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Luxman R-115 compared to R-114

Mico

Mico

Well-Known Member
I have an opportunity to pick decent R-115 for a reasonable amount. But having being disappointed with R-114 few years ago I would like to hear from someone who had both or at least had a chance to compare them. If 115 is just more powerful version of 114 and has the same sonic signature, not my cup of tea.
I know all the rave regarding R-115 and R-117 but 114 I had sounded (to me) the same as it looked inside - thin and hollow. To save the time and ink for questions , it was adjusted and running 100% by the specs, I even recapped it completely. And I am not a "three Martini" sound lover either ;-).
 
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Ive had both. The 114 still sounds good to me but not better then the 115. I sold my 114 after acquiring it for a short period. I never heard of someone not liking the sound of the 115/117 receiver. Looks is another story.
 
Mico said:
having being disappointed with R-114 few years ago... 114 I had sounded (to me) the same as it looked inside - thin and hollow.... it was adjusted and running 100% by the specs, I even recapped it completely.
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Was the disappointment before or after you recapped it?

Mico said:
If 115 is just more powerful version of 114 and has the same sonic signature, not my cup of tea.
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More powerful? yes, same sonic signature possibly

Internal build quality is definitely different

R-114
1571985-93177963-luxman-r114-stereo-receiver.jpg

R-115
3625406167_06b71658c2_b.jpg
 
Dswankey said:
Was the disappointment before or after you recapped it?
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Recap did not change sonic signature much, if at all. Did not like it both ways, sounded too clinical and edgy on two set of speakers, also on the Sennheiser HD-600 - exactly the same thing.

Dswankey said:
More powerful? yes, same sonic signature possibly
Internal build quality is definitely different
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That might be the only point to make a difference sound wise , for just 20 W/ch difference R-115 is way more beefier.
But overall assembly quality is just - Alpine :thumbsdown:
 
I haven't used an R-114, but I do have an R-115 that I really like. In fact, it's the cleanest sounding, most musical receiver I can recall hearing in years. It's certainly better than any of a similar vintage that I've used. If I had to 'settle' for a mid-powered receiver in my main system, it would be the R-115. It is warmer than my Denon DRA-635r of the same vintage with a much stronger bass. I'd never classify it as thin or hollow... just the opposite, actually.
Note mine is 100% original. Perhaps your 114 needed something more than just caps.. Did you try the 114 on multiple speakers? My 115 sounds great on all my speakers, but it really shines on a pair of ADS L780/2's and M12's. A friend had an older Luxman receiver from around that time that was a lower model than the R-115 (it might have been a 114), and it was only ok, according to him. He was much more impressed by my 115. If the price is truly reasonable, I'd go for it. The prices on these have risen quite a bit lately, so resale should be easy. Perhaps you can try it out pre-purchase.
 
Had both and I found sonic signature to be very similar, the 115 having a tad more fullness in upper bass region. Unless your R114 had other issues like needing bias adjustments and such then I suggest you look elsewhere if you didnt like the sound. I never once heard someone refer to that series of receiver as thin and hollow. I hooked up my neighbor up with a R113 and even that entry level unit has a nice balanced sound although not a smooth as the others.
 
David_NC said:
I haven't used an R-114, but I do have an R-115 that I really like. In fact, it's the cleanest sounding, most musical receiver I can recall hearing in years. It's certainly better than any of a similar vintage that I've used. If I had to 'settle' for a mid-powered receiver in my main system, it would be the R-115. It is warmer than my Denon DRA-635r of the same vintage with a much stronger bass. I'd never classify it as thin or hollow... just the opposite, actually.
Note mine is 100% original. Perhaps your 114 needed something more than just caps.. Did you try the 114 on multiple speakers? My 115 sounds great on all my speakers, but it really shines on a pair of ADS L780/2's and M12's. A friend had an older Luxman receiver from around that time that was a lower model than the R-115 (it might have been a 114), and it was only ok, according to him. He was much more impressed by my 115. If the price is truly reasonable, I'd go for it. The prices on these have risen quite a bit lately, so resale should be easy. Perhaps you can try it out pre-purchase.
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That would be the spot-on definition (your friend`s), I would call R-114 O.K. but nothing more. I was probably expecting something else based on other people`s accolades and that is the only reason I still consider R-115..
I can have it for 200$ (CDN - around $150 US) seems reasonable to give it a try and still be able to get the money back in case I am not happy. I might take that route actually and check if for myself.
 
Mico said:
I still consider R-115....I can have it for 200$ (CDN - around $150 US) seems reasonable to give it a try and still be able to get the money back in case I am not happy. I might take that route actually and check if for myself.
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I've had 3 R-115's so my opinion is biased but I like your school of thought and that is a fair price for one of those hopefully it has the oem remote if not the there are R-115 remote codes that you could use with a universal remote.

Not to scare you off but the 115 & 117 are known to have issues with the speaker relay, tons of threads here and on the web about it.
 
Dswankey said:
I've had 3 R-115's so my opinion is biased but I like your school of thought and that is a fair price for one of those hopefully it has the oem remote if not the there are R-115 remote codes that you could use with a universal remote.

Not to scare you off but the 115 & 117 are known to have issues with the speaker relay, tons of threads here and on the web about it.
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Yes I have heard about the relays, good thing is R-115 has only one vs. four on R-117. Will check that before buying for sure.
 
FWIW, what I found interesting about the R-115 is that it has 2 sets of pre-out jacks however I've never used both at the same time.
 
I own a R-114 and don't like it at all. I tried my friend's R-117 and didn't like it in my system.
I love my Sansui AU-7700, which sounds nothing like the Luxman's.
You couldn't find two brands with more different sonic signatures IMO.
 
Dr. Ears said:
I own a R-114 and don't like it at all. I tried my friend's R-117 and didn't like it in my system.
I love my Sansui AU-7700, which sounds nothing like the Luxman's.
You couldn't find two brands with more different sonic signatures IMO.
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R-115 was in and now is already gone to a new home. For sure very similar to R-114 and not my cup of tea at all...
Same like many people rave over Onkyo A-10 , I got it finally this past January and set an head-on duel with my Onkyo TX-8500 (MK I) receiver. Despite having supposedly identical amplifier section and same real dual-mono configuration, receiver was all over A-10.
Ok I am hijacking my own thread :D.
 
Binkman said:
What didn't you like? Majority of many lux model owners after refurb. are very satisfied. Many are orig. owners, too.
hens teeth in my locale.
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Did not like the cold-blooded and merciless accuracy with somehow analytical sound. Exactly the same thing I did not like on R-114 and Onk A-10.
This can go on and on, speakers are at the end of the chain anyway but I have (had) enough amps around to know my taste.
Some people like vanilla ice cream, others just don`t...
 
Binkman said:
:rflmao:
I'm not laughing at YOU.. I've just never read such a dramatic audio impression description like that before.:D
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I agree completely, maybe I should put the phrase in my new book " Three Martinis and other audio nonsense" ;).
 
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Mico said:
Three Martinis and other audio nonsense" ;).
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First glance I read "martians and other audio nonsense" equally appropriate for some of the stuff I read. I did see distinctive composition not insulting lux owners. LOL... Others just love the sounds. but '
Mico said:
cold-blooded and merciless accuracy with somehow analytical sound.
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Scheer talent. :D
 
Mico said:
Did not like the cold-blooded and merciless accuracy with somehow analytical sound... I have (had) enough amps around to know my taste.
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This is all that matters, in the end other peoples opinions, thoughts, suggestions are just that, you ears are the ultimate arbiter. Here's hoping you find something else that you like on your audio journey.
 
Dr. Ears said:
I own a R-114 and don't like it at all. I tried my friend's R-117 and didn't like it in my system.
I love my Sansui AU-7700, which sounds nothing like the Luxman's.
You couldn't find two brands with more different sonic signatures IMO.
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I had an R115 years ago hooked up to some Klipsch KG speaakers...sounded loud & clear...But know have a Sansui G5500 & JBLs...I'm happy & satisfied!....the R114 & 115 have plenty of power & a remote.but .would have to be my back up system...Sansui rules
 
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