Luxman L-509Z

The Luxman L-509Z is the newest addition to the range replacing the L-509X, a long standing reference integrated amplifier for us. We compared the L-507Z that was introduce last year, and found that there was difference in sound from the new Z Series technology, with the L-509X still being the more holographic and having a more natural tonal balance. See the full review. This time we were able to compare on a more equal basis as they were both L-509 models. 

After 300 hours the L-509Z showed a rather bright tonal balance with less bass extension and a less expansive sound picture with the same music played though the L-509X. The X Series is distinctly more transparent than the new Z-Series. The Z Series is less holographic and has a slightly more forward presentation; the soundstage from the L-509X was significantly larger allowing a greater insight into the music. George used the finale from excellently recorded Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (Reference Recordings RR-) and we all agreed that, in this comparison, the older X Series technology sounded better.

I reminded George that at this same stage of burning in, 300+ hours, the L-507Z sounded very similar, and less involving compared to the L-509X. A further period of running-in did close the gap sonically speaking, with a more authoritative tonal balance more typical of what is Luxman evolving. But there is no doubt the Z series has a different sound philosophy to the outgoing X Series: slightly more forward in presentation whilst maintaining a dimensional soundstage. The Z Series amplifiers probably need over 500 hours burn-in time to show their optimal performance potential. We are therefore continuing the burn-in process with the L-509Z. We will revisit this listening session after 500 hours, invite George back to join us then, and report here with an update.

Hegel H600

The Hegel H600 is designed to perform as closely as possible to a separate preamplifier and mono-blocks combination, in a single chassis. It incorporates a state-of-the-art preamplifier section, with the extremely precise volume attenuator found in their reference P30A stand-alone preamplifier.

The run-in H600 does offer a step up in sound quality over the outgoing H590. The overall sonic signature is very much the same in both, an overall slightly warmer tone than from the Luxman or AVM amplifiers we have at the same quality level. Excellent though the flagship H590 is, there is a more transparent and deeper soundstage with the new H600 amplifier. Detail is better resolved and imaging a little better with the newer amplifier. Bass extension and grip was very similar with either amplifier, but none of the speakers we used (Kudos Titan 707 and Ophidian Voodoo) offered a very difficult load. These we would consider medium efficiency but with more demanding speakers, the difference may be more apparent. The wide ranging dynamics of the Beethoven 9th finale was handled well, with a little more inner detail in the mass choir choral passages from the H600. Therefore a worthy successor albeit at a significant price increase to £10,500. Well worth a listen if the budget extends to this price point.

The new DAC in the H600 is a step up from that found in the outgoing H590. The H600 can be a digital hub with optical, coaxial and USB inputs, and will support high end formats such as DSD and MQA decoding technology.