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
John wrote "All transducers have their faults"
And so do all sources, electronics and cables. Furthermore all listeners have inherent biases. I have come to certain conclusions over the years based on hearing many types of audio systems and thus my own developed bias. Higher efficiency speakers paired with lower power amplifiers more often than not sound superior to inefficient (hard to drive)-speakers paired with high power amplifiers.

So for jkull to go from B&W with 500 watt Emotiva to klipsch Cornwall with a 22 watt SET amplifier makes absolute sense to me. This is my generalizing viewpoint  and I do recognize that there are exceptions as always. 
Charles
Jkull,
When you do decide to modify the Klipsch crossover be certain to select a very high quality capacitor at the tweeter  (high-pass filter) as it is a worthwhile endeavor. You will hear the obvious improvement in sound quality. I did this with my speakers and it was money well spent. Better parts do matter. 
Charles 
Roxy- 
500w SS mono blocks are about the last thing id desire to pair with the cornwalls, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how the LM219 turns out with them. Im looking forward to things opening up and the mids really shining.

charles-
If I'm going to take the time to open these up and modify the caps, i will be sure to make it worth my while with high end ones, no worries there. First thing however, selecting/finding myself a phono amp!

Charles,

While allowing for differing tastes and listening biases, I feel the same as you. Whatever changes I make in the future regarding amp or speakers, I will never choose inefficient speakers or high power amps. There is just a sense of ease with efficient speakers that sounds right to me.   

roxy,

That is the path I'm exploring here, and hoping that it proves to be worth it.