Luxman L-505u v/s 590 AX

[panditji]

Panditji, here is yet another reason for removing the XS from the list:
Naim Nait 5i:
AUDIO INPUTS
Analogue Inputs 2 x DIN, RCA, 2 x RCA
Input Sensitivity 150mV
Input Impedance 20k?
Other Inputs 3.5mm jack on front panel
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Analogue Outputs speakers, tape (RCA)
Line Outputs Fixed (level) 150mV, 100?
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
Power Output 50W/channel, 8?
Transient 300VA

Naim Nait XS:
AUDIO INPUTS
Analogue Inputs 6 x DIN/RCA pair
Input Sensitivity 130mV
Input Impedance 47k?
Other Inputs 3.5mm jack on front panel
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Analogue Outputs speakers, preamp, sub, tape (DIN)
Line Outputs Fixed (level) 130mV, 600?
Line Outputs Variable (level) 775mV, <50?
Power Outputs Naim phono amplifier
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
Power Output 60W/channel, 8?

Naim NAP 155XS
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
Speaker Outputs L & R, 4mm banana sockets
Power Output 60W/channel, 8?
Transient 260VA


Please see the specification marked in Red. "Transient" spec is the size of the power supply inside and decides the dynamic headroom and authority the amp delivers under complex passages. The transient spec of 5i is 300VA which is similar to the spec of their higher end classic series NAP200 power amp. Whereas the transient spec of Nait XS is unspecified and that of 155XS power amp is 260VA. On Naim forums people have mentioned that the actual transient spec of Nait XS is just 200VA (may be that is why Naim did not specify it ?). That is why it sounds cluttered under stress.

So why is the XS integrated more expensive ? It is because XS has an active preamp stage inside whereas 5i has a passive preamp. XS also has more features than the minimalistic, simplistic 5i.

Coming back to Luxman vs Naim 5i, I will be very surprised if the 5i can hold its own in front of the big Luxman. I have not heard any Luxman till date, so no comments.

I have no idea what the above specs mean apart form the 50 w and 60 w but I will take your recommendation since you yourself have chosen the 5i over the XS...like I said, I myself did not hear any difference between the two and your above point further helps in my decision......

Now I guess, I will just have to look for a good deal on both the amplifiers.....

@Ajay: Abhi is in a more suitable position to audition the Esoteric components as i will not be going anywhere in the next 6 months.....

 

[square_wave]

NAC202/ NAP200 pre-power combination. I am waiting to make that upgrade.

.

Hey Abhi,

How much do these go for ? New.

 

[Dr.Bass]

SW, new in Singapore is about SG$5.5k (for both together)

 

[Dr.Bass]

panditji/dr.bass

If you come across an Esoteric SA-10+Esoteric AI-10 combo, then please audition it on my behalf

I am particularly interested in knowing how they sound when they are word synced together.

Will try for sure Ajay. I havent seen this unit as yet anywhere here though.

 

[areamihc]

I have never purchased anything from them. Just use it as a reference for japanese pricing for Luxman and Accuphase. I have never looked at cartridge pricing. So have no clue

Prem,

Do you know any online HK shops that will ship accuphase to Australia?

Aream

 

[areamihc]

Can anyone assist to PM Prem for me to ask about the Hong Kong Accuphase dealers?

 

[ranjeetrain]

Have you looked here and tried contacting the mentioned dealers?

 

[areamihc]

Have you looked here and tried contacting the mentioned dealers?

Sure did, Ranjeetrain. But I did not get any reply.

Also, Prem indicated that he bought accuphase products from HK which was FedEx-ed to him so I thought he might know one or 2 reliable sellers.

 

[prem]

hi areamihc

I have never purchased Accuphase. Got an Esoteric rig Fedexed from HK. I used to deal with Gary Cheung. He also sells on Audiogon. He used to be a distributor for Antelope Audio in HK. Knows his stuff. I do not know if he is still active. His mail id is [email protected]

 

[2chFreak]

Do you know any online HK shops that will ship accuphase to Australia?

Aream

You can try here > PriceJapan.com

All Japanese mains voltages are 100 volts 50Hz.

But if you have knowledge to work around the inside of them, it can be converted to any of 100, 120, 230 v mains. The transformers are 100, 120, 230 volts 50/60 Hz compatible. However, the job requires competence.

 

[Gerry_the_Merry]

Edwin in Singapore (Atlas, Accuphase dealer) is a much better source. He generally knows people who own and are looking to sell. Usually he is the first port of call for such people. Plus, 220v straight off the bat. The less complicated, the better, usually.

 

[2chFreak]

for the OP of this thread, you can look here
Heim-Audio HiFi | eBay

 

[panditji]

Thanks 2Chfreak, but it is still more expensive than HK....it would make much sense to buy from HK and get it in your own luggage....That is what I have planned....

 

[cybervinay]

Rahul

As you are aware I have the Luxman 550mkll and even though its 20W class A its quite powerful. You can bring in your speakers and try it.
It is good and but I am thinking of upgrading to 590Ax and waiting for a deal on 590ax.

-Vinay Arora

 

[panditji]

Hi Vinay, I am just caught up in some work but have to come over to hear the 550 with the Harbeths....the sound was superb....

BTW there is a 590 for sale in HK below:

review33.com - ????

At 29,500 HKD, it seems like a steal.....