Love the Luxman. That’s probably only one of the other amplifiers I would consider.
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Oddly enough I chose Luxman to tide me over while the Naim system goes into storage during a new house build.
Still 8 weeks from unboxing the Luxman though.
Although they go for EI transformers, build, over engineering, star earthing, and regulated power amps put them in good company with Naim.
Spookily so does their relationship with Focal, but I try not to hold that against them.
Go used; there is gear around. I’d contact Tyler, owner of Next Level outside of Chicago, and tell him what you want. Used gear is around and a great value.
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No federal tax, state sales tax is usually 7% or so. Unless you go to a state like Delaware that has no state sales tax.
I missed which Luxman?
The SQ-N150 integrated tube amp and matching DAC from the same range.
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I’ve been thinking of a Luxman 509X, Pass Labs INT-60, Chord CPM 3350, Boulder 866… I find my SN2, HCDR just doesn’t get it done for me. I think in a smallish room it would be ok but there’s a lack of transparency ,speed and slam that the SN2 lacks. Funny thing here in the US I could buy the Boulder 866 with optional DAC Card for the same price as a 300DR.,
The 509 is a luxuriously built gorgeous bit of kit. Not heard one though.
I’m not really looking to replace my NDX/XPS/282/SC/250 but I physically can’t use it for a couple years. Luxman seemed like good fun and the entry level stuff lets me still have music. I’ve got no aversion to non Naim so I thought “why not?” A pair of easy to drive speakers and job done.
I recently had a Luxman L-509x on home demo and liked it. I was also demoing a lovely pair of Marten Miles 5 speakers. I was surprised how great my NDX2 sounded bare through this simple system. The 509x is definitely worth a demo.
I’ve ended up with the smaller Marten Duke 2 standmounts which work better in my modest sized room. I’m now looking to demo the Class A Luxman L-590AXII. Also my dealer is soon sending over a Class A Sugden Sapphire pre/power combo to try out with my new Dukes.
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Do try the Luxman L-590AXII. It is very special. Class A and its power rating is rated conservatively. Check out Steve Huff review of the Dynaudio S40 by typing “Dynaudio S40 Luxman” on Google.
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Would be very interested in the outcome of the 552/300DR vs Luxman L-590AXII vs Sugden Sapphire pre/power on the Marten Duke 2. I haven’t heard about the Sapphire before and will look it up later.
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That’s an interesting comparison, I would like to make it as well (I have the the 3010S2D and the NDX 2). By the way I love the 3010S2D integrated amplifier, you made a great choice (actually I believe it’s better and more refined than a Naim XS 2, maybe it only lacks a touch of grunt in the bass. I can’t judge the SN3 as I’ve never tried it). A SN3 might be better with bigger speakers, who knows.
Has anyone heard the current batch of Exposure Pre amps (3010 or 5010) feeding a Nap ?
Only asking because I quite like the idea of a one box pre.
I’ve not tried myself but a friend of mine is feeding a pair of Exposure 5010 mono blocks with a 252/SC DR and feels it betters the 300 DR it replaced.
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Exposure is an interesting brand, sometimes compared to Naim, perhaps because they both hit the market at about the same time and both quite minimalistic
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When I was a kid my Dad was obsessed with having a boat, more for the ownership and tinkering than any real desire to roam the Norfolk broads or the length and breadth of Britain’s canals. He eventually tried it twice but never took to it. He hasn’t said but he must have lost a fair few £s.
When I invested in the hifi Dad questioned the expense! But his experience was a lesson to me, to keep the interest in balance. As @anon4489532 says it is all about the music, as obvious as that sounds.
Regards,
Lindsay
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Not always some people like to tinker with electronics and the influence they can have on the music their hobby is more about that than music itself if not then why not just listen to a cheap radio?
Yes, but with a cheap radio you’re not going to hear so much of the music.
I respect anybody who treats hi fi as the hobby. It is fascinating and like any hobby removes you from less desirable aspects of life. But for me it’s the music. Cheap radio, portable cassette, anything. Just give me the music.
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Hi Bob, you’ve certainly experienced loads of Naims! I use older Dyn floor standers and love them. The one thing I noticed you hadn’t tried was changing the Snaic/Hi Line for non Naim leads. I and from what’s said on this forum quite a few others have gone over to Witch Hat audio’s Morgana cables - the improvement in sound IMO was massive. The Dyn’s had a new lease of life, I hadn’t experienced such deep bass with no waffle before, nor even more extended and detailed treble with no hint of splash.
Still next time eh?!
Best wishes Amer
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