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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
jkull OP
92 posts
 
Charles, Almarg, my audio go-to guys, lol:

i am obviously still running the phono in my marantz 7701 pre amp (until I get the Zp3). I have pulled my sub from my room and am enjoying pure 2 channel without it. I still have the marantz programmed with subwoofer ON with the crossover at 40Hz, and my cornwalls set to large. Even with no sub hooked up to the marantz, will it still be cutting the Hz off to my mains at that 40 mark? A simple question,and figuring you’ve both been so helpful and not knowing where else to ask, I figured I’d ask you guys.

i will pull the marantz and hook it to the living room tv as a monitor, to disable the sub if so. Thanks!
iopscrl
82 posts
 
Yes I am happy with the P845se.  I heard integrated version of the amp several years ago and was very impressed.  I found a great deal recently and jumped on it.  Foreknowledge of a hidden relationship with Line Magnetic or front door/back door production would not have changed my decision.   SE triode beauty, with great frequency extension, and surprising power for 20wpc.
wig's avatar
wig
831 posts
 
Ross,

Learned from someone in the industry and it's published on who builds both amps in the same factory side by side.

Wig
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Hi Jkull,

Regarding your question above about the 7701, as you've no doubt seen it has a bewildering array of possible settings in its menus.  After skimming through the manual, which can be found here under "downloads," I believe that in addition to the "Large" setting you mentioned, it would be best to select "Pure Direct" mode.  Although the unit's display is apparently turned off in that mode, that will disable a number of functions and settings that could compromise the sound if not set appropriately, and is claimed to provide the best audio quality.  And while I'm not 100% certain I believe that will assure that a full-range signal is provided to the LM amplifier.

Regards,
-- Al
    
jkull OP
92 posts
 
Al-

thank you. I do always run it in pure direct mode. However when the sub was hooked up, even in pure direct, the sub would be receiving signal. I believe the mode enables the pre amp to bypass all of the fancy video signal components and such to run a more pure and ’direct’ path, but it still allows for the sub to be active, which leads me to believe that I should go in there and disable it. With me?

ps. The telefunkens look like they may arrive tomorrow.  Looking forward to it
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