Line Magnetic 508ia and the Elusive 805 Tube



Greetings, my fellow 'Goners.

I'm the very happy owner of a Line Magnetic 508ia integrated amp, a real powerhouse with a wonderful sound. I have replaced all of the stock tubes except the 805 tubes, as the stock tubes have suited me just fine. However, after a year or so of stellar play, one of them is showing signs of not being able to hold bias, so it may be time to experiment with some other tubes. Fine, but when I began looking around, I discovered that 805 tubes are not exactly plentiful across the land, nor is there much conversation about them. I found some on eBay--the Fullmusic look interesting, but pricey. My usual sources for tubes have none at all in stock.

So my questions are whether anyone out there with an LM 508 has tried rolling the 805 tube, what were your results, and--most importantly--where did you track them down?

I was very pleased with the results of rolling the 300B, 6SN7, and 6SL7 tubes, but the 805 options are relatively limited. Any insights, links, etc., would be most appreciated.


128x128waltersalas
@geek101 
What a beautiful speaker you ordered?

I am pretty sure that LM 508 will work fine with Legacy Aerius which has a active speaker and 95db/w.

LM508 appears to be more powerful than Rogue Cronus Magnum ii which is specified to have 100W.

Enjoy your new speaker.
I've a pair of NOS United Electronic 805 tubes (made by GE I hear) sitting unused since I sold my Line Magnetic amp. They've less than 100 hours on them.

My impression was bass got fuller and rounder, highs got more extended and there was less noise/hash. The amplifier got quieter and more grounded. This is comparing to the stock tube.
I found the NOS 805's better than today’s expensive re-makes.
A tube guru told me the reason why is because the materials used in the old tubes were very toxic EG: Nickle ect, which aren’t allowed in today’s made ones

Cheers George
@radiohead99 
It is nice to hear from you about  NOS United Electronic 805 tubes.

I believe your opinion.

The only catch is how to connect from the top to other connector behind tube.

I read the instruction from the thread in Steve Hoffman Forum.

But I am not comfortable with the connection.

I also ordered new version called  COSSOR VALAVE 805 made by PSVANE.

It is supposed to come on next Tuesday.

Let me see what happen.


@georgehifi

I heard similar opinion from my Guru.

They did not spare the cost of material earlier but now they try to save the material cost.

My Guru has a NOS stock tubes worth more than 10 million USD.

Next time I see him, I will ask whether he has some NOS 805 tubes.

By the ways my Guru is not in USA.