What's the best Line Magnetic SET amp?


I've had an LM-218 for almost a decade and I'm now looking for the 'next step up.'

What's the consensus on 805IA vs 845IA? I'd even consider a Premium if the general wisdom is that it really is worth the extra money.

I'm looking for something that could place nicely with my Davone Rays. Something that can also sing a bit at quiter volumes is also a plus. (I have a six year old.)

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I am a little confused by what you are saying. You already are using a transmitter triode SET from Line Magnetic and are wondering whether a different transmitter triode SET also from Line Magnetic would be better and a "step up" from your current amplifier.

I have seen the 845 SET by LM, and the reviews on it are good, but I would be skeptical that you would find a significant difference between the two. I have seen reviewers who say the 211 is "warmer and fuller" than the 845, and then I have seen others that say the opposite. You are driving a speaker with average sensitivity (89dB). An 845 SET would have less power. The 211 (218ia) has a higher rated power. Have you considered changing your speakers instead of your amp?

Have you considered other tube amp makers? I am not sure of your budget, but given that you are cruising in the rarefied air of high-voltage transmitter tube amps already, there are SET offerings by NAT from Serbia (they sell in North America) that use other tubes. I have only seen them in reviews, but they are well reviewed.

Thanks for the response. And yes, you've nailed exactly what I'm asking. I'm not even displeased with my current setup, I just have upgrader's itch.

I am also considering changing my speakers, but I barely know where to start with that. :/

The JBL 4349 speakers use a dual compression driver horn and a conventional 12-inch low frequency cone driver. They are large, for a "monitor," and are typically stand mounted to the JBL JS-150 stand. They do very well with tubes (and also with class-A solid-state) at low volumes and are a bit more sensitive than your Davone Rays, although they don’t have quite the same stylish Eames-ish look.

If your quest is for better low-volume performance, I would suggest trying your Line Magnetics with a more sensitive speaker.

Thanks so much! I'm not looking exclusively for a speaker that performs best at low-volume, but I'm still intrigued. I'll try to check these out.