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
Charles when I was still buying CD's I hunted down K2's like crazy and RVG's to a less extent. I always figured K2's were a great deal,  regular CD prices and the same technology as  XRCD's which were double the price if not more. Luckily Tidal has many of these same recordings and I have all of mine ripped to my library.
As for LM-502, it looks, there were not any updates yet, so it`s hard to say when a new version with DSD DAC inside will be launched.
As I know, there will be soon new so called International models in Line Magnetic line up.

Actually, I`m looking for a Classic LM 129 - preamplifier, to die for (as it looks to me) :))))  Amazing reproduction of classical WE, think it can be best matched preamp for  219. Hope, soon it will be mine.
Miyabi- thanks for the info, an international line huh? I look forward to seeing what this will entail. I’m fascinated by the company. They have redefined my personal expectations in pure audio. And I love the way they look. Love the industrial rough build and look, true to the original western electric style, as opposed to the every day cookie cutter look!
Jeff Halpern of Tone Imports, US Distributor for Line Magnetic, told me via email this week that there may be a new DAC later this year (no particulars provided). 
Just rolled the 6Z4 to a NOS tung sol 6X4WA.   Immensely opened up the sound. So much clarity, in a good way.  Can hear the 'space' in the recordings.  So much improvement i dont know where to start.  Music officially sounds the best it ever has in my listening space.  This DAC is just excellent. At this point, i can say confidently that the oppo 105 does not even compare in my opinion.