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Hi This is actually a reply to another SN member's review of his Luxman 509X Int Amp. After replying, I thought it would be nice to share it with other SN members. Just my thoughts on the three Luxman amps I have owned over the last few years. I have been lucky enough in the last few years to have own the 550AX Class A as my first Luxman Int Amp, then due to a house move, needed more power, I got the 590AXII Class A, now living most of my time in Thailand, I am enjoying the 509X Class AB. I have also listened to the 507uX Class AB extensively. My gear from the 550AX to 590AXII and 509X haven't changed - Macbook > JRiver or Roon App > Chord Hugo TT DAC (Cable = Audioquest Diamond USB from Mac to Hugo TT) > every Luxman Amp (Cables = MIT SL8 RCA interconnects) > Spendor D7 SPEAKERS (Cables MIT SL 9). Quick rating of each amp: 1. 550AX Class A 20 watts pc. (Build - 8) - (Look - 10 - if you like the Retro style) - (Power/Drive - 8 - ONLY if you have a small room, efficient speakers & don't listen loud) - (Clarity/Details - 7) - (Quietness - 7) - (Soul/Emotion - 8) 2. 590AXII Class A 30 watts pc. (Build - 9) - (Look - 10 - if you like the Retro style) - (Power/Drive - 8 - ONLY if you have a small/medium room & efficient speakers) - (Clarity/Details - 8) - (Quietness - 8) - (Soul/Emotion - 9) 3. 509X Class AB 120 watts pc. (Build - 9.5) - (Look - 10 - if you like the Retro style) - (Power/Drive - 9.5 - Most room sizes and most speakers) - (Clarity/Details - 9.5) - (Quietness - 9.5) - (Soul/Emotion - 8) Quick summary of each amp: 1. 550AX Class A 20 watts pc. Fantastic Class A Int Amp. Low power, which leads to other limitations. Only buy if you don't have enough money to buy the 590AXII for more Power and Soul/Emotion. 2. 590AXII Class A 30 watts pc. Great Class A Int Amp. Still low power for larger rooms. BUT simply amazing tones that ooze Soul and Emotion especially in vocals and acoustic music. Luxman Class A Masterpiece. 3. 509X Class AB 120 watts pc. Stunning Class AB Int Amp. Tons of power and punch. So quiet, so much details, so clean, etc. Only negative against the 590AXII - doesn't have that Luxman Class A Soul and Emotion. Against Class AB Amp in this price range, the 509X has very few to no rivals. My "Ultimate" Amp: *A Luxman because of the build quality, features and acceptable price. Compared to nearest & equal rival, Accuphase, Luxmans are a bargain. *A Luxman Class A Int Amp for the tone, soul and emotions that they produce. *A Luxman Class A 60 watts pc Int Amp!! - maybe impossible and imagine the heat! Play more music! To the 2 SN members who bought my 550AX and 590AXII, hope you are enjoying them. Photos of 550AX, 590AXII and 509X

Item: Shanling MC-30 Music Centre (Valves) Location: Perth, can ship Price: $625 or $650 with Logitech Harmony 650 universal remote Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: Too much gear Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Shipped - Direct Deposit Extra Info: I am the second owner of this locally delivered 240V unit and I am sure I will regret selling this later. Ask anyone who has ever come across one of these and they will back me up with how they were blown away by this little unit. The build quality is excellent, thick aluminium body and heavy transformers. The design is well thought out with the feet all featuring levelling. The sound it makes is lush and although it seems like it would not create a generous amount of sound at 3W (Class A) I can fill a lounge room with gorgeous sound without even going half way on the dial. This is without even using easy to drive speakers, I had used Quad 11L and Dynaudio Contour 1.32E which are both only about 86dB. It has a pre-out should you want more power, but I tried using a Quad 909 and preferred it direct. The unit actually provided more bass on its own. Feature wise, CD player, FM and AM radio, 3.5mm input and RCA input which should cover everything you could want. The original owner lost the remote but the unit can be operated from the controls on the device itself. Volume adjustment is a bit of a chore like that though so I picked up a Logitech universal unit which I can include for an extra $25 (cost $70). A common issue with many Shanling CD players is the occasion pause during cd playback but this is occurs only very occasionally and lasts about 1 - 2 seconds before resuming. The MC-30 has been otherwise faultless. I have the original double box so can ship at buyers risk if desired but note it is fairly heavy. Great chance to get into valves or Class A amplification without too much outlay. Questions welcome and I will try to answer best I can. Donation on sale to SNA. Please look at all the glowey bits in the pictures! Praise: https://www.stereophile.com/integratedamps/308shan/index.html http://www.charismaaudio.com/products/shanling/mc30.htm Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: Denon PMA-880R Class A Integrated Amplifier Location: Sydney - Epping Price: $300 Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: Accumulated too much hifi gear and about to move to a new house Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, COD Only Extra Info: This Denon PMA-880R Optical Class A Integrated Amplifier complete with RC-156 remote control and Operating Instructions is in mint condition. This amplifier was made in Japan in 1993. Amps made by Denon in this era were considered to be the best amps that Denon ever made. These amps hardly ever come up for sale. I have owned this amplifier from new and it has been very well looked after. The amplifier and remote control still look brand new and are unmarked. It's whole life has been in a cabinet behind a glass door, which is why it still looks brand new. This Class A integrated amplifier has a very clean, detailed and powerful output that is impressive for both analogue and digital sources. There are no crackles or hums present and it performs just as well as the day I purchased it. The PMA-880R has a solid power supply that uses a shielded toroidal transformer, and a pair of large 12,000uF capacitors for voltage smoothing and a very substantial heat sink. It features a source direct switch for tone controls bypass and optical connection between amplifier stages for detailed sound. Speakers can be connected via A, B, A B front switching. The speaker binding posts accommodate bare wires or banana plugs. The power rating is 2 x 75W RMS at 8 ohms or 2 x 120W at 4 ohms. The Denon PMA-880R uses an Optical class A circuit design for optimum sound quality. Source Direct can be used to bypass tone controls. The Denon PMA-880R accommodates both MM moving magnet and MC moving coil Phono options via front switching. The Denon PMA-880R has the following RCA inputs: Phono, CD, Tuner, Aux, DAT/Tape-1, DAT/Tape-2. The amp also has a Record Out Selector a headphone jack, and a loudness button. The specifications are as follows: Power output: 75 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo) Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz Total harmonic distortion: 0.02% Input sensitivity: 0.2mV (MC), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line) Signal to noise ratio: 76dB (MC), 94dB (MM), 110dB (line) Output: 150mV (line) Dimensions: 434 x 160 x 353mm Weight: 8.2kg Accessories: RC-156 remote control Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: Unison Research Unico Secondo Hybrid Tube Amp Location: Melbourne (Emerald) Price: $1800.00 Item Condition: Mint Reason for selling: To fund other purchases. Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal. Extra Info: Beautiful Italian made hybrid tube amp in mint condition. Has optional phono card installed ($RRPP $4400). Comes with all original packaging and remote. From a smoke and pet free home (and a child free room) Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: Threshold S200 power amplifier Location: Maitland NSW (postage possible) Price: $1200 Sale Pending payment Item Condition: Used Reason for selling: Need a matched pair for speakers with active 2-way crossover Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: Here is a stunning Threshold S200 Stassis power amplifier. Rare and beautiful! It is in absolutely lovely condition and has just come out of 10Years storage, brought up to voltage slowly and is sounding superb! The manual is included and postage is possible at buyers expense. The voltage on the rear has a sticker from the UK 220V, but the transformer has 120v and 120v primary thus clearly a 240v transformer (picture included). Pictures:

Item: Class A integrated amp Location: Perth (N.O.R.) Price: $1250 (negotiable within a reason) Item Condition: 8/10 - minor scuff as shown in photo. Reason for selling: Raising fund for new amp Payment Method: Pickup preferred, but can post at buyer expenses (don't have original box but will be packed safely) Extra Info: Bought from a SNA member some months ago with Cabasse Bora speaker and the pair had an excellent synergy. There is phono input but I can not confirm whether or not has the phono board. Thanks for watching. Pictures:

Item: Luxman L-58A integrated amplifier Location: Sydney Price: $1600 Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: Upgade Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, Extra Info: Pick up, can deliver in Sydney. This is 100w of beautiful vintage Luxman sound. I absolutely love this amp and am only thinking of selling it because of the opportunity to upgrade to a Luxman L-507u. It has an amazing phono stage with 2 inputs for MC and MM. Has been recently serviced at Len Wallis Audio (invoice attached) The timber veneer has some very slight blemishes near the corners of the fascia but are only visible on close inspection. Considering its age it is in excellent condition. A Classic. For more information and specs see: http://www.thevintageknob.org/luxman-L-58A.html Pictures:

Item: sugden A21a Location:Perth Price: $750 Item Condition:very good Reason for selling: upgraded Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: Unfortunately the day has come to pass on my sugden A21a . For the past 4 years I have used this amp with a variety of speakers . I won’t get to involved at the specs as anyone who is familiar with sugden will be tuned in . Serviced last year with all caps replaced to original specs. The amp runs extremely hot once it’s at operating temperature so during summer an aircon room would be ideal .I have primarily used this for my vinyl set up which has astounded many friends of mine in comparison to digital set ups . The A21a has only had a few tweeks to the current line up . Pictures:

Item: Trafomatic Audio Head One Headphone amplifier [High Gloss white finish] Location: Brisbane Price: $800 + shipping [RRP $1400] Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: NLR Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, or Paypal or bank transfer Extra Info: A headamp which is different because you can matching the different impedances of headphones. The Head One runs a pair of 6S45P triodes with 1.8dB of negative feedback on the outputs while one EZ80(81) becomes the indirectly heated rectifier. Two inputs switched via rear-mounted toggle and twinned pre-outs for biamping or subwoofing* turn this piece into a bona fide small preamp as well. The Head One is less than a year old & includes a spare new JJ Electronic EZ81 rectifier valve. Specifications: Experience Head One – Headphone Amplifier Reviews: 6moons Pictures:

Item: AM-833S mono block Class A amplifiers. Location: Rowville Price: $12,900.00 Item Condition: Very Good Reason for selling: Moving on. Payment Method: Cash or bank transfer. Extra Info: Purchased from the Australian distributor. See Osborn Loudspeakers website for technical information and reviews. These amps use the mighty 833 tubes in Class A operation with KT88 drivers and E88CC voltage amplifiers. With the right supporting cast these amps are probably unbeatable. These are the more expensive two box design with separate amp and power supply chassis. Pictures:

Item: Accuphase A30 Location: NSW 2135 Price: 3150 Item Condition: Fully functional, pure class A Reason for selling:Upgrading to A47 or upper model Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: Pictures:

Item: Musical Fidelity A1 Class A Amplifier Location: Williamstown, Victoria Price: $500 Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: NLR Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: Yes this is a Musical Fidelity A1... no not the groundbreaking, but unreliable version from the 80's. This is the re-release from about 10 years ago. Still 'Class A'. Still sweet. No longer unreliable. No volume pots to turn crackly after a few years, no excessive and unbearable heat... yes I did have MF amps from that early period, and I had a love/hate relationship with them. This amp is an updated version of that clssic but unreliable original, but this amp is all about love... When I listen to the A1, I am completely blown away by it. It has a sweet sound which seems to make everything sound great. Whilst listening to the A1, its ability to project and create musical illusion is so strong that I get carried away with the music. This would be terrific for someone who is setting up a system in a smaller lounge, study or for a second system - alternatively use with very efficient speakers. The Phono stage is a corker - absolutely flattering of everything you play through it. The DAC - eh ok if you're desperate. Otherwise everything about this amp make it a terrific little amp. Its in LIKE NEW condition, comes with remote and instructions. Pictures:

Item: Power Amplifier Class A Solid State Price Range: $3000-5000 Item Condition: Used Extra Info: I'm looking for a power amplifier in class A solid state with around 50-100Watts per ch ideally in black. I'm located in Sydney, but will consider an interstate purchase. Please don't forget to report your post as FOUND when possible. (You can now delete this text).

Item: Sugden Masterclass IA-4 Class A Integrated Amplifier Location: Melbourne Item Condition: Immaculate condition, like new. Comes with all the original paperwork, remote, power lead, box and packaging. Price: $4695 (RRP is $9650) or I would consider swapping for a Sugden SPA-4 Power Amp. Reason for selling: I’ve recently change my front end to a server based system and now use a DAC which is also my pre-amp so I don’t need an integrated amp. Payment Methods: Paypal, Cash - Pickup, or Australia Post COD. Extra Info: The IA-4 is a very high quality no nonsense product which is hand made in England. It is a full Class A design with everything focused on sound quality. I use it to drive 86db floor standing speakers and rarely get past 9 o’clock on the volume dial so it truly has plenty of power. Full product details can be found on the Sugden website here: https://www.sugdenaudio.com/ia-4-integrated-amplifier Pictures:

OK I've wandered off the "Class D" reservation and started building this old, simple Class A design from a Chinese kit. I was going to post this in the "Cheap EBAY Class A" thread but my ebay order vanished, so I ended up getting the same kit from Alieexpress. Enclosure is re-purposed from a crappy old busted Korean amp I found in the skip. I just got one channel built and working, I have a big chunky Altronics Aussie made heat sink but I havent drilled it yet, so I'm using the heatsink from CrapAmp for test purposes - I had to pile some old PC heatsinks on top to stabilise the temp. The mutimeter is in temperature mode so it has stabilised @ 54 degrees.. and it's a HOT day today. Link to the original reference docco, hosted on Elliot Sound Products site: http://sound.au.com/tcaas/index-1.htm Another link: http://swansonc2012.blogspot.de/2012/05/jlh-class-amplifier-1969.html This amp fairly easy to power, as it uses a single ended 24DC power supply. In fact a lot of people report very good results using a SMPS, so I got the best specced 120W SMPS I could find at reasonable price, an Altronics unit. This has made the build massively easier than it would have been. I thought I'd try a Class A amp after borrowing a (very well made DIY) 5W SET amp and trying it on the HF section of my active speakers. Was pleasantly surprised as I didn’t expect much - but it's the only bit of gear I've swapped in that my wife has made a positive comment about the sound (and I matched EQ and levels exactly with miniDSP and measurement mic)... so seeing what I can do for a low cost solid state Class A amp to try. I've left the kit "stock" except for the coupling capacitors, replaced the 1uF "Spirit" brand caps with ERO MKT8122 2.2uF caps. I'll shorten the leads to the power transisters, ultimately I'll use one of these mounted across the front of the enclosure: http://www.altronics.com.au/index.asp?area=item&id=H0545 Hoping the total build cost to come under $200 - plus a lot of fun fiddling with it. I havent adjusted the voltage or resistors to bias it, although it appears to come with parts chosen for exactly 24VDC which is what I'm feeding it.

Item: Musical Fidelity A100-X - Class A Integrated Amp Location: Brisbane, Indooroopilly Price: 360 Item Condition: Very Good (really really good - see photos) Reason for selling: Surplus Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, EFT Extra Info: Musical Fidelity A100-X class A integrated amplifier. This is the big brother of the well regarded, A1 amplifier. 55 watts in class-A with a quality switchable MC/MM phono stage. This is the later version of A100 (X-Model) with the forced cooling of the heatsinks. Beautiful Class-A sound with good bottom end punch. Delivers power that you would expect of much larger Amps. The amplifier is in very good condition and perfect working order. This model is a rare find and has a very good reputation. If not pickup then postage or e-go.com.au at extra cost Matt Pictures:

Item: Sugden Masterclass HA-4 Class A Headphone Amplifier Location: Melbourne Item condition: Immaculate condition except for a small scratch underneath at the rear, see pictures. It comes complete with the original paperwork and accessories etc. Price: $1295 (RRP is $2895) Reason for selling: I’ve recently changed to a full server based system and my DAC now doubles as my headphone amp. Payment Methods: Paypal, Cash - Pickup, or Australia Post COD. Extra Info: The HA-4 is a very high quality product hand made in England. It is a full Class A design and capable of driving even the most demanding headphones, I use Bayerdynamic T1’s. It can also act as a high quality pre-amp. Full product details can be found on the Sugden website Pictures:

Item: Audio Note P2SE Power Amplifier with External Power Supply Unit Location: Perth WA (Prefer local buyer as these are very heavy, but can pack safely for interstate buyers if they arrange their own transport) Price: $2,500 (Firm) with a donation to SNA Item Condition: Very good relative to age Reason for selling: Selling for a friend who has upgraded to 300B PSE Mono Blocks Payment Method: Cash on pick up for locals with direct deposit if shipping interstate. Extra Info: Please do not let the looks fool you, this is a serious single ended Class A amplifier. · This unit was previously owned by me hence the reason I am helping out a good friend to sell. · It was purchased as a used stock Audio Note P2SE from Audio Synergy in Perth back in about 2004 and it sounded very good, it now sounds amazing with the external power supply unit and upgraded bits fitted by Audio Synergy. · Those that know Audio Synergy will understand what Clifford can do with valve rectified power supplies. · This baby produces 18 glorious watts of Class A goodness, which means more speaker options (and loudness if that is what you desire, I never found it necessary to crank the volume, as the dynamics where available from the very first watt). · The external PSU means you can keep power away from signal and provide loads of quality grunt to control most normal speaker loads (it has been used for a while with 87 db Proac Tablette 2000 and Usher Dancer Mini X and both sounded great). · The PSU (refer pics) uses 2 x Philips Miniwatt 5AR4 CV1377 NOS 1962 (1 per channel) and is choke smoothed and connected to the signal unit by 2 leads which attach at rear. It’s all housed in an old AN DAC 1 box. · The Signal unit has 2 x 6SL7 (NOS Sylvania) feeding 2 pairs of 6L6 tubes (hence Parallel single ended - refer photo). It has both 4 & 8 Ohm taps. · A pre amp is not required as this unit has a volume control, however I would recommend using a valve Pre amp to get the best out of the unit. · Please PM me for any questions you may have and I am sure that an audition will not disappoint. · Spare valves are included in the sale price – all up you will get - 3 quads of 6L6 , 2 pairs 5AR4 and 2 pairs 6SL7. · I am not sure if the electrical disclaimer is required as I did not modify this unit myself, but it is included. ELECTRICAL DISCLAIMER This product has not been manufactured by a qualified individual or company, therefore contains electrical circuits that do not necessarily comply with Australian Standards. I understand that as the seller, I may be liable to repercussions in the event of equipment failure. By advertising and selling this product, as the seller I also agree that I am solely liable, and the publisher of this website takes no responsibility for any injury or death resulting from, whether directly or indirectly, any accident that may happen as a result of the failure of the product being sold. If in doubt, seek the services of a qualified electrician to inspect the product to ensure it is safe for use. Pictures:

Item: Oppo HA-1 Headphone Amp / Dac / Preamp (Black) Location: Kew, Vic Price: $1100 Item Condition: Excellent / As New Reason for selling: Not Needed Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, COD Only Extra Info: Purchased this from another SnA member late last year. Have original box and all contents. Happy to post at buyer's expense. Pm for more info. Pictures - (from net)

Hi everyone, Im possibly about to pick up some Omega or Hoyt Bedford speakers depending on how this week pans out and to say theres a plethora of choices is an understatement. Im a bit lost. These are high efficiency speakers around 93-97db so id say maybe 5+ watts minimum. The builder Louis recommends 7+ is optimal. I listen to lots of acoustic jazz, rock and hip hop but also complex orchestral passages on occasion. My partner listens to quite a bit of pop and deep house as well and since these are going in the lounge I'd say i need to be able to cover the range. After having a bit of a look around the internet I'm seen a few options. I've read that Omegas prefer push pulls over SET but thats third hand info. I'm looking at the First Watt J2 (if i can find one), the Trafomatic Aries and am interested in Earle Westons amps. Aesthetically they suit the Omegas and he's got a good reputation here but its hard to see where his amps sit by reading through the forums. Are they competitive with Decware? Audio Note? Are they fast enough and tight enough in the bass for modern electronica? I would like to support local and have support i can trust though, that would be a positive. As for flavour, I prefer treble air / sparkle and an expansive, holographic soundstage about most other descriptors. Clean and musical bass would be a plus and just a touch warmer than neutral suits me. With that being said, I know full rangers aren't known for their treble extension. Thus an audition this week. But really I don't know what I'm talking about and ill take any and all suggestions. Less than $2000 would be great, happy to buy used. Could stretch to $2500 if it'll change my life.

Item:jlh 1969 class A ampLocation:MelPrice:$300Item Condition:newReason for selling:Built for a member who doesn't reply to me anymorePayment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD OnlyExtra Info: I built one of this to drive my Yamaha ns1000m monitors a month ago. It has full aluminum case, 72000uf power capacitor and speaker protect circuit. Otherwise it is pure 1969. Sounds pretty good I reckon, not much difference with big brands only less powerful. (Maybe my ears are not good enough to tell?) My original intention was to let someone else have a try and share the experience. So I sold that one and another member missed it here asked me to build another for him. So here it is.

Looking at maybe moving to an Accuphase integrated. Anyone out there in Victoria with one? Would love some thoughts, feedback and opinions? Thanks

I have a Pass Labs XA 30.5 Power Amplifier for sale (Vic) Condition of the unit is immaculate. Can ship at buyer's expense Review here: http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/pass_labs_xa305_power_amplifier/ SnA ad: (http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php/topic/94712-pass-labs-xa-305-class-a-power-amplifier-reduced/) Price: $4200

I am looking to replace some class A amps, not because I don’t like them but for practical considerations. But, having been spoilt by them, am struggling with where to go next. The issue – we have one living space that is used for listening to music, watching TV/movies but also provides background/ambient music during the evening. It is the later that causes the issue. Being class A (well first 50 watts) they produce a bit of heat, and while they don’t get overly warm to the touch they do heat up the room over time. As summer approaches again (in Perth) we have found that we are turning the stereo off, and only using it for more critical listening, and this somewhat defeats the purpose – particularly as off means no music! So I am seeking some thoughts on alternatives, I am looking (hoping) for that liquidness in the highs one gets with class A, but without so much heat. Have tried a class A/B amp but it is not quite as good – although I would probably be happy with it I had not owned the others . Are there class A/B amps that people would recommend in this regard and what about class D - or is that a step to far?

I've been reading about the various DIY plans and kits that implement this kind of amplifier (PASS, Hiraga, JLH 1969, which I have made) i.e. 8 - 20W range - but which commercially sold amplifiers fit into this class, or would be comparable? Just curious - and my usual googling hasn't shown up a great deal. Except this: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251547958309 which doesn’t count