Where does the Luxman sound fall in comparison.

[bd1886]

The only Luxman I have had so far is an RX-102. Many "Luxman fans" say this series fell off point from the earlier sound. I have used this receiver inside of a large listening test (A/Bing pairings instantly with both receivers and speaks) and have found really liking this Alpine produced receiver with some. Possibly getting a Luxman R-1050 from a friend..................

Where does this earlier sound fall in with my four "warm" families of receivers?
Early Sansui
Early Pioneer
Marantz MOTL
MCS (2375,3125)

All are decidedly warm,the Luxman R-1050 has only been described as warm,one may be heading my way and with NEVER hearing a bad word about this machine(?) Where does it's "warm" fit in with the others and where is it individualized within that sound?

Never expected to run across this Luxman and it seems to get the same consistent level of opinions as an SX-1250? (No comparison between them...but for lack of negatives said about each.)

 

[quadklipsh]

my sansui is not warm.its ..........accurate .
its strong and its got a sturdy character . sometimes i dont like it with my speakers .

i prefer the lush silky mellow and velvetty sound of my previous luxman. that was LUXMAN L550 (80s model )......was not as powerful as the sansui but who cares both fill the room with volume set only at 9oclock. speakers are 98db.oops.

 

[Baron K Rool]

RX-102 is standard Luxman fare. Basically the same circuit as all their other early to mid 80's units (which were all excellent). It will sound the same as most of those other models.

Luxman didn't really have a "sound". Mostly neutral stuff, perhaps with a small degree of "warmth" on some of their older models (mostly early to mid 70's).

They definitely had a lot more talent than most, and that's why you never hear anything bad about their amplifiers.

Contrary to popular belief, they actually put out their very best stuff during the Alpine years. Although most of that was never available outside of Japan, which has always (and still is) been the case for them. They've kept the sweetest stuff to themselves.

 

[ggregg]

The closest thing I could compare it to is Yamaha with better bottom end.

Luxman, NAD, and Yamaha are probably what I consider to be the best popular priced brands from the late 70's and 80's, although I've not had the best luck with NAD reliability. With earlier stuff, not really comparing apples to apples. "Warm" is not necessarily accurate. That doesn't mean it's not desirable.

 

[bd1886]

My Luxman R-102 holds up very well when doing an instant A/B swap (same source) with a lot of gear this forum waxes over. Just going to cut to the chase,sell off some stuff and check out the R-1050 in the weeks to come.

You know....there's one thing I'd like too add too. I can appreciate "warm" to actually preferring it for a lot of music, but some speaks really shine with clarity pumped to them. (I really wonder sometimes when people go so hard line "one way or the other"....so many variables.)

 

[rjag46]

lux

Try pairing that 102 with a matching gx 101 eq. My thoughts only, but it kicks ass.

 

[wmgwizard]

The analogy of Luxman sounding like a Yamaha with a.bit more bass is probably the most accurate I have read.

I have a Lux C/02-M/02 and a Yamaha C4-M4 setup that I have done the A/B comparison with. Same room, same speakers.

While both rated about 125wpc the Luxman has all the smoothness and detail of the Yamaha with the added bonus of some additional bass depth and punch.

 

[bd1886]

Once I get it I'll post what I find.

I did see the unit I'm interested in and it was sitting looking a little grubby and forlorn under a work bench. Friend said it worked well and being another friend and I were there on other business, I just took a flashlight to peek....?

 

[fiddlefye]

The analogy of Luxman sounding like a Yamaha with a.bit more bass is probably the most accurate I have read.

I have a Lux C/02-M/02 and a Yamaha C4-M4 setup that I have done the A/B comparison with. Same room, same speakers.

While both rated about 125wpc the Luxman has all the smoothness and detail of the Yamaha with the added bonus of some additional bass depth and punch.

This is about where I'd place things as well, though in the end it really would come down to what speakers you're matching with and the specific models being compared. Overall I'd say the design goals were very close and it shows in the results. My crossover experience has been mostly with the integrateds, so I'm speaking from that standpoint.

 

[bd1886]

I do understand how the whole Yamaha sound falls and packing up a CA-1000/CT-1000 to throw into the mix....can't believe I haven't done this yet. Really looking forward to these as we have 2 sets of early vintage speaks (that have been fully factory "re-spec'd" using modern drivers) and a high end Pickering cartridge and stylus that expect will make the most of that Yamaha "Natural Sound".

My commute home today involved throwing a serpentine belt on the engine of my car and a tow truck bill. That's going to force me to get rid of another piece to justify adding the Luxman experience of the R-1050. (Part of the reason we can collect and enjoy this stuff anyways...we do have a hobby that doesn't have to make a financial "sucking sound" and when played right, makes for a wise hobby indeed.)

A Yamaha thing with added "breath" sounds like it will be something to behold! I'll post on how this "Yammie in the Mix" in my "Luxman Journey" helps teach the holes in the side of my head. (Man I love this ear sport and thanks for the input as it is such an important thing that helps tons.)

 

[fiddlefye]

I do understand how the whole Yamaha sound falls and packing up a CA-1000/CT-1000 to throw into the mix....can't believe I haven't done this yet. Really looking forward to these as we have 2 sets of early vintage speaks (that have been fully factory "re-spec'd" using modern drivers) and a high end Pickering cartridge and stylus that expect will make the most of that Yamaha "Natural Sound".

My commute home today involved throwing a serpentine belt on the engine of my car and a tow truck bill. That's going to force me to get rid of another piece to justify adding the Luxman experience of the R-1050. (Part of the reason we can collect and enjoy this stuff anyways...we do have a hobby that doesn't have to make a financial "sucking sound" and when played right, makes for a wise hobby indeed.)

A Yamaha thing with added "breath" sounds like it will be something to behold! I'll post on how this "Yammie in the Mix" in my "Luxman Journey" helps teach the holes in the side of my head. (Man I love this ear sport and thanks for the input as it is such an important thing that helps tons.)

Sorry about your car issues. Mine is in the shop at the moment having a problem redone for the third time at the moment. Grr...

If your Yamaha is older (presume so) and hasn't been re-capped you won't get the whole answer. I recently had my old CA-1010 redone with some first rate caps and not only is the sound much smoother and more detailed, but there is a whole lot more "air" in the presentation as well. More and tighter bass, amount now on a par with my Accuphase E-202 only a bit tighter. The re-cap made a huge difference.

 

[michaelsurb]

RX-102 is standard Luxman fare. Basically the same circuit as all their other early to mid 80's units (which were all excellent). It will sound the same as most of those other models.

Luxman didn't really have a "sound". Mostly neutral stuff, perhaps with a small degree of "warmth" on some of their older models (mostly early to mid 70's).

They definitely had a lot more talent than most, and that's why you never hear anything bad about their amplifiers.

Contrary to popular belief, they actually put out their very best stuff during the Alpine years. Although most of that was never available outside of Japan, which has always (and still is) been the case for them. They've kept the sweetest stuff to themselves.

I would tend to agree with most of this but I think Lux definitely has a sound. It's got an amazing way with separation and an open soundstage that my Sansui and Sony ES amps just don't have. I'd put it middle ground between the accuracy of my AU4400 and the warmth or color from a Marantz. It's an acquired taste but I'm finding myself using my L-1 or my L-210 more than my 4400 or 6060 lately.