Integrated amplifiers — Luxman L550AXII

The L-550AXII is an accomplished Class A integrated amplifier from Luxman, sitting below the L-590AXII with somewhat more modest gain and damping factor. The L-550AXII brings Luxman's considered engineering to a substantial Class A integrated chassis.

Key specs that matter

One balanced XLR input and four single-ended inputs plus a dedicated phono input are provided. Input sensitivity is 180mV, matching the rest of the L-series Class A range. Input impedance is 55,000 ohms balanced or 47,000 ohms single-ended. Output power is a modest 20W into 8 ohms, rising to 40W into 4 ohms- somewhat less than the L-590AXII's 30W/60W, reflecting the inherent power limitations of pure Class A operation at this tier. Signal-to-noise ratio is 105dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.02%. Damping factor is 200 - somewhat lower than the L-590AXII's 320. At 440 x 178 x 454mm and 24.3kg, the L-550AXII maintains a somewhat more compact chassis than the L-590AXII and L-595ASE.

Sound and use context

Expect the exceptionally smooth, richly textured character pure Class A amplification is broadly celebrated for, at a more accessible power and price tier than the L-590AXII and L-595ASE.

Pairing

The modest 40W-into-4-ohms Class A output pairs best with notably efficient loudspeakers to achieve satisfying dynamic headroom, given the inherent power constraints of Class A operation.

Alternatives

Luxman's own L-590AXII offers a more accomplished flagship-tier alternative within the same broader L-series Class A catalogue.