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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
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
952 posts
 

Thanks again, folks, for your excellent suggestions. I liked the 508ia right out of the box, but after 40-50 hours, I just wasn't getting the refinement I wanted, which I (correctly, I think) attributed to the stock Electro Harmonix 6SN7 and Sovtek 6SL7 tubes. I replaced with those with a pair of Sylvania JAN VT-231s (good call, Wig!) and an RCA VT-229 and was astounded by the immediate level of improvement I experienced. I don't want to fall prey to recency bias, but I do believe that the 508ia is the best amp I've ever heard in my system, better even than the VAC Ren 70/70, which I dearly loved for several years. I am not sure that the 508 has quite the same degree of mid-range magic that was the VAC's strong suit--though with the NOS tubes, it is at least a horse race--but the bass is better (deeper, more clearly defined, etc.) and the musicality is a draw.

Of course, the usual caveats apply--IMHO, in my system, YMMV, and so forth. The really exciting part is that I might have a hundred hours on the amp max, so it is probably still breaking in, and I have not yet rolled any 805 or 300B tubes to see what further improvements that might yield. I will say that I could happily live with this amp just as it is for the rest of my days, and that to anyone thinking of an audition, find, beg, or borrow some NOS tubes so that you will know what this amp can really do. It is just spectacular!

I will certainly look into the fuse upgrade, and those Psvane sound like a no-brainer at $125 for a matched pair. I had an octet of KR 300Bs in my VAC Ren, and I hate to confess what I paid for those.

Finally, this amp is just beautiful to look at, especially at night!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Chris,
You occupy an enviable position at this point. You find the 508ia performance "spectacular " with the use of better 6SN7 input tubes. Experience and logic dictate that upgrading the 300b driver and the 805 output tubes will push the sonic envelope further. You’ll find yourself in situations where shutting down the system and leaving your listening room will be unusually difficult to do. This is how powerful the emotional involvement of listening to music becomes when you get things right as you’re  surely discovering. Fortunately your amplifier is SET and  you’ll only require one pair of 300b and 805 rather than multiple pairs.
Charles
jkull OP
95 posts
 
Waltersalas-

Congrats on the satisfaction you’re getting with your 508. You are making me want to swap some tubes myself.... hmm.

Advice..?

i would be thinking:
NOS western electric 310A's
NOS RCA or Mullard 12AX7's
Shuguang 845 Natural Series
PSVANE western electric 300b replicas

yes?  No?

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jkull,
Good choices of upgraded tubes. I've heard the Shuguang Natural series 845 and it's nice sounding.  The Psvane W.E, Replica 845 is a level beyond the Shuguang in sound quality. 
Charles 
jkull OP
95 posts
 
The PSVANE WE reps run about $800 a pair. Damn pricey for two tubes but perhaps worth that in difference to the shuguangs...Which would be the first pair or two to change in order of reaping results?  12AX7's and what else ?  
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