E-600 vs.Luxman-590AXII
 

E-600 demo @ similar price to a new Luxman 590...which one would you go for and why?
I don't see a dedicated Luxman folder on this forum, so I hope your opinions will be objective, thanks

It would be a toss up IMO. The Luxman has an internal phono stage while the Accuphase needs a card. The Luxman will sound a bit smoother.

They are both excellent pieces of equipment.

I compared both amps on Focal Utopia Scala Evo speakers with Cardas cabling.
I clearly preferred the sound of the Accuphase. But this is really just a question of taste, I believe.
Many people do not need or want a phone stage. With Accuphase one has the choice to add one or not.
So, the decision is mostly a question of taste, I believe (and of budget). Both are nice machines

As E600 owner my preference is probably clear ;)

I would add two more things for consideration:
1) the phono card is extra but also offers more flexible loading for a much wider range of high end MC cartridges so truly allows one to avoid an external phono stage. The Luxman phono seems more basic and I am not sure how much it keeps up with some more high end cartridges.
2) there is the option of an excellent DAC card which makes the Accuphase integrated amps a truly integrated option. And it is upgradeable as digital technology moves forward. The Luxman requires an external DAC for a full streaming solution.


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all this makes Accuphase somewhat superior to the others

but your ears must decide, modlin!

I always wondered if Accuphase, Esoteric and Luxman were like Honda, Mazda and Toyota in a way. Different flavor of the same car?

maybe
but do not mix Marantz, Denon, i.e. Honda and Mazda etc. with Accuphase and Esoteric, i.e.: Lexus, Acura, etc.
It is clearly a Japanese sound (I also feel the same with Yamasaki and Hakushu, etc.)

They are all quite separate audio companies with no connection I believe other than being Japanese.

Tu as raison...

I should have perhaps said Acura, Infiniti and Lexus... My point was more about all of them doing a luxury sedan that is known for its excellence and reliability and each one has a different color and idea of it yet they pretty much all drive the same in the end.

A class A Accuphase E-650, Esoteric F-03A or Luxman L-590AXII will probably sound more alike than a PassLabs INT-30 or a Sugden IA-4 for a class A integrated.

That was my question I guess...

What makes you think or suspect that?