Review! Luxman L550 AXII Integrated Amplifier!

Beautiful looks. Beautiful sound.

Intro music by: Sam Eber - 'When All Else Fades'
Outro music by: Dusty Decks - 'When The Noise Settles'

For more info on the Luxman L-550 AXII:

[ZeroFidelity]

A few things: (1) This amp does not run hot. Even after hours of use. (2) Minor correction to what was said early in the video: The 550 can power two pairs (4) of speakers at once. Not 8. I slipped up as I was thinking about the next thing to say. :D Power output will remain the same so long as all of the speakers are 8 ohms or higher (as the amp will see a collective impedance of 4 ohms). (3) Another minor correction: The circuit that Luxman was responsible for pertains to *Global* Negative Feedback. Cheers!

[thunrou]

I'm a Luxman hoarder, have several components from 70s. They are simply amazing

[ibdam]

Dude, the smile on your face when talking about pairing with the Klipsch Cornwall speakers, PRICELESS! 😃😃

[dennisosborne]

My mate across the pond in USA has this and a l509 x as his end journey amps. He feels that sonically they're almost impossible to beat. You can get different sounding, yes, but not better. He (and I include his family here) are audio mad all playing wildly differing genres and have bought and sold all manner of expensive integrated and pre/power combos, never being satisfied with results. The Luxman amps have satisfied everyone, with no desire to upgrade further even though they evidently can afford to.

I asked the family to watch this post and they concur in every way "his observations and conclusions are spot on- there is NOTHING more to be said" excellent Mr ZF. The only caveat that they mentioned was that the DAC needed to do justice to this takes some serious searching as you need a very detailed, honest and transparent one to accompany it.

I have heard these in his main set up with Spendor D9.2 speakers and i was left speechless, tear filled or even dribbling with the sheer audio beauty that i heard.

I'm saving hard believe me. Thanks Sean for another great review.

[dougg]

That’s a pride of ownership piece right there. So sweet

[juliangst]

Hands down, japanese amps just are the best looking amps in the world

[alm]

This integrated amp has every feature that disappeared from my favorite 1970's equipment (ie. My Harmon-Kardon 930). Loudness! Mono! Low filter! A real tape monitor circuit and pre-out/main ins! Clicking switches! The only thing it's missing is reverse stereo. After watching this review, this amp is exactly what I want to make my life complete. Too bad that it's about $4, 500 more than I can afford. Thank you for your great review of my new fantasy.

[hugobloemers]

I think this is the first modern amplifier that I have seen a review of on YouTube that touches my soul.

[trekjudas]

My local dealer sells this amp and I gotta tell y'akk, pictures don't do it justice!! When you see in real life you will want to touch and caress it in your hands!!

[editname]

4 years too late, but yesterday I picked up an unopened/brand new 550axii from a audio shop in a neighboring city. It’s now replaced my Primaluna to power my Cornwall 4’s. I’m only 24 hours in but WOW does it sound amazing. Looking forward to many more years with it. I’ll now be parting with my external phone stage (Chord Huei) and a REL sub that I occasionally popped on for certain music genres. This amp has it covered for my ears and tastes!

[rydz]

Great audio system, hopefully one day you can do a review of the Luxman L-509X Integrated Amplifier, more powerful unit. Keep going, love your wonderful reviews.

[sidneyburch]

I treasure my Luxman amp. I have it paired with a pair of Tannoy gold sterlings. The three pieces together are like works of art.

[richardattridge]

I’ve just ordered this amp to go with my Klipsch forte 3’s, and I’m so looking forward to it. Should be with me just before Christmas 🎄. Can’t wait 😊.

[robk]

That thing is perfect, sounds like something every reviewer should have as a reference amp!

[griffincui]

Love your review, honest, you don’t wax over things, hats off!

[billfife]

I still have my first integrated amp a Luxman R 1040 from 1978. Still works wonderful. I replaced it with the R 1120 a year later for more power. I had Poke monitor 10s which still have and are in fine shape. The R 1120 went by the wayside because the circuitry always ran so hot. That thing through off some heat. I now run Parasound JC5 and JC2 bypass. Thanks for that tip . Still love Luxman.

[ianlock]

Great review Sean.  

I recently acquired the bigger brother (590 AXII) and found your description of sound to accurately match my experience. I came from EL34 mono block amplifiers and found the Luxman far more detailed with a bit more sparkle and tighter bass.  

I have 91dB, 4 ohm speakers and this amp has more than enough power for my listening requirements - could probably run the 550 in myself system just as well.  

For those interested the phono stage (I think it is the same in both models) is very good. I am running a Dynavector XX-2 and I compared with my existing phono stage (Dynavector P75) - the internal one is much better. Admittedly the 100 ohm landing is not adjustable and suits my cartridge.

[jimomertz]

I would buy this amp just to look at. And turn that volume knob. So gorgeous.

[jallabff]

How about a rewiew of the L-590 AXII? That model is somewhat special...

[mikerivers]

This is an excellent review which I find totally engaging with thoughtful comments. As a potential buyer I’m interested in how the amp sounds obviously but also whether there are optimum pairings in terms of source and speakers. You’ve covered everything and have been very thorough in your presentation. I’d like to see a demo with some music playing. I appreciate the listener cannot even hope to replicate what you hear but we can see how you react to the performance. Apart from that, great channel so keep up these excellent reviews!