Which one to choose between two 80K$ tube amps?

shkong,
I did not know about the Silbatone costing $100,000!Something I don’t understand is with an amp like that, how can you possible settle for a Line Magnetic? Only because it has more headroom? Don’t you gravely miss the glorious sound of the Silbatone? Believe the LM is 845 based. I am a die hard 300B guy and tried an 845 in a Viva Solista once and sold it right away. It seems an 845 may have more headroom but lacks the wonderful musicality of a great 300B amp. And, G-d forbid, a SS “sand amp”.
Actually, that is another Forum question!
You mentioned a WE speaker system. Seems the financial is not a significant issue, so hunt for one and go for it! And enjoy the Silbatone. Seems there is no other amp like it. I understand that the 300B is the only tube that was specifically developed for voice/music.

@ mglik


There are three factors to choose LM 508 over Silbatone which I keep it under storage.

My listening space has high vault and open to the second floor, thus 8 watts Silbatone has not enough headroom.

The second one is to save Nos WE 300b made in 40's which I already had run more than 10k hours.


The third factor is Line Magnetic 508 is quite good after tube rolling almost approaching 85% of Silbaton in transparency and details.


But i am looking for ways to get Silbtone used with more efficient speaker.

Charles

Line Magnetic 508 or 805 is quite good with more headroom than most SET.

It also has better control of bass than 100 Watts Rogue Cronus Magnum II fitted with KT120 tubes.

Since ii use, 805, 300b, 6sn7 and 6sl7, it is a dream machine for tube rolling.

If you have Line Magnetic dealer around you, you may ask for home audition of LM805.

Thomas

There seem to be a lot of line magnetic units on the used market these days and rumors of counterfeiting right on the vendor’s website so be careful there.