Luxman L-505uX II Review, Best Amplifier Under $5,000?
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- Опубликовано: 23 янв 2020
- Luxman 505uX II Integrated Amplifier
Price: US$4,495.00 (Jan, 2020)
Overall Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
This may be one of the best amplifier under US$5K currently available in the market, Overall great musical sound with big sound stage, pleasing highs, musical midrange, good bass performance, excellent sound signature,
If you’re not picky like me this is a great choice, for me I would preferred a little more tighter bass and more precision in higher frequencies, I felt like this is not a major upgrade from my current amp, overall refinement is about 10% -15% better for significant sum of expense.
To get significantly better sound than my current amp I may have to go up on higher price point than this from major high end brands.
Pros: Beautiful Design, Very Good Sound.
Cons: It’s hard to justify the price difference from sound quality.
Build Quality: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Highs:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ½
Midrange: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ½
Bass: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sound Stage:⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ½
Price: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
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I’m happy to hear that the Luxman worked out for you. Luxman or Yamaha you couldn’t go wrong with either.
Im so confused with every reviewer. But I have to admit your so down to urth and real! I admire that the most. So thank you & keep up the good work 👏 namaste 🙏
Thank you for your nice review. I just got the 509x on B&W 803d3. Compared it to the NAD M33 which I really liked at the beginning. After listening to it for 1 Week I switched back to the 509 and then I heard the difference. The sound from the 509 is so much more alive and engaging. Verry deep, airy soundstage. The bass is more structured and precise, M33 ist not in the same league. So I am very happy with it. No problem with my wife, she is into Hifi as deeply as i am. Thank you Lord. From Munich in Germany, all the best to you.
Which hi fi stores in Germany offer good deals ?
Great review and thank you. Just bought the 505!!!
@@lkl7045 I’m pairing with Martin Logan SL2. From the mid 90s :-)
Very well done review (aside from the mic problem) and if I weren’t a tube guy, I would seriously consider this one.
Thank you.
I absolutely love your humble view of how enjoying music in the best way without being pretentious and stuck up in the audio world. Your a good man.
Thanks for the great review. Always entertaining and informative.
I'm considering this amplifier but I often I do not listen loud, especially at night. How is the low volume performance of this amp?
Tharbamar, i got a big smile on my face when you described about luxman's tone control because thats what Ive experienced too. Mine is vintage though (luxman L3), but I think its sound signature/ character is still thesame. When you add bass to it, ONLY the heaviness of the base will be affected unlike others (mostly) that I tried that the midrange will be CONTAMINATED. Thats why I like dialing my tone controls when Im using my luxman. Cheers!
Exactly Harold, it could be my favorite thing on this amp, thanks
Tone controls are important for flexibility. I don't know why most of the companies omit bass/treble controls since not all recordings are perfect. Good that some companies like Luxmsn, Accuphase, Marantz etc still retain them.
Good Morning, Thanks for your top review ! very interesting. What I did not catch exactly (Maybe because of the sound Quality due to the broken Microphone ;-) was about the power supply chord. Is the one supplied by Luxman good or did you change the original Luxman one by another power supply chord ? If yes please advice which one. another Quetion would be the choice between the L-505uXII and the L-550-AX Mark II ? Thanks for your advice.Looking forward to read you. Have a nice day. Yves
I just bought this amplifier and it is so amazing, and luckily my wife could hear the difference so all good. Thank you for your review.
searching for hifi wife....
Me to
Looks like a great amp. How would the luxman compare with the mcintosh ma252 or the rega aethos? I have a Rega Elicit which I'm quite happy with but starting to get an itch to upgrade to something a bit more. I have harbeth hl5 plus. Nice review.
Won't go wrong with Luxman. It will be a great investment for years to come.
well, I bought the complete Laboratory Reference Series (20K) in 1977. Never ever did I encounter worse equipment, so shut up!
@@cirrus1964 what is wrong with you?
@@cirrus1964 Then why are you looking at a review for new Luxman equipment ? Just a drive by insult ?
@@cpg8000 Better question would have been not what's wrong with me, but with Luxman then..
I'm glad you mentioned the cables, I am going to demo this amp tonight. I have Audio Quest cables as well so I will be swapping out cables as well. I have a Luxman Cd player and the sound signature is similar as you describe the amp. Very transparent, neutral, musical.
Hi Tharbamar, Thanks for the level review. Could you tell me what music you're using at the intro?
nice revieuw , thanks
Oh my goodness is that the amp you chose? Incredible I didn't pay attention.
Great video thank you
Get yourself a 550 or 590. Luxman make great Class A amps. Agree with you re the phono stage. Luxman make seriously good phono stages in their integrated amps.
Would love one of these in my modest system
Tharbamar, I have the same amp with Klipsch Forte III . It´s wonderful.
Before jumping up to the Diamond range or changing amps I'd seriously suggest trying out the 705 S2 speakers first, the separated tweeter really does make quite a difference.
I would try them when I have chance, thanks
I have the 705s2 paired with the Yamaha AS2100. No regrets.
That would be very nice paring.
@@primejudicator7817 you guys must like you some treble ; )
If you plan on looking at speakers in the future seriously look at Golden Ear Tritons, they sound better than speakers twice their price. They disappear like a bookshelf and project a wide 3d sound stage. Tonally very neutral, musical and the bass is sublime. These are one of the best values in speakers out there in my opinion. The new Monitor audio Golds are exceptional as well if you like a more forward presentation. They are dynamic, have great slam, and look stunning. I believe both of those speakers would pair really well with the Luxman.
Thank you.
👏👏👏👏👏 so happy for!! Really
Nice amp nice review nice guy
The more I watch the more im excited for your passion! 😊 it's contagious 😄🙏👌
Are you turning in to gae too?lol
Have you considered PASS LABS? INT60 OR INT25
For 4700 € , after comparison of the amps , i bought Yamaha 2100 , the Dynaudio Forty 40 cost O .
Un’ottima scelta potrebbe essere yamaha a-s2200, che ne pensi?
Great evaluation. If you are happy, good enough. I have not ever owned a Luxman to know what they can do. I think in the path to perfect sound many different variations of components should be tried, it makes the hobby fun. Not so good for a bank account with prices of today. By the way, I like a hybrid sound most always. I own a SP11 preamp and a hybrid headphone amp.
Thank you.
Natural sounds,price , quality and looks....Luxman is best choice....I think.....
Yes burn in is a definite factor with equipment. There should be a warning label. Yes the luxmans sound the best with their original power cables.
Luxman AC cables are very good.
Ha, ha.....
My setup sounds best in the morning.
Namaste! I can't stop being excited about your passion and happiness.
about 20 years ago i had an Onkyo integrated amplifier which was probably having at least same build quality -- and all knobs were out of metal ! This thing did cost a fraction of the Luxman --- I recall it was about 500 $ --
so in many regards super cheap. Sound was not bad -- but of course not comparable !
Excellent review. Just bought the same amp. Mine came wit a power cable made by Baohing. I was perplexed as I was expecting a Luxman cable. The dealer insist the cable I have is the original one supplied by Luxman. I am wondering what kind of pier cable the reviewed unit came with. Thanks.
Don’t buy these amps it comes with many cheap parts inside as I stated in my review.
Very good and interesting, dankeschön.
Great Review! Does this means you won't review any of the others in your amp round up?
I'm not sure I can get them for home audition but I will review what I can get, thanks
I had this amplifier and sold it, but I think it will be a good match for your B&W.
If I may ask, what was wrong with it? Why did you sell it?
Very nice system
I told you that you would fall in love with the Luxman. I have heard it before and if I didn't have the separates that I do, I would have bought it, it's that good and they do go up in quality with price. My problem is I enjoy the flexibility that separates give me and balanced is a must at this point in the game. Now the hard part do I piss off the wife or go for the gusto realizing that I love upgrading. I have a feeling that the wife will win out here and if you do she will put her feet down and their will be no more upgrading for you for quite a while. My last big upgrade were speakers and I'm glad I did it. Good luck with what ever you decide and keep us advised.
Tharbamar: what about your pioneer amp? this is better? also, considered Hegel?
Please see my latest video up to date info, I'm using Denon PMA-SX11.
Hey Tharbamar. Have you tried Rotel amps? B&W use rotel to test their speakers and they also share the same factory in China. Maybe something like RA1592 would be a good match for your system
I have not tried latest Rotel gear yet but I will try them when I have chance, thanks
@@Tharbamar Rotel's newer stuff isnt quite as good as it used to be. They did recently release their high end line , Michi.
If you gonna push it, try to see if you can get your hands on either the Audia Flight FLS10 or the Silbatone JL-107 for a review. The Silbatone is very very nice.
I will see who have them in stores to demo, thanks
Hi, thanks for the review. I have Denon PMA 110 and I was thinking to go for Denon PMa X1, or Luxman L505 , but I don't know which one will produce more natural, warm and detailed sound. Please advise, Thanks!
Hi, Denon SX-1 or SX-11 which ever is much better amplifiers, Luxman 505 have to compare with PMA-2500NE class, FYI L505uX II doesn’t even come with real Luxman transformer, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thank you so much for your explanation! One final question, what would you prefer if the choice is given between Luxman L505 & PMA A110? Why? Thank you!
@@zulfi1969 Sound is depending on paring components and personal preference but I would go 110 over 505uXII, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks!
so there is a small light indicating the output dial location, but nothing on the volume?
name of song at begining please. i love the look and sound of these amp more than accuphases and mc intosh
I’ve had similar experience with power cords. It seems if the power supply within the kit is well designed the result tends to be as you describe, soft bass and dull highs. I suspect it’s how the power cable does its ‘job’ that causes the issue so a different design may ‘improve’ things in a more palatable way for this type of equipment.
Where did you get it ?
hi Tharbamar, I appreciate this is a three years old video, but what does your Denon integrated do better than this Luxman?
Yes about two times better, thanks
@@Tharbamar Thanks for sharing.
Excellent review! I do own the very same amp, however, i am having an issue matching the right speakers to it. My den is 9x9. Based on your extended experience what pair of speakers should i get to make a "union made in heaven"? I do not really care about floor or bookshelf ones, nevertheless, i have only used floor type . My budget is $5,000. 6K tops. Please give me your professional advice.
I had a chance to audition 4 luxman: 505uxii, 507uxii, 550axii, 590axii. The axii are more musical, more natural, more details and smoother than the uxii. The axii series are class A amplifier (yellow vu meter), and uxii are class AB amplifier. I have not auditioned the 509x but that one is a class ab as well. I got the 550axii and I love it. Dont get fooled by its small wattage, it is louder than my mcintosh ma252.
Yes I have my interest in Class A amps from Luxman and Accuphase as well, I will try them when I have chance, thanks
Question for people who have this great amp. I have the Dynaudio’s Heritage Special, and with streaming audio the volume knob is at 5 min to 12 for a reasonable volume level. The phono channel is louder. Anyone recognizes this?
That Luxman looks really good. I would probably lean towards McIntosh, at a similar price point. Thanks for sharing, nice to see you happy.
Cabaret Voltaire i heard 505 vs mc 5300. Luxman was far better.
@@fulukuku Cool, thanks for sharing.
@@fulukuku I would agree. The Mc amps w/o the autoformers are pretty run of the mill- nothing to write home about.
@Cabaret Voltarie Recently I tried MA352 at store and it's not the sound I like, thanks
Tharbamar I also wanted to erite to you that what u miss in your system can be a match issue with your speaker. I heard this amp with Elac Vela 407, and the sound has been very clear with tight bass and very nice soundstage.
Are you still using the Luxman UJX505 II or did you already sale it?Michael from Germany
Now I’m using Denon PMA-SX11, Thanks
ruclips.net/video/G_V84eSwe0s/видео.html
Even before you talked about it, I was saying in my mind you need to try a different power cable !
Luxman is somewhat the Cadillac of amplifiers. Big, heavy, well equipped, with a cushy ride. I suppose you need to determine if that's the sound signature you're looking for. You might want to try out something diametrically opposed to what you're used to just to see = Rega, Naim, etc. You never know. If you save a few bucks you could use them towards better speakers and keep the WAF under control as well.
I tried Rega Elicit R, Hegel H160, H360 and some Roksan as well, they are not the one for me, thanks
@@Tharbamar I wouldn't overlook Primare I25 and I35 either. Class D done right. If I was shopping they'd be on my ''A'' list as well.
Tharbamar I would be interested to know your thoughts on the Roksan? There isn’t many reviews on them out there. I almost set on a Denon PMA-2500ne but haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet. It will be used to drive a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 500s. Just wondering how a Roksan Blak would compare to the Denon.
that is a nice review and the same issue here with the wife :D i understand that hehe
can you actually reach the turn table?
Where did you buy this amp ? There is a lot of sellers from Japan in eBay but I don't know. Any advice?
Thanks
From local dealer in the U.S.
@@Tharbamar Thank you 🙏🏻
luxman or primaluna for under 5k tube amp? I've narrowed it down to these two D;
I was thinking of Prima Luna and then I discovered Raven Nighthawk and Raven osprey. Never pulled the trigger and now I'm considering luxman. Steve Huff wrote a great review about Raven. Made in USA with lifetime warranty.
why the can't leave that we the users choose the color? you know with a setting.
Its Netural sounding letting your speaker revel thier true sound ?
Actually this Luxman change the character of B&W, it can put total influence over paring speakers with its own signature sound which is very good sounding like high quality tubes.
You like you Denon right ? Its hard to upgrade after you like something so much and getting so use to it. , the Denon is a BMF no dought Luxman ahould be better but thats subjective , I can't find a better Integrated than my Sansui AU 20000 that i restore it was amazing ! I may go Hegal one day their circuitry is pretty different
Heck, your up early!🤗🤫😬 I love my Denon but I do realize there is better but at what cost? I mean my 590's and surrounds when used are more than enough for me. Never really put a so called high end integrated to see the difference? Tried the very popular Yamaha you can get at Costco 6 series and what a difference! The Yamaha sounded very Sterile and back it went! Couldn't believe my 20 year old 3801 sounds a trillions times better. Even the wife said get that thing out of here! 🤗🤪🤔😬 I might have to get something high end from crutchfield considering they're great return policy and try one of those like the Marantz Ruby or something similar.
@@bigjay1970 you threw me off there for a secound big jay lol !!! Yeah Yamaha budget gear pre 1 k isn't what it use to be ! Did you watch my video before i deleted it about why i started my channel ? And yeah i work 3rd shift
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120
No, I unfortunately didn't see that video.🤗😬
@ Tee-Jay Yes I do like Denon but not everything, I will have comparison review with Luxman in a few weeks, thanks
@@Tharbamar thank you !
whats the track at the begining ???
I heard the amp recently. It looks just great but it doesn't work well with every speaker. Careful system match is a must.
Which speakers in your opinion are good matches? Which ones to be avoided?
@@dockausik you now, it's mostly personal choice. I heard only Focal Kanta no1 and no2. In comparison with Naim amp the Luxman was shy in bass area. Naim had much stronger and punchier bass.
What turntable are you using?
Denon DP-47F from 1996.
It is better than the as2100? Are the small knobs plastic?
Vic G. I had the AS2100 to drive my B&W 702 S2, it sound great for me.
Very much comparable, its comes down to personal taste.
Remember Luxman 505uXII, Yamaha AS2100 & Denon PMA 2500NE integrated amps were direct competing models in JDM.
Generally, I’d be going for more power, high current, 2 ohm spec and high damping factor to get more control and dynamics with something that has the signature and synergy you’re after 🙏
Yes I have something in mind, thanks
Tharbamar could you give me a hint please 😉. Thanks 🙏
If I buy a Luxman from Japan do I need a transformer to convert to 120v?
Yes you do need step down transformer.
So... are you going keep it? Cant you try the 507. Why wonder ? Ur gonna keep it for a longtime.
I'm going to try 507uX II for sure, thanks
@@Tharbamar Good choice! 507 is the sweet spot.
I think she has beautiful blue eyes !
I demo'd the Luxman 509x with Harbeth C7 and it was amazing... It did make the C7 sound extremely neutral though, and the C7 is considered a warm speaker. The bass control on the 509 is very impressive. I also heard them with Magico A3's and I thought there was a subwoofer in the room. It's been my dream amp, but after auditioning it I think I want to go for an Accuphase E480 instead (well, in several years of saving maybe). The Accuphase has an extra touch of warmth and musicality compared to the Luxman. P.S. the highs are very smooth and extended on the 509... but I think your Marantz CD player is going to be a factor in the soft highs. I demoed with a more neutral DAC/CD.
I have not tried latest Accuphase amps yet but I will do that in a few months.
You wondering about 509 and your wife? Well, let her hear it and touch that incredible machine... Maybe she changes opinion XD.
I just don't like the round litle knobs...I love the Yamaha AS 11100 design with the flat shape knobs. Me too, I prefer warmer amber backlights...the blue is very fatiguing.
Same here
tigerbalm I own the Yamaha and love it.
@Joe Al Blue is on the opposite color spectrum of amber. It's used in headlights for intensity. Amber is on warm spectrum.
You're falling back into the sickness lol.
What can I say, :)
Wow i have those power cords, now im worried!
It work well with Denon but not with Luxman,
@@Tharbamar strange the cheaper cable sounds better but not with your denon, so much we dont understand about electronics and acoustics
@@michaelmityok1001 PS Audio has lots of a very expensive snake oil .
Do you think it would pair well with Focal Aria 926s?
It should work well with Focal speakers.
Tharbamar I’m torn between the 505uxii and a lightly used 507ux 1... did you happen to research the improvements with the new model generation? I’m wondering if it’s better to get the step up in older model for the same price.
507ux 1 is better buy than 505ux ii because internal components are much better.
âmpli bn ,tiên vay???
what about the Yamaha A-S3000 amp if thinking spending a little more money
it has two bal lines
Yes I will be trying AS3000 in a few weeks, thanks
@@Tharbamar I had demonstration of Yamaha 3000 combo amp/cd two years ago. Amazing sound to my ears.
@@Tharbamar Did you ever get a chance to review the Yamaha A-S series?
Bring your dell again. I think you will sell this amp soon :-)
fala muito toca musica.
I have auditioned this entry level Luxman and can say it sounds exactly like entry level. Not worth the money. However it looks amazing and build quality is very high.
True. You can get the same sound for 1000 dollars.
@@musiconvinylisbetter.1449 I have the 1000 dollars Yamaha AS-801 to compare, they are nowhere near what Luxman puts out dude. You get what you pay for.
I auditioned both the 505 and 507 and To ME . The difference is almost so slight it isn’t worth mentioning .i know if i was blindfolded i couldn’t tell the difference
So are you keeping it?
Not Likely because I have different taste in preference, thanks
@@Tharbamar what are you going with then?
in my country it cost almoust 6 k
PS audio power cord probably a snake oil
It's interesting to note that for the $, the specs are nothing special at all. Hard convince myself that I can get a lot of gear for that $ with far better specs all around. I'm skeptical honestly.
The ''Specs'' tells you zero about its sound.
Rega elicit r is a good amp for the price luxman is too expensive i want until 1500 euro europe for dali opticon 2!!!
Try the Yamaha’s. They are fantastic.
Yes I have at the store with a few different speakers, they sound very good.
Até 5mil dólares tem os Hegel H360 e Acchuphase E-270. Eles são superiores ao Luxman L-505.
Agree, the blue light is really a down side...
He is not keeping it. He just needs time to figure out the wife situation.
axxxxman 😂
You read me!
So true... LOL
Looks like the law of diminishing returns kind of suck up on you here
I would not be thinking that way because if I like the amp I will be using it for very long time in my system.
Law of diminishing return doesn't set in until $15k plus
@@divertiti depends on rest of you system
Hi I am India I want you amplifier l
this guy is a kook, please disregard in reference to Luxman products.
Yes we all should disregard Luxman from the day it becomes Chinese company. Using many Chinese parts inside and still lied to customers by calling made in Japan.
You all have try NORMA ..another planet!All these stuff is industrial production..flat music,no personality..