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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
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Jkull 11-19-2016
Mids are where it counts most if I am left to chose. This was part of my issue with my outgoing setup. Lack of presence in the mids and an abundance of booming bass.
An encouraging point related to that, for both the 508ia and the 219ia, is that you'll have a good deal of flexibility in tuning the mid vs. bass balance as a result of the three output taps each amp provides, and also as a result of the adjustable negative feedback each amp provides. Both of those choices will affect the output impedance of the amp. And as shown in the paper on the Cornwall I referenced earlier, the Cornwall's impedance in the bass and mid-bass regions is greatly different than its impedance in much of the mid-range, especially the upper mid-range. So the tonal balance of the amp/speaker combination will vary significantly depending on your choice of output tap and feedback setting.

Hey, Wig, congratulations on the new amp! I don't doubt that your already wonderful system has become even better :-)

Best regards,
-- Al
 
iopscrl
198 posts
 
I would try the MC225 first.  Buy it, listen for a few months, then decide if it appeals to you.  If not, you can resell for what you paid (or more).  Then try the Line Magnetic.

I would also consider amps from Triode Electronics.  TRV-845SE, and TRV-300SE.   The former is an 845 based stereo amp, about 20wpc.  The later is a P/P 300b mono block amp, also rated for about 20wpc.

I have heard the MC225, and various Triode amps.   My opinion is that the MC225 is very good.  The Triode amps are better in the frequency extremes, and provide a better (more realistic) soundstage.  The MC225 has a better midrange- more "tube like".   I have no experience with Line Magnetic amps.
jkull OP
95 posts
 
Iopscrl-
i did consider doing just that. The mc225 retains value so well, and with its reputation, hard to argue it.  The one issue is that it could take a while to off on maybe if that was decided. There are about 6 for sale on eBay alone right now.. My general concensus is that the 219ia and other LM amps take the cake over the 225.  However I can't say from personal experience at all....  Steve huffs review of the 219 is pretty eye opening in its potential however and I think would be more universal in application to a wider range of speakers.  I think going from SS to tubes I may appreciate tubes even more when going to a more direct circuit in the sense of single ended triodes.  Your idea totally makes sense however, can't deny that one bit!
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charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jkull,
Obviously I’ve no objective/scientific evidence to support my opinion, just a "gut feeling " based on my listening experiences and reading your thoughts and desires. I’d definitely go for the LM 219ia as I believe that it is an exceptionally good SET amplifier that will give you what you’re looking for. Again just my gut talking 😊. No knock on the McIntosh intended, but a good SET can go straight to your musical soul. 
Charles
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charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hello Wig,
Congratulations! I can imagine the pairing of that amplifier with your Acoustic Zen Crescendos, beautiful.
Charles
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