LUXMAN L 595A Integrated amp, Stunning!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes, I messed up, Denon is a lot older!

[@jeremytravis360]

I always preferred Luxman more in the 70's and 80's

[@garytempleton5097]

@@jeremytravis360 I have an L-430 which is still sounding good today after I just replaced a failed speaker relay. That's the only problem I ever had from it. They built them to last.

[@jeremytravis360]

@@garytempleton5097 I know most of the top makes were made that way. We used to call them Tanks. Built like a Tank is the British phrase, although tanks do break down a lot as we all know know.

[@garytempleton5097]

@@jeremytravis360 For sure. Considering this amp is pushing 30 years old, outside of that relay, it's been solid. There's a few minor problems to fix like an input connector on the back needs replacing, burned out bulbs but otherwise it sounds great and still quiet as a mouse. That amp is still selling on eBay for around $600 today. That's about what I paid for it back in like 1982 or 83 (don't remember exactly)...around there.

[@jeremytravis360]

@@garytempleton5097 I still have a TA 5650 and it works beautifully. 50 year old. I didn't use it much so it is still in mint condition.

[@truman4956]

I just love Steve’s passion and enthusiasm!

[@williampearson4968]

I agree that the Loudness Button is very useful for those of us who live in apartments and want to listen at low levels while still enjoying our music in the evening and nighttime hours and not wanting to disturb our neighbors.

[@mondoenterprises6710]

Is the loudness button a dynamic compressor? It brings up the low levels and brings down the highs?

[@gurdyman1]

@@mondoenterprises6710 A loudness button is an eq. It boosts the lows, and to a lesser extent it boosts the highs. This compensates for natural bass and treble loss our hearing has a low volume levels.

[@DKBoerner]

Very cool review and shirt! 😉

[@juvefc123]

Recently bought an L-507uX II ... most amazingly built amplifier I've seen

[@RX_Char_01Patti]

Instead of listening to a song I would listen to your this particular review and feel the passion and joy in your sound. :) Really amazing review. Loved it. Luxman amplifier is one of my dream amplifier.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Bought my first Luxman in 1975..................and ever since I love Luxman.......

[@RX_Char_01Patti]

@@frankgeeraerts6243 I listened to the Luxman amplifiers in the Capital Audio Fest in 2019 and I became a fan of that brand. The build quality is rock solid. I am sure your almost half century old amp must still be going strong even today.

[@LuxAudio389]

Yup it's their sleeper.😉😉 Luxman does not dissapoint in their higher tier for the most staunchest of audiophiles.. Glad you like it!!

[@customconsult9520]

As an aside, Denon was founded in 1910 & recently released their “110” commemorative series.

[@bikdav]

Oh. I didn't know that.

[@Csnumber1]

My favorite Integrated Amp that I have owned was the beautiful LV105u by Luxman!! Not surprised you love this so much, their build quality is second to NONE!!!! Oh and now they are already selling for $14,000!!

[@Book-Mark]

95 years of making the best control knobs in Hi-Fi, and this looks to be one of their best so far! Great review thanks.

[@datka3]

Luxman fan here with M900 and CL 1000 pre , I have finally found my sound

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Luxman are definitely the most musical amplifier very detailed

[@bikdav]

I'm glad that you mentioned bass treble and loudness. Too many amps don't have those. Yes, I use these controls. Also, I'm interested in hearing that Technics turntable review. I love "dj style" turntables.

[@ronlel6773]

You love DJ style turntables? How sad.

[@justadad2304]

Steve truly is one of the great audio reviewers. What a treasure you are.

[@ajzepp8976]

Steve basically just says everything is butterflies and rainbow farts. Consumer reviews are much more reliable when considered in groupings vs "professional" reviewers. Also have to be somewhat dubious once reviewers start getting up in age. Not much we can do to mitigate natural age-related hearing loss. (Even though I'm sure most of them would declare their hearing to be good.)

[@ljurk1]

9:01: >Vinyl has its own sound. It's warmer, it's softer, it's sweeter, it's - well- *less digital*.< - Only Steve can say that, this way😊

[@REX4340]

I'd be happier if he'd just say vinyl sounds better...

[@aceofspades6667]

Luxman and Accuphase sure do make some special gear.

[@bikdav]

Agreed.

[@IronCan88]

Which one is better overall? I have the Hegel h390 currently. Can you tell me which model woul be similar or superior? I would like to read some reviews. Thank you.

[@aceofspades6667]

@@IronCan88 I have Hegel H160 and it pairs well with my Maggie LRS. Hegel has a clean sound with a very strong amp stage with good dynamics and damping factor as well as being stable down to 2 ohms. Luxman And Accuphase has a classic class a sound signature. Warm lush and finesse but they won’t have the power to drive Maggies as well. If yours speakers are more efficient then go luxman accuphase or pass labs over Hegel .

[@aceofspades6667]

Also if you want to improve Hegel give it a better Dac as the Dac section in their integrated is not great. I use Holo Spring KTE and it’s much better.

[@IronCan88]

@@aceofspades6667 thank you. I currently have focal aria 926, but hoping to upgrade to wilson audio Yvette (used) someday. I think the h390 will be good, but we always see praise on other products and get curious. I will try read up about the dac you mentioned.

[@THOMAS89450]

I have a copy of this Luxman 595A class A amp...I use it with a pair of Klipsch Cornwall IV like the ones next to you...and i play cd's via xlr cables from an SMSL PL 200 reader...fantastic..i don't change anything anymore..!

[@markc8773]

Nice set up! I bet it sounds sweet. Huge fan of the Klipsch signature sound. I have a 595ASE paired with JBL L100 75TH.

[@THOMAS89450]

@@markc8773 To day i received a Wiim Ultra copy which i tried with the Luxman and the Cornwall...what a good sound gives this cheap device..!...using it as a wifi streamer and Amazon Unlimited music, or playing files from a usb stick in the back of the Wiim...'une révélation' as we say in french..!

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

Hi Steve. I love the way you articulate the experience you enjoy whilst demoing the Luxman. Great gear for sure. Keep up the good work. Greg

[@leokuiper2593]

Love the Europe ‘72 album, thanks again Steve

[@DakTirCue]

My favorite live album of all time.. Perfect amalgamation of songwriting, harmony , production, and well seasoned musicians in their prime . Love love love Europe '72

[@radioflitercairplanes1715]

That is really saying something ! With all the mountains if gear you have had your hands on. I love the look of these.

[@EirkenElite]

I just had a very bad warranty experience with yamaha i replaced all my yamaha gear with luxman and accuphase....so happy

[@stillastillsfan]

Another forerunner in styling was the Luxman L-580/L-58A 30W Class A amps from late 70s/early 1980s. I had the L-580 and it was overall one of the best I had owned. I was not, and am not, crazy about this styling with those square buttons spread out on the front panel. I think the styling on the 30W Class A L-590AXII is much more elegant.

[@daniannaci3258]

Oh yeah. And you get meters and a tape loop, too. And save a couple G’s. Tho it looks like Luxman raised their prices about $500 just this week 😩

[@byron19800]

Activating the loudness button on my NEC vintage amplifier changes everything. So, yeah, bring the loudness button back!

[@michaelbrunskill5060]

Using a lovely old luxman 509f into Maggies at the mo. Spectacular combo. Your enthusiasm is completely understood.

[@Grooverski]

Looks fantastic. I'm sure it would sound amazing with my Cornwalls. Wish I could afford this classic, masterclass of engineering.

[@Kulumuli]

Personally I like the looks of their other products more. But I have no doubt this is a great product.

[@sdtx1112]

Knowing your love for Pass products (rightly so), to say you think this unit sounds superior is high praise indeed.

[@talibe801]

LUXMAN 595 and Denon PMA 110 are two of the best integrated amps in the market today,Denon value for money is incredible.The two oldest companies of audio are on Top.Congrats for the rewiew.

[@DougMen1]

Luxman and McIntosh are my bucket list amps. One of the best systems I've ever heard was in the mid 70s, with the mighty Klipschorns driven by the Luxman Laboratory Reference Series. As for loudness, all classic Japanese gear in the 70s had it, but, like tone controls, it became looked down upon by the snooty, snooby "golden ears". I won't buy an amp without tone controls, but I can live without loudness. Also, some loudness circuits only boosted the bas, while others boosted both bass and treble

[@thunderbird66613]

If Luxman keeps putting out these beauties, I might be getting divorced!!

[@Andrew.Z34]

Oh God. If i can only win the lotto. That thing is gorgeous.

[@xsamitt]

Thank you ....I was born this way!!!!

[@kloss213]

Another quality vid from old Steve Thanks much!

[@Robinson8491]

Happy somebody finally reviewing the Luxman gear, instead of only Chinese and American stuff. Happy you liked it!

[@paulroberts2800]

Denon is now 110 yrs old because I have just purchased the pma 110 anuverarary edition its gorgeous!!

[@matthewchrist9082]

My lord that is pretty

[@MH-rl9ep]

Looks awesome but I’m kind of missing the meters!

[@chrisfaint]

Get the 590 ax II, same amp inside

[@richardbarnes3757]

Steve, another wonderful review. Thanks for what you do and, especially, how you do it! Cheers!

[@jakemurphy9536]

Stunning amp. Would dearly like to have one.

[@patricaomas8750]

Is £12.5k a little out the ball park?

[@Cocteau61]

best shirt of them all

[@felipecervantes7881]

11,000!!!!

[@brightdevices]

Hey we are getting product photos now. NICE!!

[@peterwooldridge7285]

Always beautiful looking machines....

[@alizadehweshky]

Great review (as always), i am on the verge of buying this amp, would this match well with a proac speaker? What other brands would be a great match?

[@anonymohipp9097]

Nice review! I couldn't agree more about the loudness button.

[@shawnhudson3735]

Wow, you're a kindred spirit. Big into hi fi and we share a favorite movie of the current century. There Will Be Blood is an amazingly good movie, stellar acting with Daniel Day Lewis and Paul Dano, a sound track and cinematography to die for, and a compelling and profound exploration of religion and greed. Oh yeah I love class A sound as well, maybe I can afford the 590 version of the Luxman someday.

[@mazzysmusic]

The Dead’s Europe 72 is a wonderful sounding album even though they added tons of studio overdubbed vocals guitars, drums etc. still one of their best ✌🏻

[@keithwalker8090]

Other Than Workingman's Dead and American Beauty, It's my favorite Dead album.

[@777jones]

The Dead are an acquired taste (I’m a head for 25 years, ironically since after Jerry died). They definitely were into experimenting with live recording. Europe 72 was recorded to 16 track. But It was mixed to death kind of….

[@FOH3663]

"There Will Be Blood" the film... absolutely epic. One of the finest, most viscerally powerful films I've seen in a long time. I hadn't given the soundtrack much thought as it's own entity, but obviously it heightens the senses and punctuates the visuals quite well.

[@paulomontero12]

There will be blood if the wife finds out how much it cost.

[@millmoormichael6630]

I’m all for setting new standards for knob-feel 😅👏

[@Spock105]

This looks very similar to a Luxman A-383 I used to have . The square buttons are even identical and the layout is not far from that A383.

[@JoneLang]

Good to see a first English preview of the Luxman L595A SE…. I am looking forward to getting my set when it arrives and hopeful that it will indeed step up to those big shoes as compared to my outgoing Accuphase E-360

[@kevtn8]

Did you get your L595 yet? How does it sound compared to your Accuphase? I'm considering these two. Thanks

[@JoneLang]

@@kevtn8 yes I did .. my Accuphase-Luxman comparison notes : 1. Accuphase is warm sounding vs neutral sounding Luxman. I got used to the neutral sound signature of Luxman fairly quickly and liked it because I listened to a range of genres. 2. Sound stage of Luxman appears wider than the Accuphase and placement of instruments on the stage is clearer. 3.Clarity of mid and highs in favour of Luxman. 4. Bass is tighter and punchier in the Luxman. Caveat: it is not a like for like comparison as Accuphase was higher in wpc on A/B platform while Luxman was lower on wpc running on Class A. More WPC didn’t win.

[@JoneLang]

@@kevtn8 yes I did .. my Accuphase-Luxman comparison notes : 1. Accuphase is warm sounding vs neutral sounding Luxman. I got used to the neutral sound signature of Luxman fairly quickly and liked it because I listened to a range of genres. 2. Sound stage of Luxman appears wider than the Accuphase and placement of instruments on the stage is clearer. 3.Clarity of mid and highs in favour of Luxman. 4. Bass is tighter and punchier in the Luxman. Caveat: it is not a like for like comparison as Accuphase was higher in wpc on A/B platform while Luxman was lower on wpc running on Class A. More WPC didn’t win.

[@kevtn8]

@@JoneLang Wow congrats Joseph. It sounds like it's a great amp. I had L509x for awhile and really loved it. I've heard their class A Integrated is better so I'm very curious. How efficient are your current speakers? I'm using Harbeth 30.2 in small room and don't listen too loud. I wonder if most of my listening will be in class A. I'm also looking at Accuphase E480 or E650. Have you heard any of these yet? Thanks

[@JoneLang]

@@kevtn8 I think the sound signatures of the Accuphase and Luxman are quite distinct and appeals to different music palates. If you like less colour to your music and appreciate accuracy, go Luxman. I use my Luxman on Tannoy Kensington GR which are fairly efficient at 93 I think.

[@sebastianbachert9528]

Even though it's not my price class at all, I loved your review on this amp. Thank you, Steve. And thank you for mentioning Nils Frahm. One more reason to relisten his music. Best regards from Germany!

[@BMaxey]

They make less expensive amps, like my L505ux (now the L505uxIi). It's a wonderful amp, and if I ever upgrade it will be to another Luxman.

[@derekmann857]

What a wonderful review!! Steve rocks!!

[@toddhupp]

yes: loudness can fix up bad recording somewhat.very nice for low volume listening.

[@rotaks1]

Terrific episode. Vivid description. 👍

[@aardvark1140]

The Luxman ought to wow. Great nob feel! Quality connectors! I checked. Bought new, with tax, it costs way past $15,000.

[@daniannaci3258]

I’m surprised nobody mentioned that the Luxman L-595 is internally identical to the Luxman L-590 AxII. Exact same specs, exact same circuitry. Exact same sound if Steve’s description is accurate (I own a 590). Differences are the front panel, the unique and stunning volume knob design on the 595 and the 595’s lack of record out/monitor in jacks and the monitoring selector for those who want to record. And the missing VU meters. And the price: The L-590 AxII retails for $8995 USD while the L-595, as reported by Steve, is $11,995 USD. 33% higher. Ouch!! BTW the 590/595 puts out WAY more power than the specified 30 watts. Luxman specifies the power output available in pure Class A. Beyond that, the amp moves into Class A/B and was tested at 95 WPC into 8 ohms and 165 WPC into 4 ohms and is stable into loads as low as 1 ohm. Where’s my Apogee’s?

[@vintagehifilover]

...and it's not limited to 300 units worldwide!

[@swcblad]

luxman made some 200 improvements

[@daniannaci3258]

@@swcblad Curious, the specs don’t mirror any of them…

[@gregsturgess3876]

Still got my luxman M3 power amp it serves the pool well love your stuff Steve

[@proffessasvids]

Lovely review steve! Xx

[@rickp6731]

Wait until you listen to the all new Luxman L-507z they are very special indeed !

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

The Luxman sounds like a great amp. Pass Labs is one of the few solid state amps that consistently catch my attention. So it must be good if you see them as comparable. Nice viewer system. Thanks viewer for sharing.

[@BMaxey]

I love my Luxman L505ux

[@mondoenterprises6710]

I have an old 80's lux amp and pre amp kicking around. Perhaps I should plug them in. Just using a standard sony solid state avr now with all analog connects.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

A 30+ year old amp that hasn't been used in decades, take it slow. You might want to pop the cover and look at the caps for buldging or leaking.

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Follow the advice from Steve !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! never plug in an amp that old as such !!!!!!!!!!!!! Ask a good technician to check and recondition ( if you don't have the skills ) But in that case .............you might love it and wonder about it's musical forgotten charms......

[@teres007]

Wow! Love the retro style!

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Beautiful Amp. Luxman is awesome. I use a Funk Firm Achromat for my Technics 1500C that I would recommend highly. Locking replacement RCA cables also. I love this turntable. It’s cueing is not the best but if you know how to use a turntable and cue with no help it’s not an issue. Record brush the records at 45rpm without having to help the platter is a nice convenience. It also looks clean w/o the strobe and fader.

[@dougcampbell2814]

Love your shirt (and your review)!🎵

[@luigimattei7698]

Thanks Steve

[@jamesdwright]

Great choice of music Steve. I saw Nils Frahm at the Barbican on his Encores tour and it was an emotional experience. the Luxman however is a pipe dream.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thats a BMF !! Geez I love Luxmam

[@markymark6967]

Steve...you reviewed the D10x July/August of 2020...not this year as stated in your opening comments. I own the D10x and what a formidable player...Love it!!!

[@playbackamusicloversjourne8620]

If it was in my budget I'd have one also. I am lucky enough to have an L550A II which is very nice.

[@dontcare563]

We all knew this was going to be good. We were just waiting for a review to confirm that. With this being said it should be good for this price.

[@artsabound7627]

great review ! I enjoyed your comparison to Pass gear and from my experience with both I find the Lux to be more fluid , to use one word , or less restrained as you said.

[@vmpty]

Steve, thank you for your passion. I could really tell you liked this one. May I make a suggestion? The streamer you are using is not in the same league as the other components. I would like to recommend the EMM Labs NS1. Sound is really gorgeous especially the AES/EBU port, really high end (better than Innuos Zenith MK3 imho) and it works with UPnP phone apps.

[@peterlarkin762]

Ho Lee sheet. It's beautiful. That nob!

[@bozersgal]

Cool..lovely way to start my day!

[@stevengarner8524]

You gotta love a bit of Knob feel .. 💕

[@supergamerbros.1718]

Wonderful video

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

I have that Grateful Dead 1972 album very lightly listened to as I am not much of a Dead fan. Listened to all sides recently and it is good stuff as you say.

[@edmerkel2407]

If I had a spare $11,995 laying around, I can't think of a better thing to do with it.

[@mmaranta785]

Hookers?

[@markc8773]

And cocaine

[@skipskipson]

I just got the Technics 1500c and I absolutely love it. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.

[@tomwebb7091]

Talk about sycophantic... what if he says it stinks? Will you suddenly stop enjoying it and let a reviewer convince you it isnt good enough for you? The fact you are so keen (cannot wait even) to hear about a product youve already bought tells me you have your doubts about it anyway!

[@skipskipson]

@@tomwebb7091 He did infact, think it stinks. My life is over Tom. Thanks.You got me my number. You're so smart.

[@liamo4]

Steve I thought I detected a tremor in your voice at the end when you talked about parting with it. Maybe you have a few things to sell? I was certainly drooling.

[@dougg1075]

Denon set up the equipment for the Emperor’s speech after the bomb

[@paulomontero12]

Sintra Portugal is one of the beautiful place on earth!

[@jackdaniel9308]

that is a seriously impressive knob.

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

Knob feel:oh soooo important.One of the FIRST things I try to find in a professonal review isthe intimate relation the reviewer has with the knobs. Knobheads!!

[@metastaticmince2386]

i am proud of having developed a luxman knob pushing fetish...its really ridiculously manufactured so Joe will sit in front and just smile while randomly pushing the knobs and getting the tactile feedback and hearing tht specific "klick" - nothing else (true!) can give you this experience...

[@Chris.from.1950]

Thanks, Steve, for reviewing such a wide range of audio gear, including both the high and low ends of the price curve. Also, thanks for reminding me about the truly beautiful Nils Frahm Solo album. It sounds lovely even as it comes into the room via my 1972 Sansui 555 amplifier and Craigslist ‘90s Klipsch 3.2 speakers. I’m grateful every time you post a new video. All the best to you and Mrs. Audiophiliac. 👍👍🔥❤️

[@dherbman]

Insane prise duder🤣

[@Watcher4111]

Made in japan, thats good news

[@vintagehifilover]

...only 300 units worldwide... surely that's not enough! I guess it's for the exclusiveness factor!

[@edwardheins2930]

he said knob feel lol love this guy. id love it if you would roast my strange audio setup. my recovery system. i think you might be suprised by it :0

[@philwalker2265]

Thorens in Switzerland 1883

[@dougg1075]

I want ! I WANT!

[@scottmeyer6005]

I would love to hear it!!

[@WeLuv9x5]

My ol’ lady tells me my knob sets the standard!

[@TheChrisleekay]

My favorite Asian manufacturer by a country mile! 10K (pounds) puts it out of my reach but if I could I would!! :)

[@arthurfleck1554]

The 'knobfeel', sounds dirty, I like it!

[@summerrr1]

If that is what floats your boat.

[@kenmicallefjazzvinylaudiop6455]

OH, what a lucky man you is!

[@jked7463]

For a significant upgrade on the turntable, change out the stylus to a 2M Black. Much higher quality sonics. But you have to get the alignment (especially azimuth) correct or it's sonics won't come through.

[@RR-kb2ks]

All true, I lived with the 2M Black for a good while and it needs meticulous care and attention to accurate / precise set up, slight tail down found the sweet spot i found. If it isnt properly dialed in it sounds shrill, pinched, nothing special, but once nailed it is excellent, detailed - lovely, horns parp beautifully, everything sounds right and you will know what the fuss is about this great cart. I'm now firmly an Ortofon mc man, Cadenza Black with Fritz Gyger S re-tip which is fabulous but the 2M Black brought me there.

[@jonathansturm4163]

Still got my Luxman HX Pro cassette deck I purchased in 1990. It was the shop demo unit and half price since the new version had just been released. Luxman products are built to last-in this case probably Alpine so parts shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to needing renovation.

[@rolandlickert2904]

I had a very good experience with Nakamichi Tape deck Dragon wich was the most expensive Deck ever produced I had it for 10 years after that it needed some servive.Visit the Nakamichi service center in Singapore and after 2 days the called me and told me they replaced some item because of wear and tear and to my surprise charged me nothing.I guess the high selling price included future service cost. Even today spareparts still available certain companies take service serious.

[@jonathansturm4163]

@@rolandlickert2904 Back in 1971 IIRC I purchased Olympus’s first full-frame SLR (the FTL). I had a slight accident with the lens and Olympus replaced it free of charge. They even paid the freight!

[@radioflitercairplanes1715]

LONG LIVE VINAL !! I bought a few albums,,I can't describe how cool it was to walk out of the store with a bag of records...if only those bags where paper!

[@KarmaElectronics.]

must be good. never worked on one in my lifetime.