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Bryston B-100 or Luxman L-507u?

First post. ;-)

Plan to upgrade my integrated amp to a Bryston B-100 (basic model) or a Luxman L-507u.

Has anyone compared these two? My system, albeit modest, is a pair of B&W 805 matrix on the 805 Sound Anchor stands, the other end is an Oppo BDP-83SE. The amp that either of these would be replacing is a 15 yr-old Cyrus III with PSX-R.

I live in Japan (expat Canadian). The Luxman I can get for a fair amount cheaper here, than it goes for stateside. The Bryston, I'd buy from a someone back home and have it sent over to Japan.

I Iike the simplicity of design (inside and out) of the Bryston, but the fact that the Luxman seems to be a good deal here, is tempting.

Would appreciate any thoughts comparing these two amps.

Thanks

Peter
128x128petehb123
petehb123's avatar
petehb123 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for all the additional input. Much appreciated.

I just received a follow-up mail from James Tanner at Bryston. Apparently the N.A. version will probably have voltage problems in Japan. The B-100 has a protection circuit that prevents the software from being corrupted. Any voltage below 104V will shut it down. I don't really think I want to go the step-up transformer route for fear of degrading the SQ. So, it looks like I may be taking a closer look at Luxmans and other brands mentioned above.
renjy651
74 posts
 
Using a step down transformer will not degrade sound quality if you are in 60hz area eastern part of Japan.Since bryston transformer are designed for 115v/60hz.
Luxman L-507U or Luxman L-509U Transformers are designed for 60HZ and 50HZ.I use to own a Luxman L507U.You can change the voltage to North American 115V by changing the jumper inside the unit when used in USA or Canada.Since you are in Japan Buy the Luxman High end L509U.L507U also is very good.
petehb123's avatar
petehb123 OP
4 posts
 
@Renjy651. Thanks for the information on transformers. Will definitely keep that in mind for future reference. It sounds like you know a bit about the Luxmans. ;-) Do you think the L-507u is the best buy (in Japan) as far as cost/performance, especially when comparing it to the 509u? Did you have much time to compare those two?
renjy651
74 posts
 
Bryston Int Amp is very good.The only thing is they dont offer 2 pairs of speakers.Check with Bryston if they offer 100 Volt version in Japan.
Luxman L509U is the best sounding Amp out there.For 2000 Dollars more it is the best buy.Luxman L507U also very good in cost/Performance.
If you like Bryston 115V/60HZ version use Sanyo or Nissyo Transformer 1500 WATTS 100V to 115V.These tranformers are made in Japan and will not degrade sound.
petehb123's avatar
petehb123 OP
4 posts
 
Just a short follow-up. Have decided to buy the Bryston B-100 here in Japan (yes, it's the 100V version). Went to Dynamic Audio in Akihabara and they gave me a price that was (although more expensive than N.A.) not so painful. ;-) I can understand people opting for the Luxmans but I felt comfortable with the sound of the Bryston in store and, that Bryston twenty-year warranty (compared to the two-year one for Luxman in Japan) has to be the deal maker! Thanks again to all for sharing your thoughts.
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