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Line Magnetic 219ia vs. 518ia

I have been interested in the difference between these 2 integrated amplifiers from Line Magnetic for a while now, and thought that some members might be as well. Given the difference in their size and price, and the very enthusiastic review of the 518ia by Herb Reichert in Stereophile, I was hoping that the difference would be minimal. That was not the case
I went to audition both amps this afternoon at Arizona Hi Fi on a pair of DeVore 0/92 speakers with  Luxman CD player and Nordost Odin interconnects (!). Both were fully broken in. First the less expensive 518ia. Sounded good, not great. A little harsh almost on some loud sax breaks, but then again, I never heard these speakers before. PRAT, which was highly touted in the Stereophile review didn't seem any better or worse to me than what I get from my Audio Note Kit1.  Listened to Jazz, Cream, Jethro Tull and Squeeze.
Next up was the 219ia. Instant difference, no need to lean forward and squint. Very obvious that there were 300bs in the circuit. Smoother, much more layered, detailed and refined. A real wow moment. Listened to all of the same again and was very rewarded.
I love my Audio Note but have been considering a change because besides my horns, I have small inefficient monitors that I would like to use occasionally. Both amps had very good bass reproduction due to the 845 tubes. The reason I felt the need to write about this is that in one of the major reviews of the 219ia, the reviewer compares the two and seems to say that the difference isn't much and that he'd be happy with either. Not me. There is a very big difference.
The dealer also had a new amp not on their website, the 508ia which uses 300bs in front of 805 tubes and some 6sn7s I think. I didn't have time to hear it today and the salesman was tired of lifting!
As an aside, I finally got to audition the Sugden A21 class A integrated on his recommendation, and that its a great little amp. As good as the 219ia? No, not quite as colorful and a little bit drier on the top end, but excellent musical sound in most ways and a great value.
I thought that I would want to keep my Audio Note no matter what else I might buy, but if I buy the 219ia, I can let the Audio Note go. It's a great amp.   
128x128roxy54

Showing 4 responses by roxy54

roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
2,651 posts
 
Hi Charles, 
I was very impressed, BUT, before I would buy it, I would bring in the Audio Note to hear them side by side. 
By the way, the Nordost Odin interconnects and speaker cable didn't make the earth move. I was really glad that I heard the Devore 0/96 speakers though. I always lusted after them, and they were very good, but I like mine better. The music was somewhat living in the box at times.
Jond,
Thanks for your comments. Glad you like it. There is a shortage of comparative information about these 2 amps and I wanted members to know that these is a big difference between them. I know it isn't a new idea, but after hearing the 219ia, I think that putting a 300b in front of the 845 is really brilliant.

roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
2,651 posts
 
Migueca,
The truth is  that I was really dying for him to hook it up but I had been there for several hours (no other customers came in during my visit) and I knew that he just wasn't up for it. In addition, I'm not ready to buy for a couple of months, so I didn't need to hear it now, but I was so damned curious! Mostly because the topology was similar to the 219ia. I don't really need that much power. And let me say that this is a beautiful piece of equipment! Between Melody and Line Magnetic, I think the page has turned and it can no longer necessarily be considered second best to be from China. These pieces are built to a standard that puts some other brands to shame. When I get to hear it, I will report back.  

Jond,
I use a Kit One Tenth Anniversary form Audio Note Kits which I had professionally built. Check out their website for details. 
roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
2,651 posts
 
Facten, 
I agree completely. Having tube rolled every tube in my Audio Note, I understand the profound difference it can make. I was only commenting on the amps in their stock form. 
The 518is is a solid design by all the comments from those who know and I'm certain that its very good perfomance can be elevated to excellent.

Charles,
Yes, the outrageous weight of The 219is is due to the dual mono design. It took 2 of us to move it into place. I know these are many heavier amps, but few ...you wouldn't want to drop that amp on your toe!

roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
2,651 posts
 
Yes Charles, I have a pair of Celestion sl6si and a pair of Ceslestion Kingston, and who knows, there may well be others in the future . I want to be able to hook them up occasionally, and they are sealed box 86db efficiency. I've already tried the Audio Note with them, and it just doesn't cut it. They need more power.
Jond,
Yes, the Audio Note has proved to be all that I hoped for and more. Like Charles, I still shake my head as I read comments about "wimpy" 300b amps. It really is not the case if you use the right speakers. Everything about the presentation is so far superior to any solid state I have ever heard that it makes them sound like the equivalent of a pixilated photograph.  
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