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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
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 ?  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jkull,
The premium level DHT tubes are expensive, especially 300bs  (Takatsuki or heaven forbid the Western Electric vintage types). The Psvane W.E Replica are pricey but not exorbitant and in my opinion represent excellent value given their high quality of sounnd  (and reliability,  important when discussing tubes).

When you own an upper tier amplifier that's capable of superb sound quality they demand equal quality tubes to extract the full potential available.  The good news is that the premium DHT tubes generally provide commendable longevity.  For example I use the EML XLS 300b which is reported to have a lifespan approaching 40,000 hours based on early versions still in operation. That makes the initial cost worth it in absolute terms as far as I am concerned. 

Jkull I believe that with your amplifier both the 300b driver and 845 are very influential in determining the final sound quality.  I feel that you can buy them in either order (diver first or the output 845 first). Buying these top level tubes depends on one's budget obviously. 

I look at it from this perspective, the 219ia cost 7500.00 as opposed to 15K-20K USD. So even with obtaining the premium tubes the total outlay is very reasonable compared to other amplifier/tube packages to achieve similar sound quality. 
Charles 
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas
952 posts
 

Jkull, it looks like you are on the right track. I have no personal experience with the Psvane tubes, but I have heard good things and I certainly trust Charles' experience and recommendations. I also agree with his perspective that it makes sense to get the best tubes you (we) can for an amp of this caliber. Just switching the 6SN7 and 6SL7 tubes made a remarkable difference for me, and definitely took the amp to another level.

Charles, at some point, I will probably try a pair of those EML XLS 300Bs. I have a friend who really likes and recommends them. It appears that they are somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500 for a matched pair. Does that sound about right, or are there better deals to be had? I'll probably settle for the Psvane 300Bs for the short term, but eventually I will want to try the EMLs.

OK. Must. Go. To. Bed....

Chris


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