Integrated Amp Reviews

Luxman L-509Z integrated amplifier Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Analog sources: VPI Avenger Direct turntable, VPI Fatboy tonearm, Hana Umami Blue MC cartridge.
Digital sources: HoloAudio May DAC, Sonore opticalRendu, Roon Nucleus+, Small Green Computer power supply, TRENDnet switch, Apple iPad mini.
Integrated amplifier: Shindo Allegro, PrimaLuna EVO 400.
Preamplifier: Sugden LA-4 line preamplifier, Manley Chinook phono preamplifier.
Power amplifiers: Pass Labs XA-25, LKV Research PWR-3, Shindo Haut Brion.
Loudspeakers: DeVore Fidelity O/baby, GoldenEar BRX, Volti Audio Razz, Spendor BC-1.
Cables: Interconnects: AudioQuest Pegasus, Triode Wire Labs Spirit II. Speaker: Analysis Plus Silver Apex Speaker, Auditorium 23. AC: Triode Wire Labs Obsession NCF.
Accessories: Pro-Ject VC-S2 ALU Record Cleaning Machine, Audio Desk Systeme Vinyl Cleaner Pro, Hunt Mark 6 Carbon Fiber Record Cleaning Brush, IsoTek EVO3 Aquarius line conditioner, Salamander five-tier Archetype rack (2), IKEA Aptitlig bamboo chopping boards (under turntable, preamp, power, and integrated amps), mahogany blocks (three to a stack) under boards.—Ken Micallef

COMMENTS

The new flagship

Submitted by jtshaw on February 9, 2024 - 8:27am

I was surprised several months ago when I noticed several L-509X amplifiers posted for sale at TMR Audio, and I suspected that a new flagship had launched. Indeed, the L-509Z was available and some audiophiles were likely looking to upgrade to the latest and greatest.

For me, the L-509X proved my offramp from the upgrade highway. I have it paired with Joseph Audio Pulsar loudspeakers, and the combination is as good as I could ever have hoped for. Expensive, but not beyond reason and within my window of affordable. If I ever manage to hit Powerball, there is likely a combination of Gryphon amplification and Rockport Technologies loudspeakers that would beckon. Even so, I certainly never feel deprived when the L-509X and Pulsars fill the room with music.

My best wishes to those who audition or purchase the Luxman L-509Z. Based on my experience, you will find yourself in the presence of a truly great amplifier. In addition, it may well represent the point at which the curve of diminishing returns arcs almost vertical. For the vast majority of us, that's likely the best target to have when assembling an audio system.

X owner

Submitted by Stevens on February 15, 2024 - 12:04pm

This new model was first released in Japan almost a year ago. The first UK review suggested there’s only a knat’s whiskers’ difference between X and Z. I bought an X a year ago new open box at trade price because the dealer is getting on in years and could not physically lift it. I was doing him a favour, and he certainly did me one as well. It certainly not straight wire with gain, but has great warmth and detail with a massive soundstage in the right room. The price increase is a bit steep, but it still seems a bargain compared to the competition. A standout feature for me is the maximum power consumption of only 390W, which is remarkably efficient and practical for such a beast.