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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 

Hi jkull,

I appreciate your update post. You did make a pretty drastic change in the direction of your audio system (mega watt solid state driving demanding speakers). I’m happy for you that you took a chance with a near polar opposite approach and have found such  satisfaction.


Simple circuit lower power amplifiers and efficient easier driven speakers is a very fine option that can provide long term contentment. Do you that you’re listening to music more often and/or for longer listening sessions ? Is there more of an emotional connection to the music?

Charles








jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
jkull glad to hear you are so happy that's what this hobby is all about! I took a jaunt out too my favorite stereo store yesterday and feel reinvigorated myself! Happy listening and keep us posted if anything changes!
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
828 posts
 
If you are going to be rolling 300B's, I have a pair of KR 300B's I was going to list and I have a pair of Black Treasure's currently listed.   Good way to experiment with premium used tubes without breaking the bank.  Let me know if you are interested.
jkull OP
92 posts
 
Charles-
listening more often and longer yes. There is more allure in doing so now, and it is more enjoyable all around. It was very obvious before, I did not tolerate long listening well, which is what was telling me I needed to make a change. Listening is more colorful now. 

Pdreher-
thank you for letting me know. I am doing some reading up on those two brands of 300b's.  as we know it is hard to really go off of others references often with these sorts of things with variables at hand etc.  I do see some good talk about both the black treasures and the KR's so far... may decide to snag one or the other from you 


jkull OP
92 posts
 
Have to say. I’m all over with what 300B’s to go for. Just for the record, my amp is currently loaded with TJ Full Music 300B/n’s. So I want to know that I am getting a tube that will give me worthwhile improvement OVER those. My current research has concluded a few points

-I read some very nice things about Sophia Electric Carbon Plates and Meshes. I read how the carbon plates have a darker tone with a rich midrange, I like the sound of that. My system leans towards a bright presentation if any, considering the horns etc. I didn’t pull on them only bc you do read about some reliability issues with these. I also realize they are also TJ tubes. Yes different and certain selectivity from the factory, I get that, but still are at their core, the same make as the tube I have right now... But are still a contender none the less. 

-EML. I don’t want to worry about their close monitoring needs as voltage is quite unique or so I’ve read, so I’ll just rule them out.

-PSVANE 300B WE. Reviews I’ve read are pretty good. I haven’t concluded an idea of what they really sound like as most of the reviews of them just say how alike they are to the original WE’s and not much in respect to their character.

-shuguang black treasures- I see a very large amount of good response. Probably however related to them being very affordable, so MORE are promoted to get these and try these etc etc. I think they look nice glowing in a dark room lol. Apparently very very reliable. I haven’t read anything bad. Not the best 300 but much better than many at it’s price range I’ve concluded...

KR- also read about reliability issues but I’ve also read that czech tubes are some of the best.

Id like to cap my spending at about $600. That puts a new pair of PSVaNE WE reps as about my priciest contender. Willing to go with a nice pair of used tubes as well if I came across a good snag

i would like a BIT warmer of a sound with a smooth midrange as I read about with the SE carbon plates..I think with saying that, all carbon plates 300B's are going to be relatively darker and warmer than their mesh brother tubes, is that generally correct?  Like it's not just a thing with Sophia electrics, but for other brands too, yes?

could use use some input! Lol. Charles where are you. Lol
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