Luxman R-115, Pioneer sx-939 or new amp?

[Ninjalife27]

Hey guys, I need some guidance on what I should do.
I have a Luxman R-115 that no longer works and needs repair.
I have a Pioneer SX-939 that no longer works and needs repair.

I’m torn on whether I should spend the money to get one of these 2 amps repaired, or if I should get a new amplifier?

Looking at new amps in the $500-$1000 range, Like Audiolab 6000a, NAD 316bee v2, maybe the Rotel A11 Tribute, etc.

Will be used for vinyl or playing music through one of the aux ports.
Not having heard any of these newer amps, I don’t know if they’ll be better (sound quality wise) than the Luxman or Pioneer?

What would you guys do?

 

[Dswankey]

When you say they "no longer work" what is it they are doing? I have and have had multiple R-115's and none them just no longer worked.

If you could tell us, describe what's going on it might be an easy repair way less the $500-$1000 you're looking to spend

 

[Ninjalife27]

When you say they "no longer work" what is it they are doing? I have and have had multiple R-115's and none them just no longer worked.

If you could tell us, describe what's going on it might be an easy repair way less the $500-$1000 you're looking to spend

The…I’m not sure what it’s called (maybe relay?), but you know how when it’s powered on, it takes a few seconds before it “clicks” and is ready to play? Slowly over time, it took longer and longer, until finally it just wouldn’t click.
I’m not electronically inclined (obviously lol) so I don’t have any more details or a better description than that, other than it powers on just fine, it just never “clicks” or becomes ready to play.

 

[Dswankey]

Regarding the "Relay"

That was my initial thought when I first read your post as it's a very common issue with the R-115 & R-117.

The good thing though is there are many threads and discussions on how to repair (sometimes cold solder joints) and or replace they relay on top of that if my memory serves me it's not too complicated and not expensive to do.

If it were me I would try and fix it or have it fixed but I'm a biased Luxman fan.

 

[Ninjalife27]

Regarding the "Relay"

That was my initial thought when I first read your post as it's a very common issue with the R-115 & R-117.

The good thing though is there are many threads and discussions on how to repair (sometimes cold solder joints) and or replace they relay on top of that if my memory serves me it's not too complicated and not expensive to do.

If it were me I would try and fix it or have it fixed but I'm a biased Luxman fan.

Thank you, I’ll look into it, though I’ll probably just take it to a local tech to have the entire receiver gone through & inspected.

Being familiar with the Luxman, do you think it’s better than lower price point modern amps like the ones I listed?
I’ve only ever owned older amps/receivers, I’m not familiar with newer more modern stuff. (I’ve listened to them in hifi stores, but without trying them on my speakers, I couldn’t say how they directly compare).

 

[jayvis]

Thank you, I’ll look into it, though I’ll probably just take it to a local tech to have the entire receiver gone through & inspected.

Being familiar with the Luxman, do you think it’s better than lower price point modern amps like the ones I listed?
I’ve only ever owned older amps/receivers, I’m not familiar with newer more modern stuff. (I’ve listened to them in hifi stores, but without trying them on my speakers, I couldn’t say how they directly compare).

What speakers are you using? If they're bookshelf/stand mount speakers, you could bring them to a store and try them with modern amps that they have in your price range. Your Luxman and Pioneer were fine pieces in their day and could be brought back to life with a thorough internal restoration. If you plan on using digital streaming as a possible source someday, you might find that a modern integrated amp like the NAD C 338 with digital inputs and streaming capabilities, the higher-powered Yamaha A-S701, or nice Cambridge Audio CXA81 to be worth a look.

 

[Dswankey]

..I’ll probably just take it to a local tech to have the entire receiver gone through & inspected.

Being familiar with the Luxman, do you think it’s better than lower price point modern amps like the ones I listed?

Good idea have a tech look at it I'm sure they'll be able to figure it out pretty quickly.

Whether it's better or not is subjective plus I have little to no listening experience with modern gear. I will say that the R-115 gives one more bang for the buck in that it's a Power-amp, Pre-amp and Tuner all under one hood.

It also gives you flexibility in that it has Pre-Out/Main-In's so one could use it solely as a Pre-amp connected to another Power-amp or vice versa plus the remote control feature is a bonus when using it as is (Receiver) or if you use it a Pre.

If you go with modern amps you'll, at the least, need a Pre-amp so factor in those costs and if you want multiple pieces of equipment.

 

[Ninjalife27]

What speakers are you using? If they're bookshelf/stand mount speakers, you could bring them to a store and try them with modern amps that they have in your price range. Your Luxman and Pioneer were fine pieces in their day and could be brought back to life with a thorough internal restoration. If you plan on using digital streaming as a possible source someday, you might find that a modern integrated amp like the NAD C 338 with digital inputs and streaming capabilities, the higher-powered Yamaha A-S701, or nice Cambridge Audio CXA81 to be worth a look.

Currently using some Boston Acoustics HD9, though I have a few pairs of other large bookshelves as well. That’s a good idea about bringing them to the hifi store.
I actually went to a hifi store today and listened to the NAD 316bee. It’s a nice sounding little amp. Musical with a very pleasing sound. It’s been over a year since I’ve used my Luxman so unfortunately I can’t say which I prefer.

 

[jayvis]

Good idea have a tech look at it I'm sure they'll be able to figure it out pretty quickly.

Whether it's better or not is subjective plus I have little to no listening experience with modern gear. I will say that the R-115 gives one more bang for the buck in that it's a Power-amp, Pre-amp and Tuner all under one hood.

It also gives you flexibility in that it has Pre-Out/Main-In's so one could use it solely as a Pre-amp connected to another Power-amp or vice versa plus the remote control feature is a bonus when using it as is (Receiver) or if you use it a Pre.

If you go with modern amps you'll, at the least, need a Pre-amp so factor in those costs and if you want multiple pieces of equipment.

There are plenty of modern integrated amps and even some modern receivers that come ready to go in one box, and most come with a remote. Separates are not required.

 

[CKDC]

How soon do you want to listen to music?