David_NC
Super Member
I bought a R-115 and a pair of ADS L780/2's about a year and a half ago. Both are in mint condition and perfectly operational, except for lots of noise in the R-115's volume control. I eventually upgraded my system, and the receiver and speakers sat unused for several months.
Fairly recently, I decided to tackle that noisy VC with some FaderLube. As it turns out, the volume control on this receiver is completely removable (shaft nut and a couple screws) and is one of the easiest to clean as I've seen. It now works perfectly with zero noise. I set up the R-115 and the 780's in the garage and streamed some Amazon Unlimited. There it was; this combo has a wonderful synergy - clean, articulate but not harsh, revealing in a good way, amazing imaging, and a nice big soundstage. This is what got me back into audio / systems after a hiatus of a few years.
Over the weekend, I brought this receiver and speakers to a friend's house for some listening. It was set up in a much better space than my garage, where I typically use them, and we added an SVS SB12-NSD subwoofer. I've got to say that I was even more impressed - the better listening space and added deep bass made the combo even better. Next, we used a pair of ADS L1590's in place of the 780's. Needless to say, they sounded pretty amazing. This 70 watt receiver powered them to high levels while maintaining the same clarity I noticed at lower levels.
Last night, I connected an original Marantz 2035B to the 780's. It was decent, but I think the 2-way L520's sound better on the Marantz. I then went back to the R-115, and it wasn't even close; the magic was back! All this makes me wonder if the big brother R-117 would be a huge improvement. I'm curious how many use or have tried comparable Luxman power with similar ADS speakers. They almost seem made for each other! I'd def like to find a nice R-117 at some point. I'm mostly over receivers now, other than ones that have sentimental value to me, but I could def find a place for the big Luxman.
Fairly recently, I decided to tackle that noisy VC with some FaderLube. As it turns out, the volume control on this receiver is completely removable (shaft nut and a couple screws) and is one of the easiest to clean as I've seen. It now works perfectly with zero noise. I set up the R-115 and the 780's in the garage and streamed some Amazon Unlimited. There it was; this combo has a wonderful synergy - clean, articulate but not harsh, revealing in a good way, amazing imaging, and a nice big soundstage. This is what got me back into audio / systems after a hiatus of a few years.
Over the weekend, I brought this receiver and speakers to a friend's house for some listening. It was set up in a much better space than my garage, where I typically use them, and we added an SVS SB12-NSD subwoofer. I've got to say that I was even more impressed - the better listening space and added deep bass made the combo even better. Next, we used a pair of ADS L1590's in place of the 780's. Needless to say, they sounded pretty amazing. This 70 watt receiver powered them to high levels while maintaining the same clarity I noticed at lower levels.
Last night, I connected an original Marantz 2035B to the 780's. It was decent, but I think the 2-way L520's sound better on the Marantz. I then went back to the R-115, and it wasn't even close; the magic was back! All this makes me wonder if the big brother R-117 would be a huge improvement. I'm curious how many use or have tried comparable Luxman power with similar ADS speakers. They almost seem made for each other! I'd def like to find a nice R-117 at some point. I'm mostly over receivers now, other than ones that have sentimental value to me, but I could def find a place for the big Luxman.
I'd be curious as to your impressions of Luxman SS + ADS if you try that combo. It's hard to believe that this receiver is all original and has not been serviced; I can't imagine a better sounding source of power for the $100 I paid for it. I don't personally have 1590's, but I do have M12's. They sounded really nice on an ST-70, but fairly loud volumes with lots of bass revealed shortcomings. I now use Parasound SS for the woofers and the ST-70 for the mids/highs, and this works out really well. I'll keep my out for Lux tube equipment too, though I'm sure it'll be out of my range if new.
So the knob is press fit only..good to know..thanks. I understand about the wire.
