Hi Folks,
I know this is a MAC forum, but I do have a dilemma choosing integrated amplifier - and after some researching and benchmarking I am left with 3 integrated amplifiers on my list:
- Macintosh 7900
- Luxman 505ux
- Luxman 550ax
Did some of you have issues choosing integrated amplifier? Any good ideas or experiences?
The following is my last benchmark/listening between MA-7900 and Luxman 505ux. If you disagree, or want to give me some further inputs, please let me know to balance my limited impression from 2 hours with listening:
(I am going to use it for Quad ESL 63, and later a new pair of Quads or Martin Logan Ethos or Theos)
My thoughts during listing to the amps:
Mcintosh 7900:
- Every seller I have talked to, with only one exception, tends to not like Mcintosh to much. For them this brand is the Harley Davidson vs Ducati, the less sophisticated red wines from US vs. the very best from Burgund/France and so on. The final comparison was "Caddilac vs. Porch 911 "(Guess which car they prefer here in Europe.. )
For me, well, The MA 7900, is wonderful in the middle range. The vocals, the guitar, the saxs are so present. The dynamics are very good. I almost found myself in a concert hall listing to a live performance.
I have heard that the new Mcintosh gear has become more Hi-End and comparable with Japanese and european quality the last 5 to 6 years. This may be very true from my point of view as well - and even the built in DAC sounds good. However, I believe the bass is more "loose", and high tones are (maybe) a bit more harsh, and the soundstage is not quite? as good compared to Luxman. I would say that the MA-7900 is has a more "contrast"/ more deep for the good and for the bad. But, I was really challenged by the MA-7900. It was guitars and vocals "in your face"/1st row - That part i loved. Is it not trying to be the perfect ballerina, but a very sophisticated rock & pop musician loving what he/she does. Ok, enough with stupid comparisons. The the final:
- Luxman 505ux:
Silky sound, very good soundstage & good bass control. The higher sounds are as well detailed but not harsh to the ears (I find some SS very annoying on ESLs). For instance, for classical music this amp is very enjoyable - you can place every sound in the orchestra, and all the sounds are harmonic and fit together in the sound picture/soundstage. It is a pure joy to listen to this amp. I have to agree with the people that claims that the soundstage is very "wide" and detailed, but perhaps not to dynamic and "deep". (to describe sound is just as difficult to describe taste in food... ).
The weakness in my opinion is some lack of dynamics in the midrange. Yes, everything is "silky" but i would have wished that the vocalist was a bit more present. The soundstage is almost too perfect and in harmony, if I am allowed to say such a thing.. It is both very enjoyable, but also a bit boring at the same time. For opera and Jazz music for instance, things where a bit dry. I would like to listen more tough... It it really a very good map!
Summary:
Luxman 505ux:
+ Silky sound
+Perfect soundstage
+ No need to go to classical concerts anymore - just perfect.
+ Very detailed sound and bass control
+ Very good with all kind of music - but IMO perfect with classical music
- A bit dry sound
- Missing some dynamics (compared to the McIntosh).
- Harsh on old recordings
The perfect ballerina. Will she be the perfect partner, or will she be a bit boring after while? Can I afford not to check this out?
Mcintosh 7900:
+ Very good dynamics and depths
+ good for old records - vocals and guitars still sounds good
+/- Contrast between the instruments and the vocals (for instance).
+ Live performance, 1st row, experience!
+ Good with all kind of music
- A bit uncontrolled bass (Actually, this was a bit annoying on some records).
- Soundtage not as good as the Luxman
- A bit harsh in the high tones, maybe, and just maybe..
If Mac was person, I would have dated her, or he wold have become a good friend. Not perfect but very honest and lovely, all tough the looks are a bit scary for a European guy.
Any comments, ideas? I have not concluded which one to get.
I know this is a MAC forum, but I do have a dilemma choosing integrated amplifier - and after some researching and benchmarking I am left with 3 integrated amplifiers on my list:
- Macintosh 7900
- Luxman 505ux
- Luxman 550ax
Did some of you have issues choosing integrated amplifier? Any good ideas or experiences?
The following is my last benchmark/listening between MA-7900 and Luxman 505ux. If you disagree, or want to give me some further inputs, please let me know to balance my limited impression from 2 hours with listening:
(I am going to use it for Quad ESL 63, and later a new pair of Quads or Martin Logan Ethos or Theos)
My thoughts during listing to the amps:
Mcintosh 7900:
- Every seller I have talked to, with only one exception, tends to not like Mcintosh to much. For them this brand is the Harley Davidson vs Ducati, the less sophisticated red wines from US vs. the very best from Burgund/France and so on. The final comparison was "Caddilac vs. Porch 911 "(Guess which car they prefer here in Europe.. )
For me, well, The MA 7900, is wonderful in the middle range. The vocals, the guitar, the saxs are so present. The dynamics are very good. I almost found myself in a concert hall listing to a live performance.
I have heard that the new Mcintosh gear has become more Hi-End and comparable with Japanese and european quality the last 5 to 6 years. This may be very true from my point of view as well - and even the built in DAC sounds good. However, I believe the bass is more "loose", and high tones are (maybe) a bit more harsh, and the soundstage is not quite? as good compared to Luxman. I would say that the MA-7900 is has a more "contrast"/ more deep for the good and for the bad. But, I was really challenged by the MA-7900. It was guitars and vocals "in your face"/1st row - That part i loved. Is it not trying to be the perfect ballerina, but a very sophisticated rock & pop musician loving what he/she does. Ok, enough with stupid comparisons. The the final:
- Luxman 505ux:
Silky sound, very good soundstage & good bass control. The higher sounds are as well detailed but not harsh to the ears (I find some SS very annoying on ESLs). For instance, for classical music this amp is very enjoyable - you can place every sound in the orchestra, and all the sounds are harmonic and fit together in the sound picture/soundstage. It is a pure joy to listen to this amp. I have to agree with the people that claims that the soundstage is very "wide" and detailed, but perhaps not to dynamic and "deep". (to describe sound is just as difficult to describe taste in food... ).
The weakness in my opinion is some lack of dynamics in the midrange. Yes, everything is "silky" but i would have wished that the vocalist was a bit more present. The soundstage is almost too perfect and in harmony, if I am allowed to say such a thing.. It is both very enjoyable, but also a bit boring at the same time. For opera and Jazz music for instance, things where a bit dry. I would like to listen more tough... It it really a very good map!
Summary:
Luxman 505ux:
+ Silky sound
+Perfect soundstage
+ No need to go to classical concerts anymore - just perfect.
+ Very detailed sound and bass control
+ Very good with all kind of music - but IMO perfect with classical music
- A bit dry sound
- Missing some dynamics (compared to the McIntosh).
- Harsh on old recordings
The perfect ballerina. Will she be the perfect partner, or will she be a bit boring after while? Can I afford not to check this out?
Mcintosh 7900:
+ Very good dynamics and depths
+ good for old records - vocals and guitars still sounds good
+/- Contrast between the instruments and the vocals (for instance).
+ Live performance, 1st row, experience!
+ Good with all kind of music
- A bit uncontrolled bass (Actually, this was a bit annoying on some records).
- Soundtage not as good as the Luxman
- A bit harsh in the high tones, maybe, and just maybe..
If Mac was person, I would have dated her, or he wold have become a good friend. Not perfect but very honest and lovely, all tough the looks are a bit scary for a European guy.
Any comments, ideas? I have not concluded which one to get.