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Old 03-21-2018, 08:51 AM
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Default 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!
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Old 03-21-2018, 11:50 AM
PHC1 PHC1 is offline
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Do you think 1200w into 1 ohm would not be enough for your speakers from the M-900u?
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Old 03-21-2018, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by PHC1 View Post
Do you think 1200w into 1 ohm would not be enough for your speakers from the M-900u?
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.
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Old 03-21-2018, 05:04 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chewie View Post
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
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Old 03-21-2018, 05:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GreginNH1 View Post
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?
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Old 03-21-2018, 06:55 PM
Pusta Pusta is offline
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@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.
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Old 03-21-2018, 07:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chewie View Post
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?
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!
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Old 03-21-2018, 08:09 PM
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I’m ecstatic with my integrated Luxman, I imagine the C-900/M-900u combo is even better!
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Old 03-22-2018, 04:31 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GreginNH1 View Post
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!
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.
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Old 03-22-2018, 04:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PHC1 View Post
I’m ecstatic with my integrated Luxman, I imagine the C-900/M-900u combo is even better!
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.
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