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Line Magnetic 219ia vs Mc225

I am currently changing things up my system. I am looking to purchase a tube amp and have narrowed down quite a bit. I am unsure however, whether it would be more wise to go with a SET design or a push-pull design. The two amps in particular that I have in mind are either a Line Magnetic 210ia or 219ia SET 845/300B amplifier, or a vintage mc225 push pull amp with 7591 tubes of course. I waved the idea of a primaluna around but am pretty set on the two amps I’ve mentioned.. More will be familiar with the mc225 than will be with the line magnetic, but they get stupendous reviews and feedback, placing them as some of the best out there, next to shindo etc., in the tube amp world. The 225 obviously has its cult following as well, and is renowned and said by many to be maybe the best Mac amp of all time. (doesn’t matter)... anyway..

I am predominantly a record listener, but also listen to some digital and CD. My source pieces consist of a VPI Classic 2 turntable with a Soundsmith Zephyr 2 cartridge, an OPPO 105, and a Marantz 7701 preamp/ phono stage.

I have sold my previous speakers, and will be picking up a pair of 60’s vertical cornwalls this week. 102db obviously means that i do not have to consider wattage as a factor at all. I listen at low to moderate levels generally. Even 2 watts will have the cornwalls blaring. At this point the consideration is quality of wattage and current. The current will be responsible on the power to drive the 15" bass drivers in the cornwalls way more so than the wattage. The line magnetic SET amps will have no issues driving my speakers as they have large quality made transformers and move tons of current.

Here is the thing. I listen to jazz, classical cello and bass arco works, etc etc. I like soft rock as well. I also listen to very aggressive forms of rock. Hardcore, metal, thrash/speed metal, power violence, sludge, crust punk, etc etc. Those familiar, know what i mean. I am unsure on whether to go with a SET amp or PUSH PULL. Will one suit me better, or does it not necessarily matter, and either should do just fine? I know that the mc225 is known for being tubey, however natural, tight low end etc. The 219ia is known for being extremely transparent, refined, with a bold tight low end, beautiful 300B midrange, etc. Read Steve Huff’s review of this amp if you are unfamiliar. He calls it just about the best amp he has ever heard..... However will it does for the heavier stuff i listen to? This music is listened to on LP form more than less, and is recorded well and many are analog recordings.

Any input by those familiar with these two amps OR with push pull/SET amp comparisons in their own setups, please chime it with advice. I do appreciate it!

jkull

Showing 6 responses by waltersalas

waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
959 posts
 

After a failed experiment moving from tubes to a Devialet-based system, I punted a few months ago, sold the Devialet, and have painstakingly rebuilt my system. I am currently auditioning the 508ia as the final piece of the puzzle. The fit and finish of this amp are astonishing at this price point, and even with less than fifty hours on it, it is clear that this is a special amp. 

For those of you who have rolled in NOS tubes--especially the 6SN7 and 6SL7 tubes--what have you tried? As you would expect, the stock tubes--Electro Harmonix and Sovtek--are a little bit on the hard or rough side, although some of that is no doubt due to the low number of hours on it as well. I'm thinking some good old Sylvania Bad Boys or Tung Sol round plate black glass might just do wonders for this amp, but I would love to hear what others are trying and liking.


waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
959 posts
 
Hi Charles,
I had and loved the VAC Ren 70/70 for several years, but sold it along with the matching preamp and then bought the Devialet, which sounded "good" but in the end just did not engage me emotionally. In short, I missed that old tube magic and just was not spending any time listening to music. At that point, convenience and technology are beside the point.

Eventually, I would like to find the VAC's little brother, the 30/30, but until then, this LIne Magnetic appears to be a real winner. Once it breaks in, it will be fun dialing it in with the right tubes. It is a powerhouse, that is for sure.

I really wanted to hear those Frankensteins of yours, but couldn't find anybody nearby who had them. Luckily for me, there is an LM dealer just a few hours down I-40.

Have a good evening.
Chris
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
959 posts
 

Hi Al,
You make an excellent point. I am investigating the amp's design to see whether are any compatibility issues with any of the 6SN7 types. Thanks for the reminder. Thanks also for your tips on specific tubes. I'll scout around for a pair of GE tubes, once I determine if I can use them in the 508. Who doesn't love great tubes at a low price?

Charles,
This is my first experience with the 805 tube as well. I will look into the Psvane. Don't they also make a highly regarded 6SN7 tube?

jond,
Thanks for the recommendation. If the 508ia can work with this type, I will give it a whirl. They look nice and the cost is not prohibitive.

jkull,
I have no doubt that the 219 is spectacular. I would have loved to hear it head to head with 508, but circumstances did not allow. Also, the 219 is a bit beyond my budget, although I think the LM amps represent great value at all price points. Like you, I listen to all kinds of music, so I need an amp that can accommodate a wide range of music. With the right tubes, I think the 508 is going to be just the ticket. It is still clearly breaking in, but the soundstage is beginning to open up and the bass is gaining depth and focus. I have no doubt it will continue to get better and better over the next few weeks.

I appreciate everyone's posts.
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
959 posts
 

Thanks again, folks, for your excellent suggestions. I liked the 508ia right out of the box, but after 40-50 hours, I just wasn't getting the refinement I wanted, which I (correctly, I think) attributed to the stock Electro Harmonix 6SN7 and Sovtek 6SL7 tubes. I replaced with those with a pair of Sylvania JAN VT-231s (good call, Wig!) and an RCA VT-229 and was astounded by the immediate level of improvement I experienced. I don't want to fall prey to recency bias, but I do believe that the 508ia is the best amp I've ever heard in my system, better even than the VAC Ren 70/70, which I dearly loved for several years. I am not sure that the 508 has quite the same degree of mid-range magic that was the VAC's strong suit--though with the NOS tubes, it is at least a horse race--but the bass is better (deeper, more clearly defined, etc.) and the musicality is a draw.

Of course, the usual caveats apply--IMHO, in my system, YMMV, and so forth. The really exciting part is that I might have a hundred hours on the amp max, so it is probably still breaking in, and I have not yet rolled any 805 or 300B tubes to see what further improvements that might yield. I will say that I could happily live with this amp just as it is for the rest of my days, and that to anyone thinking of an audition, find, beg, or borrow some NOS tubes so that you will know what this amp can really do. It is just spectacular!

I will certainly look into the fuse upgrade, and those Psvane sound like a no-brainer at $125 for a matched pair. I had an octet of KR 300Bs in my VAC Ren, and I hate to confess what I paid for those.

Finally, this amp is just beautiful to look at, especially at night!
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
959 posts
 

Jkull, it looks like you are on the right track. I have no personal experience with the Psvane tubes, but I have heard good things and I certainly trust Charles' experience and recommendations. I also agree with his perspective that it makes sense to get the best tubes you (we) can for an amp of this caliber. Just switching the 6SN7 and 6SL7 tubes made a remarkable difference for me, and definitely took the amp to another level.

Charles, at some point, I will probably try a pair of those EML XLS 300Bs. I have a friend who really likes and recommends them. It appears that they are somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500 for a matched pair. Does that sound about right, or are there better deals to be had? I'll probably settle for the Psvane 300Bs for the short term, but eventually I will want to try the EMLs.

OK. Must. Go. To. Bed....

Chris


waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
959 posts
 
Glad to see this thread still active. I am having a real love affair with my 508. The addition of some NOS Sylvania VT231s in place of the Electro Harmonix 6SN7 stock tubes made a significant improvement in refinement and musicality. I just ordered some EML 300B XLS tubes, which I hope will take the amp to even loftier heights. It is truly a fabulous integrated, and it really whips my Daedalus Ulysses speakers into shape. 
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