Could you tell us more about going to The Luxman from The Prima Luna and going from Hana ML to Umami Red Mr Flutteringwow?
The cartridge change was monumental. I've never been a massive fan of the ML , the SL yes, the ML, no, I always found the ML fairly dull and clinical without the magic of the SL, - and I owned 2! the Umami Red has all of the detail of the ML, all of the body of the SL, and just a majestic and magical sound - way better than my previous Koetsu's. Its perfection, but at a price. The proper stylus cover it comes with certainly helps the butt clenching worry about it being exposed in the living room. Cart for life for me.
The amplifier change, huge step up, but more specifically very different to PL. The Luxman, for me needs to be paired with a DAC and speakers that have 'body', otherwise it could sound a little clinical to some. The PL has a huge body but the top end is just too excitable - sure, dulling it down with some NOS Mullards really helps, but it then the sound became too 'thick' and exhausting in its own right, this prompted the change.
If you pair the Luxman with something like an Aqua DAC (R2R NOS) and a good streamer, then the reward is a sound that has depth, width, clarity, body, separation - completely enjoyable, no exhaustion and looks brilliant - theres no substitute for VU metres! Amp for life for me.