Luxman 505UX vs. Luxman 550AX Integrated Amps

Steveashe,
Very good info. Thanks!

My first audition was the Luxman 550ax and I thought it was terrific. The next step, of course, was to listen to the Luxman 590ax. It was a huge improvement over the 550ax and was more expensive. After listening to both units several times, I decided to replace my Ayre AX-7e integrated amplifier with the Luxman L-590ax class A amplifier. In addition, I wanted a fully balanced integrated amplifier like the 590ax.

I was "surprised and shocked" at how much better the Luxman was over the Ayre. Of course, there is a huge price different but I felt the extra dollars were justified because of the improved sound.

In summary, the music is fuller, with more detail and with better bass control. I am hearing more things than I did with the Ayre AX-7e amplifier. The mid range is outstanding. I do not understand but classical music sounds better on the Luxman than the Ayre. The music is clearer, more airy and easier to listen to. Overall, the new amplifier sounds excellent in my system. I listen to classical, jazz, blues, country and new age.

I recommend you give the Luxman 590ax a listen. It drives my Sonus Faber speakers perfectly and class A sound is excellent.

Comparison to the similarly-priced Ayre AX-5 would have been interesting.

I prefer Ayre digital and Luxman class A.

I had a Rega Osiris and replaced it with a CJ Premier 140 with Teflon upgrades.  The CJ was a much more powerful amp.  It had a lot more dynamic energy and harmonic richness.  I have since moved on from the CJ>.  However, I found the Rega had a sweet spot.  To low a volume and it was bland.  To loud and it definitely told you to turn it down.  Harsh and fatiguing.  A Isotec Syncro made a huge improvement to the Rega.  At the right volume it was very nice.   I guess I am saying, I was considering a Luxman M600a, but if it performs like a Rega, its not for me.