Hello, I picked up a Luxman 550axii several months ago from The Music Room and could not be happier. I had originally started off looking to McIntosh as my next purchase for a couple of reasons. I wanted to get back into solid state, I wanted more power, more dynamic impact, Mac's are pretty, I missed my old MAC 240 (even though it was tube), wanted to get back into the frat.. did I mention the looks?
Anyway I started to think what about class A? I had not had class A since my old Threshold 400A room heater.. I have sensitive speakers (Volti Razz) so it's not like I'm needing 2,000 WPC. So I started the research, reading, discussion, comparisons, searching etc. I narrowed my focus down to some contenders, a Naim Supernait 3, a Mac 5300, a PASS INT 25 and the Luxman 550axii.
I did some e-mailing with The Music Room, and decided on the Luxman. I am over the moon with my pick. TMR was as usual, top notch to deal with.
I can't really compare and contrast with modern Mac gear as my only experience was years and years with my trusty rusty 240. Sort of a different animals, different era's sort of thing. What I can compare it to is my Cary SLI 80HS and Margules ACRH3, both excellent integrated amps. The Cary and Margules share a similar signature, they are very musical, romantic, the sound feels warm and inviting. Tone is amazing as is the soundstage. The Luxman to me is very musical, slightly less warm and romantic. Where it really shines through to me is dynamic impact, holographic imagery, and a depth that is hard to put into words. It may be less warm and romantic, but makes up for it with a liquid sound that is simply addicting. The fit and finish can't be ignored either, it's almost jewel like, or like a fine Swiss or Japanese watch..