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 wig

@ fjn04
It's LM508IA, utilizing 805 output tubes, 300b, 6SN7 and 6SL7 and I love the sound of this amp; quite magical... 
I have the 508ia and love it, much more refined now with rolled tubes. A few have heard them both side by side and preferred the 508 based upon dynamics and transparency, see link below:

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/new-line-magnetic-508ia-integrated-amp.542333/
@ Almarg & Charles1dad

It's a wonderful sounding combination! Sold my Vac 160i 1.5 yrs ago and went with a Vitus RI-100 which I really liked but it just wasn't magical as tubes, hence my change to my first SET... I've learned a lot from your posts and you guys are a Big asset to this forum.

LM sound and build quality is on PAR with components 2-3 times its costs and that's speaking from experience...

I was considering Triode TRV 845 SE but heard from other users that LM was better and about $3K+ cheaper and made in the same factory with similar parts, which sealed the deal for me ;)

Wig
Watersalas-

Congrats on your new LM 508IA!  It's a fantastic amp and what I'm using as well completely rolled with Psvane 805, Sophia Mesh Plates 300B, Tung Sol Round Plates 6SU7 and many 6SN7.

In regards to the 6SN7, it's going to be a trial and error on which you like best in the circuit. Sylvania VT 231s and Ken Rad has always been my favorite go to tube, surpassing my Sylvania W, Raytheon smoked glass but I like the Sylvania WGTA in this circuit, it has both clarity and body the other 6SN7 have clarity but didn't sound as good.

The Psvane are a nice improvement and at $125 for a matched pair from Aliexpress, you'll gain improvements across the board. Happy Tube rolling...

Also, change the stock fuse to Synergistic Research Black Fuse; Big improvement in SQ and experiment with fuse direction. 
Ross,

Learned from someone in the industry and it's published on who builds both amps in the same factory side by side.

Wig