High end amps Which to buy?

neeeek

neeeek

Member
I'm getting my bonus from work next week + the 1500$ from the goverment stimulus check so what better time to treat myself to a high end amp, I'm wanting something modern but with that vintage charm, my top 3 contenders are either a luxman 509x, yamaha as3000, or the denon pma 2500ne/sx-1 limited, I love the looks of the luxman and yamaha with the vu meters, I like the looks of the denon's but am mostly considering it because they're highly regarded overseas. They would be driving Buchardt s400's

Also if I do go with either of the denon's the would require a step down transformer
 
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neeeek said:
I'm getting my bonus from work next week + the 1500$ from the goverment stimulus check so what better time to treat myself to a high end amp, I'm wanting something modern but with that vintage charm, my top 3 contenders are either a luxman 509x, yamaha as3000, or the denon pma 2500ne/sx-1 limited, I love the looks of the luxman and yamaha with the vu meters, I like the looks of the denon's but am mostly considering it because they're highly regarded overseas. They would be driving Buchardt s400's

Also if I do go with either of the denon's the would require a step down transformer
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If wanting a truly high end amplifier you're going to need a lot more $$$$$
 
I see those Buchardts going for around $1800 US. The Yamaha AS3000 is $7000 brand new and the Luxman 509x goes for a whopping $9500. I don’t understand your logic buying those expensive integrated amps with much cheaper speakers.
 
Obviously I plan to upgrade my speakers down the line at some point but I'm happy with them for now, there's nothing wrong wanting to buy something that I can grow with. Never said I was going to buy any of these amps brand new either. I can get the as3000 for 4500$ pre owned and the 509x for a little more than that. As for saving my money and "bucking up"? I can pull money from my 401k at any point I want for a down payment on a house if I wanted to. The housing market here in az is in a bubble so sorry for wanting to wait for a better time to "buck up"
 
neeeek said:
I'm getting my bonus from work next week + the 1500$ from the goverment stimulus check so what better time to treat myself to a high end amp, I'm wanting something modern but with that vintage charm, my top 3 contenders are either a luxman 509x, yamaha as3000, or the denon pma 2500ne/sx-1 limited, I love the looks of the luxman and yamaha with the vu meters, I like the looks of the denon's but am mostly considering it because they're highly regarded overseas. They would be driving Buchardt s400's

Also if I do go with either of the denon's the would require a step down transformer
Click to expand...

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_958MAC7200/McIntosh-MAC7200.html
 
The Luxman has some sound quality built in. Hyfi recently bought the 505uxII and is very happy. A search will bring up the thread.

We had a group do a road trip get together and heard the 509 with a Luxman tube amp and Harbeth then Devores. It was excellent.

The Yamaha, if they are still providing their signature Natural Sound, would have a different sound to it and that would be personal preference. The Yamaha clean, clear and maybe a bit thinner sounding than the typical Luxman with its fuller, musical sound. Just two different ideas as to what it should sound like and where your tastes come into play choosing one.
 
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imo don't let your youthful hormones get the best of you. Get money smart! You need to start now and plan your retirement and use the largess of that bonus to start. once the stock market shows good sign of upward swing, invest in higher yield mutual funds. Save money, cut back on b.s. spending. If careful you could retire in your mid 40's or even earlier.
You can get a vintage amp for less than 500 fully restored and warranted. these guys are good!
http://www.oaktreevintage.com/Stereo_Amps_and_Pre-Amps.htm (no affiliation)
 
Binkman said:
imo don't let your youthful hormones get the best of you. Get money smart! You need to start now and plan your retirement and use the largess of that bonus to start. once the stock market shows good sign of upward swing, invest in higher yield mutual funds. Save money, cut back on b.s. spending. If careful you could retire in your mid 40's or even earlier.
You can get a vintage amp for less than 500 fully restored and warranted. these guys are good!
http://www.oaktreevintage.com/Stereo_Amps_and_Pre-Amps.htm (no affiliation)
Click to expand...

Great advice and worth repeating:thumbsup:
 
I know this advice will be ignored. Hold onto this bonus money you are about to receive. In this time of crisis it might come in handy. Put buying the audio equipment on the back burner. Better yet, help out your parents who you say get zero money from you. Time to become a real adult.
 
Look my friend consider yourself lucky to have a job and your health in these crazy times ..We all love audio gear and music ,,,,,,,so be a bigger person and give some money to your parents with whom you still live with and go buy a great used Mac gear from Audioclassics ......that's doing the best of both worlds ( being responsible and good son and a audiophile ) and Mac gear sounds better anyways .. Good luck and enjoy your music !!
 
neeeek said:
I'm getting my bonus from work next week + the 1500$ from the goverment stimulus check so what better time to treat myself to a high end amp, I'm wanting something modern but with that vintage charm, my top 3 contenders are either a luxman 509x, yamaha as3000, or the denon pma 2500ne/sx-1 limited, I love the looks of the luxman and yamaha with the vu meters, I like the looks of the denon's but am mostly considering it because they're highly regarded overseas. They would be driving Buchardt s400's

Also if I do go with either of the denon's the would require a step down transformer
Click to expand...

Another poster questioned your decision making. I do not disagree. If you are willing to accept the consequences of your decision and are not a burden to others, i.e. your parents, screw the future and get a kick*ss stereo.

From your choices, I can tell you have a taste for the high-end. Of the three, Luxman is the luxury brand. With your tendencies, if you settled for less you will always wonder. Keep saving and get the amp you really want.
 
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