LXD55 Scope vs The new LXD75
"Just what are the differences?"
Richard Harris -http://LXD75.com 7/14/2004

First of all a disclusure - this is all speculation based on current Data from Meade and the Meade Dealers but until we get an actual LXD75 in hand, we just won't really know.
Here are the differences and simularities from what we DO know. This is a cut and paste from the Meade flyer posted about the LXD75 - our comments are in blue and red.

Autostar Computer Controller: Includes AutoStar Suite/LPI.
-Same LXD55, minus the LPI Suite

Optional Ultra High Transmission Coatings: UHTC an important optional feature to optimize the performance of your Meade telescope.
-Same as LXD55

Made in the U.S.A. and Performance Tested: All Meade Schmidt-Newtonian and Schmidt-Cassegrain optics are manufactured at Meade's state-of-the-art facility in Irvine, Calif., then performance tested on an Interferometer.
-Same, except maybe the actual manufacturing plant.

Sturdy Mount with Heavy-Duty Castings: Designed by Meade's engineers and manufactured for high-performance observing and astrophotography.
-Same mount and castings with some design changes to fit bearings

Shaft & Bearing System: The sturdy German Equatorial Mount is accurate and precise. The RA and Dec axes move effortlessly on four high-precision stainless steel ball bearings.
-Different, the LXD55 has plastic washers / bearings

High-Precision Worm Gears: Located on both axes for smooth tracking and slewing.
-Same as LXD55

High-Precision Pointing (HPP): For even more-precise pointing, use the HPP function. HPP puts objects in the center of the field-of-view, which allows you to confirm deep-sky objects at the faintest limits of the telescope's capability.
-Same as LXD55 AutoStar with free firmware upgrade

Periodic Error Correction: Corrects periodic errors on the RA axis over the course of one or more training periods, thereby minimizing guiding corrections during long-exposure photography.
-Same as LXD55 AutoStar with free firmware upgrade

9-Speed Drive Controls: From a rapid slew rate of 4.5°/sec. to 1x sidereal – it's all controlled from the Autostar controller.
-Same as LXD55

3-Star Alignment: Ensures precise alignment while eliminating the need for a complicated optical/mechanical alignment process.
-Same as LXD55 AutoStar with free firmware upgrade

Heavy-Duty Tripod: Variable-height field tripod with spreader bar brace provides the stability and vibration damping required for visual observation and astrophotography.
-Different tripod altogether

Illuminated Polar Alignment Viewfinder: For quick, precise polar alignment.
-Same as LXD55

Power Supply: Powered by 8 D-size batteries. Can also be powered by optional car cigarette lighter or AC wall adapter.
-Same as LXD55

So should I buy an LXD75, or just keep my LXD55 and what about those refurbished mounts I keep seeing?
We know Meade isn't going to manufacture anymore LXD55 scopes, for sure. They are currently liquidating what they have on Ebay and to Dealers across the US in a very nobile way of saying "fair ridence" in our opinion. They are listed on Ebay for $242 including shipping which is quite a deal for such a decent mount.

Granted the LXD55 was riddled with problems, but they are easily addressed during a HyperTune or similiar tuneup, and with the addition of the new Teflon bearings from LXD55.com - it's essentially the same mount.
The two major differences are the tripod and the bearings. Is this worth $300 or more to you? Depends on the presumed performance of the bearing and tripod.

Only time will really tell. It's hard to determine just what will come of the new LXD75 (aka LXD55 upgraded mount). These are just some basic similarities and differences to think about.

Richard Harris
http://LXD55.com
http://LXD75.com
http://ScopeTrader.com