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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
facten
931 posts
 
jkull,

In the event you are unfamiliar with Brent Jesse's tube website here's a link to his 12ax7 page where he gives his insights into different brands, and it also lists what he has available should that be of interest to you (PS you can explore other tube types as well) . Only relationship is as a satisfied customer.  http://www.audiotubes.com/12ax7.htm. 

Charles,

Is there some way on the tubesusa website to see what tubes he carries , or do you just call? Txs

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
facten
George lists the complete EML line however I believe you have to call him in regard to the Western Electric tubes.
Charles
mechans
2,999 posts
 
I have tried a large number of  various 6SN7S in a several different circuits and have found the GT compatible.  I have a great deal of respect for Almarg and his engineering approach to system compatibility but my experience differs.  That said I happen to agree with his choice of Sylvania GTBs (green  lettering ) and the performance and bargain price of GE GTBs.  The truly NOS GEs,can be bought  for less than current production. If you have a bigger budget there are many depending on the sound you want.  It's very subjective, for instance Almarg didn't like CBS, there are two distinct periods of that tube the Hytron, and the CBS Hytron/CBS.  The sound is very clean and probably the fastest/quickest 6SN7 I tried.  I favor Sylvania and use the 6SN7W often.  A short bottle version can be had for $50.  Other types are less in most cases. The Ked Rad is the bass king buy the clear glass sounds the same and you'll save money. You'll hear a lot of recommedations for Tung Sol round plates , yes they are excellent but good examples wildly expensive. 
12AX7s are getting very scarce as old stock tubes and seem to be coming as worn and used despite NOS test.. I would approach with caution  Best bet for an old stock tube that will perform is Telefunken.  Fortunately there are some very good current production.  Tung Sol, Mullard, and Gold Lion as well as JJ etc.
What are you considering?
almarg's avatar
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almarg
8,673 posts
 
Thanks for the nice words, Mechans.  I always value your comments about tube rolling highly, as I know you have particularly extensive tube-related experience.

FYI and FWIW the CBS tubes I tried were a quartet of 6SN7GTBs, having red lettering and marked as CBSs, not as CBS Hytrons.  Three of them had a date code of 6026, which I presume means the 26th week of 1960.  The other had no date code, but said "XG" in the location where the date code was marked on the others.  They were in what I believe to be their original boxes.  The box containing the XG tube said CBS Hytron, but as I said the tube itself said only CBS.  The other three boxes said CBS Electronics.  All four boxes referred to Danvers, Massachusetts.

I believe that all four tubes were true NOS, but in any event all of them tested fine on my Hickok 800a tube tester, and were well matched.  I tried them about three years ago in my VAC Renaissance 70/70 MkIII amp.  I recall that they sounded harsh and thin, compared to the several other vintage tubes I mentioned, as well as in comparison to currently produced Sophia Electrics.  It is possible, though, that I didn't give them enough breakin time.

Regarding the comments you provided about 12AX7s, I'll second both the Telefunken recommendation and your words of caution.  Also, I can report having excellent results in a different amplifier (a Chinese-made Paxthon push-pull parallel EL34-based amp) several years ago with the currently produced Genalex Gold Lion reissue that you mentioned.  I've seen favorable comments here about that tube from others as well.

Thanks again.  Best regards,
-- Al
 
jkull OP
92 posts
 
First off happy holidays.

i decided the right way to do this was to try them for myself and see what I like. So I've purchased 1 pair of excellent tested, matched code long plate telefunkens, one pair of long plate RCA's that test about new, and I'll be buying a pair of Blackburn mullards today as well. I bought each pair from listings that were refundable within 14 days. So the pair I like, I keep, and the others go back and just cost me the few dollars each to ship them back. Will have my own little 12AX7 shootout...
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