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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
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
952 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


charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hello Chris,
A pair of the EML XLS 300b cost 775.00 USD from tubesusa.com in New York.  Their service and support is 2nd to none.  The Psvane W.E Replica are 935.00 USD. Psvane does have lower cost models/series of the 300b that are good quality. The Japanese Takatsuki 300b run about 1800 to 2000.00 USD per pair. I purchased my Takatsuki pair 4 years ago,.

EML offers a standard 300b for around 500.00 USD and is said to be very good   (I've only used/heard their XLS versions). The Shuguang Black Treasure 300b is a good tube and is less money than the pricier mentioned choices above . I used this tube for 3 years prior to getting the Takatsuki.  There's good selection of better quality  300b tubes across the price spectrum just depends on predetermined budget.
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
jkull,

From what I've read the weak link in the 219ia are the preamplifier stock 12AX7s. If you are using the preamp section of the 219ia rather than a separate preamp that is a good place to begin tube replacement.
Charles
jkull OP
95 posts
 
Charles-

I am using the 219 preamp section when running my oppo for digital listening right now.

Question... its a pretty silly one but.. I am looking to upgrade my phono as discussed previously. I am still using my marantz 7701's built in phono, but want to order a Decware ZP3 (SET) phono. When running this phono into the 219, or any phono for that matter, I am still utilizing the 219's pre amp correct?  Like, your phono does not act as the only pre (sound defining) in the chain right? Thus changing 12AX7's in the 219 is still a worthwhile move for my (predominantly) vinyl listening. The question is probably so dumb that it is confusing you.  Sorry lol
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Yes, I believe that you’re using the preamp (line stage function) section in the pathway to provide gain for your phono signal .If Al happens to be still following this thread I hope he’ll correct me if I’m mistaken.I think the 219ia allows bypassing the preamp section via a "direct" connection thus using the 219ia as a power amplifier only option.
Charles
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