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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 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)

patrickalston
175 posts
 

@billstevensonson wrote "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."

I never considered that especially since I inherited a stack of old records from my neighbor.  

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