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
Jeff Halpern of Tone Imports, US Distributor for Line Magnetic, told me via email this week that there may be a new DAC later this year (no particulars provided). 
Just rolled the 6Z4 to a NOS tung sol 6X4WA.   Immensely opened up the sound. So much clarity, in a good way.  Can hear the 'space' in the recordings.  So much improvement i dont know where to start.  Music officially sounds the best it ever has in my listening space.  This DAC is just excellent. At this point, i can say confidently that the oppo 105 does not even compare in my opinion.
I have since sold the 518ia and bought the LM503pa mono blocks... man are they good! I have changed the coupling caps and added the grid chokes as per the 518ia. Replaced the signal resistors to the new Audio Note silver Tantalum's, they took a long time to burn in to the extent that they were almost un-listenable. It was worth the wait. I was using the Psvane WE845's and have now upgraded to Elrogs (fingers crossed they hold up, however they now come with a 1 year warrantee) This was a very large step up. Driving them I have the Takasuki 300b's and NOS russian 310a's. I look forward to some reviews on the WE NOS 310a's.

Hi Pixelplay,
I have also bought a pair of LM 503pa's after playing with LM 219ia in bypass mode for 3 years.
Can you share me the parts details for the duelund coupling caps and the grid chokes you have used, I think I will go the same way. I have already succesfully tried and loved the we replica 845 and 300b's on 219ia, so I will continue to use these on 503pa's as well. I have found we 310's nos too, they will be with me this August. I will let you know
I am looking for good nos rectifiers now!

Just wanna say hi to fellow music lovers here.
Ecstatic to read the amount of indepth sharing and love for LM 219ia.

I too have recently bought the LM219ia and started to upgrade my system around it.



Just wanted to revisit this thread as much talk of the WE 310A’s had occurred. I can confirm now that i feel my stock psvane (shuguang) 310A’s are superior over the NOS WE310A’s I have had in the amp for several months now. I put the shuguangs back in last night and was able to detect some transparency, detail, and even a bit more ’liveliness’ in comparison. I had read in one thread before, someone state to not bother, as they found the stock 310A’s in their 219ia to be superior as well... But had to find out for myself. I can now say that I agree... and yes my WE's were NOS and functioning well.