ChatGPT Willsenton R800i 805 vs Line Magnetic LM-805ia
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Question:
I have narrowed my choices down to the Willsenton R800i with 805 tubes and the Line Magnetic LM-805ia. Please do a deep dive comparison from the build quality and reliability standpoint.
Great — I’ll compare the Willsenton R800i (with 805 tubes) and the Line Magnetic LM-805ia from a build quality and reliability perspective. I’ll look into whether there are any production year differences or revisions, summarize professional reviews, and gather user experiences from audiophile forums. I’ll also highlight any meaningful differences in parts availability and serviceability.
I’ll get started and let you know when I have the detailed comparison ready.
The Willsenton R800i (805) is a relatively recent Chinese SET amplifier (introduced in the 2020s) offered in both 805 and 845 output-tube versions. It follows earlier Willsenton models (R8, R300, etc.) and appears to have no widely reported “mark II” revisions yet (aside from minor parts changes like updated capacitors in the R8 series). By contrast, the Line Magnetic LM-805iA stems from a longer lineage (Line Magnetic Audio founded 2005). It replaced the earlier LM-508IA and was later updated to the SG Series 2.0 model. The LM-805iA (2×48W SET with single 805 per channel) has been on the market for several years, and the SG2.0 variant adds an adjustable feedback control. In summary, LM’s 805iA is an established design with at least one public upgrade (the SG2.0), whereas the Willsenton R800i is a newer product with no major revamps reported so far.
Chassis and Transformers: The Willsenton R800i uses an aluminum-alloy chassis (“aviation-grade aluminum alloy”) and a dual-transformer supply: an EI iron transformer for tube filaments and a toroidal transformer for high voltage. Its output stage uses two wide-bandwidth EI output transformers. In contrast, the Line Magnetic LM-805iA is built around “super big” Z11-core toroidal power transformers and two Japanese-made EI output transformers, all separately mounted and encapsulated to minimize interference. Both amps are hand-wired point-to-point, but Line Magnetic explicitly emphasizes hand-made construction and high-grade parts (ALPS potentiometers, Mundorf/RealCap capacitors) for reliability. (A reviewer of the LM-219iA, another LM model, gushed that its build is “tank-like” and “the best I have ever seen… From any company, no matter the cost”.)
Circuit Design: Willsenton’s R800i uses two 300B triodes to drive each 805 tube (single-ended class-A), with a hand-soldered point-to-point signal path. It offers features like an external bias meter, ALPS motorized volume pot, and balanced XLR inputs. The LM-805iA uses one 300B driver and one 805 per channel, with 6SL7 and 6SN7 stages for voltage gain. Its construction likewise is point-to-point, with a top-mounted bias control meter, ALPS volume control and Mundorf/RealCap coupling capacitors. In practice, both amplifiers are physically heavy and very large (handling high voltages and currents), but Line Magnetic’s use of premium components (Japanese transformers and Mundorf caps) suggests a higher-grade parts inventory than Willsenton’s stock (which relies on generic EI/Toroid units and unspecified capacitors).
Thermal Considerations: Both amps run extremely hot due to their all-class-A, high-dissipation 805 tubes (~100W of heat per tube). Owners note that 805 (and 845) tubes put more stress on the output transformers and chassis. One user warned that if an 805 or 845 tube fails, it can easily “take out” a transformer due to heat stress. Neither design has active cooling; they use large chassis and tube cages instead.
Independent reviewers generally praise the Line Magnetic build, while noting some issues with the Willsenton design:
Line Magnetic (LM-805iA): Audiophile reviewers highlight LM’s meticulous build. For example, the LM-805iA’s brochure notes “hand-made construction with the finest point-to-point wiring,” ALPS controls, and “specially designed” encapsulated transformers. The SG Live Acoustics reseller explicitly claims the use of “Mundorf N-Cap capacitors” and ALPS pots “wired in the air… [for] exemplary reliability”. In practice, users find the LM amps to be rock-solid; one LM-518IA owner reported his 845 PP amp was “solidly made and has never missed a beat” over 4 years of use. Steve Huff’s review of a Line Magnetic amp noted it “beats my old McIntosh… put[ting] it in great company” in terms of build. Overall, LM is seen as a “premium” Chinese-made brand with construction on par with high-end Western gear.
Willsenton (R800i): By contrast, Willsenton’s claimed construction is not backed by as much confidence from experts. The official specs boast an “all-aluminum alloy body” and handcrafted P2P soldering, which on paper matches high-end practice. However, disassembly and mods by third-party techs have revealed design shortcuts. A well-known amplifier technician (Skunk Designs) pointed out that the R800i’s left and right channels share plate-supply nodes without decoupling capacitors – a design flaw that requires retrofitting four bypass capacitors and other parts. Likewise, he added that the power-supply filtering was marginal. In other words, although Willsenton’s marketing lists premium features, several early purchasers needed to pay extra (~$600–$800) to correct these engineering issues. Thus professional feedback suggests Willsenton’s build quality is good except where the design was rushed or simplified. Reviewers have noted that Willsenton’s prior models (R8) had similar flaws and needed fixes, implying a pattern of QC compromises.
Willsenton R800i Users: Among audiophile forum and review posts, the R800i’s sound is often praised, but reliability concerns come up frequently. In one Amazon review, an owner reported a channel failure after 6–12 months (a Gold Lion 300B tube died and the amp could no longer bias correctly). He ultimately had the amp reworked by a specialist, who confirmed the design deficiencies noted above. On StereoNet, one user admitted they were “not confident in [Willsenton’s] design and QC” given problems seen with earlier models. Another noted that the very high heat of 805 tubes makes protection important – “if those tubes go you’re highly likely to take out a transformer” – which is a caution for these SET amplifiers. Some owners have taken matters into their own hands (adding parts, upgrading caps/resistors) and then reported happy long-term use, but the consensus is that initial quality control may be spotty.
Line Magnetic LM-805iA Users: Line Magnetic’s user feedback is overwhelmingly positive on build. No major failure reports stand out. In fact, an LM-518IA owner specifically praised its build quality and reliability. The LM-805iA seems to share this robustness. There are no widespread reports of failures or design flaws in the LM-805iA. Users mainly focus on its sound and tube rolling. The only minor quirks noted in other LM amps are trivial (e.g. holding the remote “sideways” for the best IR reception). Overall, LM is considered a well-built, durable brand; many recommend buying from an authorized dealer (to ensure proper voltage calibration and warranty) but otherwise note zero issues after years of use.
In summary, user impressions suggest the LM-805iA has a sturdier track record, whereas the Willsenton R800i may require aftermarket tweaks. Both amplifiers are hand-made and use similar rare tubes, so neither is immune to tube aging or general heat stress. But LM owners more often comment on longevity (“never missed a beat”), while some Willsenton owners warn about quick components failure if not addressed.
Parts and Tubes: Both models use the hard-to-find 805 output tube (and two 300B drivers per channel). Fortunately, these tubes (Shuguang-made with a distinctive yellow “FU-5” base) are sold by several suppliers. In fact, Line Magnetic’s own stock 805 tubes retail for about $90 each from the vendor (much less than some dealer quotes). Willsenton’s R800i likely uses the same or similar stock 805s; replacement tubes would have comparable availability and cost. Other parts (e.g. capacitors, resistors, transformers) are largely generic or built-to-print. LM tends to specify high-end caps (Mundorf, RealCap) and Japanese transformers, which may be costlier but easier to source if originals fail. Willsenton uses Chinese-made transformers and caps; these can be repaired or matched but are less standardized.
Warranty and Service: Line Magnetic offers longer official warranty coverage – typically 2 years parts & labor (6 months on tubes) in authorized territories. Willsenton’s stated warranty is 1 year on the chassis (excluding tubes). Importantly, LM has established global dealers (e.g. BC Diffusion in Europe, US distributors) who handle warranty/service support. Willsenton’s support is centered in China (through their factory or the retailer), which can make repairs slower or less accessible outside Asia. In practice, most Willsenton owners buy through Asian dealers (who do offer limited service) or as imports with minimal local backup. Some audiophiles advise buying from an authorized LM dealer “so you have service in case of an issue”; no comparable dealer network exists for Willsenton in the West.
Ease of Servicing: If repairs are needed, both amps are fully discrete. An experienced tube technician can service either, but familiarity matters. LM’s point-to-point wiring and labeled schematic (and use of Alps, etc.) make it fairly straightforward. Willsenton’s wiring is also point-to-point, but some component locations (like the bypass caps found missing) have proven non-intuitive. After-sales fixes (such as adding parts) have become common for Willsenton. Given the steeper price of 805s, both amps require attention to bias alignment, which each provides a meter for. In summary, Line Magnetic likely has the edge in parts/service infrastructure (longer warranty, dealer network), while Willsenton remains largely a direct-import brand where self-service or paid mods are typical.
Sources: Manufacturer specifications and manuals; expert and user reviews; audiophile forums and warranty pages.
