Line Magnetic 218a vs Leben CS600 -- am I insane? (aka when good beats great)

Thanks everyone for the great responses.

@glennewdick - I've tried a variety of different tubes in the Leben (almost all NOS) and only ever noticed very minor differences from one set to another. Whereas I'm rolling with the stock tubes on the Line Magnetic and still loving it more. I also have some old Psvane KT-88s in storage that I might unpack as well.

@jond @nymarty That's a fascinating insight, and I think you're probably correct. The difference in the SET vs Push/Pull seems to cover the differences in sound that I've noticed. God, now I'm worried I'm going to start looking for superior SET amps...

All the reviews, opinions etc are meaningless, all that matters is what your ears are telling you.

I agree with @jond .  It’s not Leben vs Line Magnetic.  It’s a SET vs a push pull.  I have a Line Magnetic 34ia which is a PP EL34 based integrated — similar to your Leben.   I really like my amp but I think your Leben might be a little better.  But what you’re liking about your 218 is that single 211 tube sound and how it sings with your speakers.  

Not crazy.  I love my tube rolled Dennis Had Inspire 300B and Klipsch AL5’s.  A combination that keeps me coming back.  The Klipsch sounded great with different tube and SS amps, but there is something about the synergy of this pairing that is unique.

I would think a SET 211 amp might sound better than a PP EL34/6L6 amp regardless of manufacturer.

What tubes are in the amps are they the same type and make? Tubes make a huge difference in tube amps so even if they used the same tube types, if they are not the same tubes they will not sound the same. Also Tube type very in the sound signature they have so that could be a factor. 

most factory tubes (New production usually) do not sound as good as premium tubes and not even close to NOS tubes. IMO of course. 

I'm going through a tube rolling process trying to find tubes for my mac tube amps that sound actually good, the factory tubes JJ tesla's sound flat bright and dead. 

I had the LM-845ia with Harbeth M30.2  - Best combination I’d heard, to include several SS amps and another tube amp, all played in my own system at home over long periods of time.  I originally went to the dealer looking at a Luxman Class A integrated, and after he played the LM for me, that’s what I bought at less than half the price.  It wasn’t just a simple preference either, like “I think this one just sounds a little better, or more clear” … or something like that.  It was more of a holistic difference in overall sound and presentation that was striking.  The bass wasn’t amazing (it wasn’t bad, just not so tight) but I didn’t care given everything else it did.

Maybe everyone you knew and trusted were wrong. 

You are not insane.

Line Magnetci amps are much better than their modest price.

I have both LM 508 and Rogue Cronus Magnum II.

Rogue is no match with LM 508 even in bass authority although former claime to give twice power.

Thomas