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
Almarg, with your experience, what would you conclude that I may find?
I have no idea, having no experience with 310A tubes or with LM amplifiers.  But it seems like an experiment that is well worth trying.  Especially given that based on eBay's listings of completed auctions  for 310A tubes you appear to have purchased them at a very nice price, assuming they are as described.  So if you end up not caring for their sonics you should be able to sell them for a profit.

Enjoy!  Regards,
-- Al
 
My hutch based solely on pedigree is that the Western Electric vintage tube in good operating condition should provide an upgrade over the stock LM tube. Speculation ? Yes but you'll settle this very soon 😊.
Charles 
Charles-

that is what I am hoping. They are in great shape.  Listed as NOS, and seller says they were bought in a large estate sale and that they were first opened just for this listing to take photos.  Boxes are mint.
Did you get the Mullards?   The sound is distinctly different from the Telefunkens.  Usually described as warm.
Western Electric tubes are imbued with some c kind of tube magic,or at least that is the common belief. I own  a special variant of the 6AS7G the WE 421A. It is indeed a really great tube.  The only downside I ran into were  worn out tubes. I will not knowingly pass them on to another, as is sometimes the custom with WE I fear.
mechans-

yes i received the mullards. with what comparative listening I've done thus far, the mullards are my least preferred between the RCAs, teles, and mullards.

The mullards i got are the IEC labeled blackburns. Not long plates. It feels the the mullards choke back a bit in sound, compared to the others. Not that they sound bad. 

It is between the teles and RCAs. The tele's have the edge in that upper end air, i just have to make sure it is not too much for extended listening.