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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. 

naperaudio
patrickalston
175 posts
 

Here's the BOM.  It didn't paste the way I expected it to: 

 

Category Part Type Reference Part Qty
Power Supply Main Filter Caps Mundorf MLytic AG 10,000uF 63V 8
Power Supply Rectifiers Vishay UF4007 16
Power Supply Regulator Bypass WIMA MKS2 0.1uF 12
Power Supply PSU Wiring Neotech OCC Copper 16-18 AWG 6
Signal Path Output Coupling Caps ClarityCap CSA 10uF 4
Signal Path Bypass Caps Vishay MKP1837 0.01uF 4
Signal Path Gain Stage Electrolytics Nichicon Muse KZ 100uF 12
Gain Stage Matched JFETs Linear Systems LSK170/LSJ74 Matched Sets 2
Connectors RCA Jacks Cardas GRFA 4
Connectors XLR Jacks Neutrik NC3FXX-B / NC3MXX-B 2
Chassis Transformer Damping Dynamat Xtreme 1
Chassis EMI Shielding 3M Copper Foil Tape 1
patrickalston
175 posts
 

Here's the pricing and sources: 

Category Part Type Unit Price (Ref) Extended Price (Ref) Source (Ref)
Power Supply Main Filter Caps $32.00 $256.00 https://www.partsconnexion.com
Power Supply Rectifiers $0.60 $9.60 https://www.mouser.com
Power Supply Regulator Bypass $0.45 $5.40 https://www.mouser.com
Power Supply PSU Wiring $6.00 $36.00 https://www.soniccraft.com
Signal Path Output Coupling Caps $18.00 $72.00 https://www.partsconnexion.com
Signal Path Bypass Caps $1.20 $4.80 https://www.mouser.com
Signal Path Gain Stage Electrolytics $2.50 $30.00 https://www.mouser.com
Gain Stage Matched JFETs $45.00 $90.00 https://www.diyaudiostore.com
Connectors RCA Jacks $18.00 $72.00 https://www.partsconnexion.com
Connectors XLR Jacks $7.00 $14.00 https://www.mouser.com
Chassis Transformer Damping $20.00 $20.00 https://www.amazon.com
Chassis EMI Shielding $12.00 $12.00 https://www.amazon.com
    total parts price $621.80  
         
grk
290 posts
 

I had owned a Luxman EQ-500 for several years and I really liked it, but got that "itch" after a while and then bought a Moonriver Audio 505 and was blown away. The MR 505 is in a completely  different league and there is no parameter (at least that I can detect) where it does not out perform (sonically) the Luxman. BTW- I have been using the same cart Hana Umami Red) for both phono stages.

tablejockey
4,405 posts
 

The OP specifically request comments on the 2 mentioned models, but gets recommendations  and other suggestions.

Classic Audiogon

patrickalston
175 posts
 

"The OP specifically request comments on the 2 mentioned models, but gets recommendations  and other suggestions."

This is a public forum.   I know that my suggestion and those offered by others who colored outside of the lines comes from a desire to assist and exchange information.  If the OP doesn't like the suggestions, then the OP can ignore them; however, the information could benefit others who may read this (certainly more than comments from those who would try to police speech)

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