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Line Magnetic 501-a gold? any experience?

I heard one of these with a Harbeth 7es-3 and quite enjoyed it; I am thinking of purchasing the system. Everybody of course raves about the Harbeth, but almost no reviews about the Line Magnetic. The LM 501-a also had a 502ca dac connected which I thought worked well also.

FYI this dealer also hooked up various combinations Naims, LM, 7es-3s, and super 5s. I was disappointed in all the Naim/Harbeth combos, which surprised me as they are well reviewed together, and I am usually a solid state guy.

This is a second system coming in at around 10k minus the source. Open for suggestions.
aceofhearts
ladok's avatar
ladok
96 posts
 
Dkidmnow, I purchased the LM 518 and the amp put out such a loud hum/buzz that I thought it might have been damaged in shipping and sent it back. They were nice enough to send me a second sample, but I had the same problem, the hum/buzz seemed to be coming from the transformer. All other tube amps I've had here have been very quiet. Have you experienced this with your 518? Anyone else?
dkidknow
59 posts
 
I have the transformer hum too. My understanding is that we just have to live with it. May be a product of the power grid where we live. I wish it weren't there, but in my case, absolutely nothing comes through the speakers, and from my listening seat I only hear the hum in between tracks.
dkidknow
59 posts
 
Thought I'd post an update on my experience with the LM 518. The transformer hum is gone! I've had the amp since mid February, so I'd estimate between 150 and 300 hours of play. So glad I stuck it out. Still loving the amp and just about to get serious about tube rolling. Hope this helps.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
If you are experiencing transformer hum, you might want to try a DC blocker. PS Audio used to make the Humdinger to help with this, but the best option now seems to be Van Alstine's Humdinger. $125 with a 30-day return policy. So if it doesn't solve the problem, you are only out shipping (and it is a small light device.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
For toroidal transformers, I highly recommend isolating the stupid thing from the printed circuit boards and electrical components using visco material under the transformer or cork or combo. Mu metal of the annealed variety should be wrapped around the transformer at least once.
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