Luxman M-700U vs M-900U
 

I'm thinking of investing in a Luxman M-700U or M-900U stereo amp. If I went with the M-700U, I would possibly look to add a second a little later on and run them in monobloc mode. If I went with the 900U it'd be stereo only.

I've done all the usual searches and found one comparison, so I wondered if anyone here has compared the Luxman M-700U stereo amp to its bigger brother the M-900U? If so, are there pronounced differences in audio quality?

The latter is twice the price, and almost double the weight, so there must be some difference in sound quality, but can that gap be closed when comparing two 700's running in monobloc mode compared to a stereo 900?

Any advice would be most welcome!

Do you think 1200w into 1 ohm would not be enough for your speakers from the M-900u? :D

Of course not, the power from either the 700U or the 900u is not an issue, which is why my question doesn't refer to power output.

I can potentially pick up one or two second hand M-700U's for less than the cost of a new (or second hand) M-900U - so I'd just like to know if the difference in audio quality between the two is noticeable, and if it is then whether running two 700U's in mono closes that sound quality gap or not.

The differences between the amps is not that great. However, on the pre-amp side of things there is a world of difference between the C-700u and C-900u

Thanks for the feedback Greg - have you heard both amps then? What differences did you note between them? Did you try the M-700U in mono mode in the comparison by any chance?

@Chewie

For a while I had M-700u. Great amplifier.
Over time I noticed lack of power and grip with my SF Guarneri Evolution. A feeling of compression and narrowing of soundstage. A feeling of wanting more of everything.

Then comes M-900u. Wow.
Much better. Freshness, purity, ease...
Better control, silky high tones, deep bass and playful soundstage.
Late night listening is a pleasure.

If you can, go for M-900u.

Hi Chewie - the M-900u was king for sure. More bass, more control and more defined and holographic soundstage. I’m sure the C-900 preamp had something to do with it. I have not heard the 700s in mono configuration.

My guess is that if you got the C-700u, you might think in the future “what am I missing”?

I know from my viewpoint, if I was starting over I’d bite the bullet and go for the M-900u. It’s a really, really great amp. Not sure what it sells for across the pond but here in the US, with a $15,000 list price, I’m not much of anything else comes close.

Best of luck with your quest. The search is part of the fun!

I’m ecstatic with my integrated Luxman, I imagine the C-900/M-900u combo is even better! :music:

Thanks Greg, its that "defined and holographic soundstage" that I'm worried about missing out on!

So did you hear the M-900U with the C-900U, and the M-700U with the C-700U, or both amps on the C-900U? Just trying to figure out the contribution of the possible pre-amp difference, though to be fair I think my heart is already set on the M-900U the more I hear and read about it.

I'd be looking to get just the amp initially, and hold onto my Levinson Pre (326S) for the time being, as I love what it does with my Revel Salon 2's.

In terms of price in one of those rare instances where its cheaper in the UK with £11,000 UK list - usually the UK price is £1:$1. Even in Europe it seems to be more expensive at EUR 14,999.

The integrated does look a very nice unit. I see a newer version, the 590X was released in January but I can't seem to find any reviews on it.

I did not mix 700 with 900. I think it's smart to start with the M-900U and see how it works with the Levinson. Good luck and keep us posted!:thumbsup:

It's the L-509X not the L-590AXII!
__________________
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I’m finally getting around to an in-home demo of the Luxman separates.

I have the 700 amp along with the 700 and 900 preamp. It will be a fun filled night!

I'm sure of that. Fun times.
Can you later describe the difference between the two preamps.

:music: Have fun Greg. Luxman is awesome stuff!

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts Greg.

Well, I have admit that I was a bit surprised. By way of reference, I was looking for something better than my L-509X integrated amp. Having never heard the Luxman separates in my audio room, I was looking forward to the comparisons.

First, I tried the c700u/m700u combo. Very nice, smooth and detailed. Was it better than my L-509X? To my ears, they were almost the same. I was quite surprised.

Next, I switched out the c700u for a c900u. Much better detail, as if a veil was lifted. Soundstage was about the same as the previous combo and the integrated for that matter.

After two days of listening, I reconnected my L-509X. It sounded really, really good.

Bottom line (at least to me) is that the 700 combo compared to Luxman’s newest integrated is a virtual toss up.

This excercise proved to me that the L-509X punches well above its weight class.

While I was try to avoid lugging a 100 pound amp upstairs, I think I’m going to have to pair the C900u preamp with the more appropriate M900u amp to experience Luxman’s TOTL performance.

Yes, the integrated 509, 590 gets you mighty close to the top shelf components at a fraction of the price. Hence my stop at the Class A L-590AXII and total satisfaction. For those seeking the ultimate, the 900 components with the out of this world D-08u is a dream and TOTL experience. If you decide to pull the trigger Greg, no doubt you will be very happy for a long time (in audiophile years at least) :D Good luck with your quest.