Luxman-L 507z Integrated Amplifier Review | Classic Design, Freak Clarity...

About Tom Martin:
Tom is a long-time audiophile. He began his reviewing career after acquiring the The Absolute Sound magazine in 1997 and then hi-fi+ magazine in 2002. He has worked closely with Harry Pearson and Robert Harley at TAS and with Roy Gregory and Alan Sircom at hi-fi+. Since Tom and his teams expanded the TAS and Plus platforms in the digital domain, he has served as Chief Content Officer.
For more product information visit:
www.theabsolut...
What Is The Absolute Sound?
The Absolute Sound magazine has been a leading publication in high-end audio since 1972. Since the early 2000s, The Absolute Sound has expanded to include web, newsletter, digital magazine, social media, KZbin and Substack platforms. The Absolute Sound platforms have a global audience of over 500,000 audiophiles.
For more show reports, expert reviews, features, and commentary subscribe to our newsletter at: www.theabsolut...
Follow us on Facebook: / theabsolutesound
#hifi #audiophile #theabsolutesound

[@QuangNguyen-oh6ju]

I've been searching for reviews on this amplifier. Thank you for being one of the first to cover it

[@thomasmleahy6218]

I would appreciate a rundown on the equipment in your system that was used in your listening sessions. Did you place it in more than one system? How did it compare/contrast with other units you are familiar with?? Thank you for this video, Mr Martin, most interesting. 👍👍

[@mattkozink7488]

The LIFES 1.0 distortion-cancelling feedback engine is also at the heart of the Luxman M-10X amp. Much of what the reviewer describes as the grain-less non-fatiguing tone of the L-507z is derived from R&D applied during the development of the M-10X amp and new C-10X line stage. Fantastic products that deserve the props offered by the reviewer.

[@davewin1792]

Great description, well stated about grain being at a subconscious level. Very much how when you experience pure class A for the first time, and listening for many hours, you never get listening fatigue. It really needs to be experienced to be appreciated. Most really good components will get out of the way and have as little impact as possible on the music that we play. Clarity is probably one of the most sought after attributes in my mind. Getting rid of that slight veil does cost money. Japan quality can never be overstated.

[@LuxAudio389]

You're review is spot on. I just bought the L-509Z and it has changed my mind about its' predecessor the L-509x which I also owned. The 509x is still amazing and has its place in many fine systems, but the Z line is proudly on a whole new level that I personally never new existed untill owning it. 🎶

[@barrybrennan2135]

What's the difference in your opinion?

[@LuxAudio389]

@@barrybrennan2135 The best way to describe what it does, is that it makes sound come from around the speakers. With complex music it doesn't fall apart or feel compressed. Each instrument has its place and detail that can be appreciated without being overbearing in the highs. It has a great balanced sound. As you get to live with it, it lets you appreciate or peer into the mix of a recording. Definitely a bit warmer and smoother than the 509x. Background vocals are also more distinguishable. The bass response is also improved: controled, tighter and deeper. It's a joy to listen too. Sometimes I wish my favorite songs were longer.

[@barrybrennan2135]

Excellent, thanks for the detailed answer. I aim to get to hear the 509z soon! ​@@LuxAudio389

[@Carl-yx1ww]

Finally someone who actually talks about an amp an not his whole life ordeal. Nice review boss . Enjoyed that.

[@jimvoos1820]

I really don't understand why this amp wouldn't work on most speakers in any size room, given the wattage/channel. Most people listen at 80db or less, and most of the time amps are putting out 5 watts or less to drive most speakers. Isn't this 110 watts? I can't imagine any scenario where that wouldn't be sufficient. The thing I am wondering is the current capability of this fine product. I also agree that the price difference in the US market is crazy. Luxman should sell direct, and offer online service. Most dealers are online now, and offer very little value to most buyers. Sad but true.

[@charlesf2804]

It just LOOKS like it sounds good. Beautiful.

[@fredcostas1945]

Great review, you're the 1st I've heard discuss grain in music, especially prominent in so many classical recordings & instruments.

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

Thank you for this interesting close-up on this unit. The competitiveness of today's market in high-end audio is truly fierce. Luxman's depth of research, at least in my view, is otherworldly fantastic. 1975's M-6000 was light years ahead of its time. It's vivid clarity, and presence was both immediate, and arresting. My dream set-up would be a family link to a CL-1000 to the main-in's, a pair of Ohm Walsh 5000's, or perhaps some Larsen 9's, or YG's Carmel 2's. Fantastic!

[@kennixox262]

I've been considering in my next listening room, down sizing to an integrated amp and have this as one of my considerations. $9,000 is a bargain in my opinion. I've reached the point to where, less is more when it comes to audio equipment. Interesting how life comes around full circle, going from a receiver in the 1980's, eventually to high end separates and now a desire to revert to a smaller setup.

[@Zhorellski]

What do you think about the Japanese 100V domestic models? They can work with a step down transformer. The US price is just beyond my budget.

[@les5309]

I enjoyed this video but think you guys may want to consider introducing yourself, by name and reviewing history, to your audience. Just saying!

[@thomasmartin2219]

You bet. I’m Tom Martin, CEO of The Absolute Sound and hi-fi+. I’ve been reviewing audio gear since the late ‘90s when I bought The Absolute Sound magazine. Most of our other video reviewers, like me, are experienced reviewers for our publications.

[@Drackleyrva]

Great review--thank you! I have a 505uxii----in your opinion, is it worth the extra $4000 to upgrade to the 507z? Thanks in advance.

[@ericstefko4852]

Tom did you get a chance to listen to the Class A Luxman Integrated Amps (L-590AII )? If so how does this compare to them ?

[@bygrace2683]

How does this compare to Pass Labs and specifically the INT-25?

[@carlosgoncalves4243]

Hello! Hi, agree with you about Luxman. I have Luxman L550 AX MK II Pure class A paired with Harbeth 30.1 and it really make beautiful music on my 1120 cubic feet room😉! Thank you for your video!

[@morespinach9832]

The bass impact on those huge Harbeths is pretty poor. Do you listen to mostly jazz or light music? How about 70s rock or 90s pop?

[@carlosgoncalves4243]

hello… I like acoustic music, jazz like trio and classical music. Also classic rock too.

[@morespinach9832]

@@carlosgoncalves4243 then Harbeth 30.1 with its low end of 50hz is really not worth the price. You have a subwoofer yes?

[@carlosgoncalves4243]

I don't have subwoofer, for me the most important thing is the mid band frequencies, but each person is different, actually they are my favorites loudspeakers because fits well my requirements of sound. What type of loudspeakers do you like? regards Carlos

[@1999zrx1100]

Don’t understand when people trash Harbeth, I’m running the Luxman L-590 AXII with 30.1 Harbeth’s and the bass is there in spades. Low volume late night listening I hit the loudest button and this set up sounds fantastic. Had Macintosh for years but this Class A 30 watt has my heart for years to come. 😎

[@robertnystrom289]

What speakers were you running? I can't imagine it's the LRS+, efficiency wise. Just curious- I have a smaller room that I'm thinking of 'updating'.

[@HungNguyen-dm3nr]

Thank you for being specific about the key strength of this amp. You mentioned that speakers having efficiency above 88 db will do. Any suggestion of brands and models that would give best synergy with this amp e.g. B&W 700 or 800 series, Focal Kanta ?

[@SirMountainpass]

Focal Sopra 1 complimented by a Sopra SW1000 active sub 😊

[@pumjirapat]

I used to pair mine with Martin Logan and Magnepan ( in a room 5 m wide * 7 m long) , both are rated at 4 ohms, the 509x ability to doublling down to 1 ohm match well with these speakers. very smooth and detailed sound

[@mahasidha9]

What does the rest of your system consist of? I am old enough to remember when The Absolute Sound included, at the end of each review, the reviewer’s system, so the reader had a reference to determine if their taste was in line with the reader. (AHC always matched mine). As already has been pointed out many come to KZbin to preview LISTENING to the gear; while this is a step up from reading TAS either online or hard copy, not by much; sorry Tom not enough for KZbin listeners.

[@daledecker8542]

He doesn't strike me as the PowerPop kinda dude.

[@benjaminjensen7834]

Does it have a high damping factor.

[@MichelLepage-h7y]

I own the Dynaudio HS, i understand it is not a good match. Tks for your answer, suggestion

[@shaylevy2192]

Why do you think like that ? I have to the hs and I want to by this amplifier

[@violin-schwerin]

I own the new sq-n150 tube integrated, heavenly!

[@DrBroncanuus]

is the spider a reference to driver component ?

[@dzemoski45]

I wonder if this is powerful enough to drive Susvara 🤔.

[@daledecker8542]

Does this integrated run Class A bias for a few watts?

[@SirMountainpass]

Class G does - check out the Creek Voyage i20 😊

[@daniannaci3258]

Every Class A/B amp operates in Class A for some part of its power envelope. That’s where the “A” in “A/B” comes from. It’s up to the designer (and how much heat sink he’s using) how far he wants to bias his amplifier. Luxman makes a couple “Class A” amps, like the Luxman L-590AxII, which I own. It, and all other Class A amplifiers are actually Class A/B amps heavily biased into Class A. My 590 is rated at 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 60 WPC into 4 ohms. In testing on the bench however, the 590 does 90-95 WPC into 8 ohms and about 164 WPC into 4 ohms. How? Past the 30 watt point, the amp moves into Class A/B. So the 590 and every other “Class A” amps are just Class A/B amps heavily biased into Class A (And have big heat sinks. Class A is very inefficient and makes a lot of heat). Luxman just chooses to rate those amp’s output power when the amplifier is fully biased into Class A. I am sure all the other Class A/B amps in the line are biased into Class A for the first 10-15 watts or so. Anyway, that’s where it counts, in low-level resolution.

[@virgilpalmer2427]

You could do us a favor and put the item in video more, so people can actually study what you are talking about... and appreciate the item.. 🙄

[@thomasmartin2219]

Will do.

[@keanedm3108]

The Japanese domestic version are 100V will they sound different when used with a step up (110/120v) transformer?

[@morespinach9832]

Not really. But I’d also recommend a proper power conditioning thing which can cost upwards of 1000 bucks. But maintenance in US and resale will suffer.

[@mikeeygauthier2959]

“If the SOURCE is wrong, then everything else will be wrong! It all starts at the recording studio.

[@richardbarton6784]

"Intergrated" is spelled "integrated"... Absolutely.

[@thomasmleahy6218]

Well, at least the misspellings and typos aren't as numerous as on other sites. It seems that some correspondents revel, no wallow in misspellings/typos.

[@realhi-fihelplarry8047]

Fewer watts usually also indicates a higher quality of sound.

[@peterw2714]

That’s debatable

[@JohnSmith-zl8rz]

this vs L-590AXII ?

[@hamidrezahabibi8111]

Is it Class D or AB?

[@thomasmartin2219]

AB

[@dougg1075]

Love it.

[@craigcoughlin1834]

Anyone with experience of this product or similar from Luxman, how does their sound signature differ from Accuphase? I tend to think of Accuphase being shade colored (warm) as opposed to Luxman being a bit more neutral or a little dry. Is that fair?

[@calvinkan3449]

Spot on! The difference between these two Japanese brands is just like your description. Both brands produce beautiful amps. Which to choose depends on personal taste.

[@daniannaci3258]

You are spot on. But the Accuphase cost twice as much as the equivalent Luxman in the US.

[@aleksandarstojceski3139]

Sounds like what audionet amps sounds like. No grain.

[@willmac5642]

Doesn't look as good as previous models imo.

[@dougdavis8986]

No offense but I would rather look at the amp most of the time.

[@huskypup3489]

I skeptical that there is as much sonic difference between amplifiers as high-end reviewers suggest.

[@CaptainCrunch823]

Count it a blessing if you have a system that you are completely satisfied with. For many of us in this hobby, we can tell a difference between amplifiers so are constantly striving for the next rung on the ladder.

[@5starmaniac]

It's very good, but pricewise it doesn't stand a chance to the Class D likes of Hypex Nilai and similar when it comes to pure neutrality

[@aleksandarstojceski3139]

Neutral can mean many things.For me most of time neutral components sound unnatural.

[@lordabhikingfisher8087]

I would take Yamaha AS3200 over this any day. I doubt I can hear the diff in sound sonic signature. Yamaha's build quality is high enough for me. 7K Yamaha vs 11K Luxman, Yamaha wins for me.

[@dbmccoy12]

Verbal diarrhea is so unbecoming. I don’t wish to be buried under a landslide of verbiage. Just for starters show us the back of this unit. Does it have XLR’s, as well as RCA’s????

[@adotopp1865]

Who has this sort of money to spend on an amp? This is a video for America.

[@ericjensen9091]

Probably up to 20 or 30 million Americans.

[@ericjensen9091]

I'm not one of them.

[@rafaelgonzalez-rb8yq]

THE SOLDANO SLO 💯 POEER AMP SECTION BEATS THIS ALL DAY LONG. AND IS LESS THAN $3K PER UNIT. HA.

[@FJBx100]

Yeah, right.

[@rafaelgonzalez-rb8yq]

SOME DUTCH AUDIO HI FI MAG CINTACTED MIKE SOLDANO THEY RAN HIS PEET SMP THRU THEIR GEAR AND GOT THE LOWEST THD AND SURPRISED IT WAS A GUITAR . MADE IN SEATTLE WASHINGTON

[@nirodha35]

WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING? hearing problems 🙈?

[@rafaelgonzalez-rb8yq]

@@nirodha35 I TYPE IN CAPITAL LETTERS. YOU READ WITH YOUR EYES IN ENGLISH. YOU HEAR WITH YOUR EARS I AM NOT SHOUTING..

[@stevenkoski228]

Japanese rubbish, my ‘80 Threshold equipment would bury it.

[@FJBx100]

LOL.

[@nasdkhan254]

Yeah right

[@sengo2143]

Your Thrashold would go to trash.

[@AudioThings]

I'm sorry, but it's not possible. It would have been nice, saving some cash and get some old stuff, but it's not the case. If you want the 507Z's clarity, purity, you need the 507Z to have it. :)

[@1999zrx1100]

Keep your head in the sand.