jperry
Trim pots are common in some Japanese low output amplifiersQuite so! But that doesn't make them a good idea.
Line Magnetic 219ia vs Mc225
jperry Trim pots are common in some Japanese low output amplifiersQuite so! But that doesn't make them a good idea. |
Regards to trim pots and worries of signal noise. The line magnetics are right up there with the shindo’s in performance believe it or not. Charles1, thank you for your reply. This is the sort of supportive advice i was looking to extract. I am leaning towards the 219ia. Steve Huff actually made the comment than he felt this 24 watt/channel SET amp drove his 86db sonus fabers better than the 300watt SS monos that he owned.. Obviously due to the high quality transformers and current flow through this amp. He felt this was the only set amp he had ever tried that he felt could almost drive virtually any speaker. We know there are limits to this statement, but it gets its point across. |
Even though I have long been and continue to be a fan of vintage tube equipment, in my mind the decisive factor choosing between the MC225 and the LM amps that have been mentioned would be the condition-related risks associated with the approximately 50 year old MC225. And even if you were to find an example appearing to be in excellent condition and/or well restored, the possibility that you may frequently find yourself wondering if it is truly performing as well as it once did. Also, as I recall the MC225's reputation for providing outstanding sonic performance in relatively modern systems was largely established and solidified during the 1980s and 1990s, when roughly speaking it was just half of its present age. Finally, as always I would attach great credibility to the comments by Charles1dad. Good luck. Regards, -- Al (Former owner of a stereo pair of Marantz 2, Marantz 9, and Mac MC30 monoblocks; also a 7591-based Scott 299C, Pilot SA232, and many other well regarded vintage pieces). |
Thank you almarg. It is a factor I've kept in mind as well. Not that it is all to difficult to get the mc225 running well if it is not in top shape, but you do wonder if it is performing as it once did yes. On the other hand, I've got a 77' Marshall JMP with 6550's and a 70' Ampeg V4 with original magnavox 7027's still in it. Yes, i believe 47 year old tubes! They please me in so many ways... :) |
Jkull, One other factor to consider is the 300b driver tube is audibly important in this circuit. Those familiar with the 219ai say this driver along with the 845 output tube are sensitive to the quality of tubes. If you decide to go for this amplifier people report that the Psvane W.E.Replica 300b and 845 are exceptionally good. Charles |