A day in - probably ~15 playback hours on the clock - and I’m fairly certain that the Luxman betters the Mac across the board. The Mac is a terrific amp, way better than most, but I’m struggling to identify any area where the Mac wins, apart (perhaps) on vocal presence. The impression I get of the Luxman/Arden combo is one of ‘great electrostats but with tight, extended bass’. Sort of like my headphones in many ways. But in no particular way does it emphasise anything - it’s got that ‘master tape’ quality. I can’t speak for other combinations but it controls my speakers with total command, and shows them to be even better than I’d previously thought. I’m probably going to regret saying this, but this is pretty much end-game for me. I’ve not made a decision but there is a path to upgrade laid out that works for me; I just have to come to terms with what is still a non-trivial step. But this combo is - in theory - enough to put hifi on the ‘job done’ pile.
I guess what I’m saying is that, yes, this IS quality