the Gold Note PH-1000 performs best on that one. |
I would not consider any phono stage that did not have a MM input. Even if you intend to use it with a MC or a low output MI cartridge, you might want to try an external SUT. Or you might inherit a whole bunch of old records and need a less expensive MM cartridge because they are not pristine enough to want to use your very expensive MC cartridge. Believe me, flexibility is desirable. The Luxman offers a lot of flexibility. |
There is a less expensive Luxman E-250, rear panel switches and jumpers (far easier than internal), two inputs https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=luxman+e-250+phono and a Luxman E-07, if you want XLR connectors I would check all the Luxman options I didn't know about, more research, then get lucky
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