Luxman LX-380 or L-505Z (or CHoco EMEI)


Hi everyone,

I am looking to upgrade my integrated amp and considering these 2 Luxman amps. My speakers are Harbeth 7es3 XD. Listening room is medium sized and I listen to a variety of music with a heavy emphasis on alternative and indie rock. Anyone with experience, please chime in. 

As a curve ball - I have also been curious about the CHoco EMEI integrated amp. So any Harbeth users out there with this amp? 

Best regards, Billy

billynine

Harbeth 7es3 XD:

"86dB sensitivity (2.83V/1m), a 6-ohm impedance, and a 45Hz–20kHz frequency response, with power handling up to 150W, making it suitable for amplifiers from 25W/channel."

 The Tube amp may not have enough power. Maybe it’s a close call, I would think of the Luxman's the class A SS amps would be a closer match to the Tube amp then the 505Z. That said I’m a tube amp guy so probably try the tube amp lol. Really depends on what sound you are looking for. Classic Tube vs SS amp sound comparison.

@billynine  I have a Luxman 550AXII reportedly 20WPC powering a pair of Volti Razz. (somewhere between 93 and 95 DB sensitivity depending on who you ask)

The Luxman sounds and feels like it has gobs of power, plays everything with an ease and authority. There is a tubelike sweetness to the sound as well. For my set up I don't feel that there's a lack of current to drive my Volti's. I have read many times that Luxman under reports their power stats, and I can believe it. 

Previously my Volti's were hooked up to a Cary SLI80HS, very good sound, sweet and full. However compared to the Luxman, lacking in weight and dynamics. 

I tend to agree with @glennewdick maybe the class A options from Luxman would be a good match, there is a more powerful Luxman Class A in the 590AXII. 

i think a class ab luxman would do well with the harbeth c7

the choco is a scaled down kinki ex m1, and that amp is terrific with harbeths, it grips the low end powerfully and wakes up the somewhat reticent upper registers with a lovely sheen and silky airiness

when i had harbeths (mon 40, hl5, c7) i found that they love pure and powerful, grippy solid state -- hegels did wonders as did better musical fidelity, classe and of course, the kinki, which is a wonderful high performance exceptionally high value integrated

Thanks for the input and suggestions on class A amps. I will be able to demo the L-505 and LX-380, but not sure the 550 is available. The 590 is available near me, but outta my budget. @glennewdick - yeah - the vintage look of the 380 with tubes has my heart.

@jjss49 , glad to hear about the recommendation on the Kinki, Alvin Chee suggested the same thing. Good to know you've listened to it when you had Harbeth speakers. The c7s were hooked up to a big Krell amp when I demo'd them and the bass was amazing, so I have no doubt they like the current.