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 pretty sure it's a Deja Vu custom amp but I am not sure the configuration or topology. We were listening to a pair of PP 2a3 amps through some horns at the time and a discussion of tube types came up.
Charles-
spoke to jac from EML. He confirmed that before running 300B XLS or Mesh, that I need to confirm that my amp can supply 1.4 amps heater.  This is what I was referring too I a few posts about, regarding them not being a direct plug and play for any amp utilizing the 300B.
Ah slight correction Charles sorry, I'm not that familiar with EML tubes so I assumed the XLS was a Meshplate, it was definitely an EML Meshplate tube the gentleman was describing. To paraphrase him "open and airy almost to a fault but I love it" . Not sure how that jibes with your own experience if you've tried the Meshplates.
Jkull and Jond,
The EML mesh plate is a very airy sounding tube. I had them in my amplifiers for several weeks until they failed. This is a more delicate tube and my amplifier circuit pushes them too hard, so not compatible. They’d be beautiful in the right 300b amplifer.

Jkull I see your point, apparently my amplifier is a better match with the XLS version. I do believe that the KR standard 300b should be fine in your situation.
Charles
I suspect that the higher filament current of the EML 300B-XLS (1.5 amps per the datasheet at their website), compared to the 1.2 amp spec of the original Western Electric tube (to which the KR tube conforms) is a factor in the very long reported lifespans of the EML XLS that Charles referred to.  The higher current draw will result in more voltage drop in the power transformer's filament winding and/or other power supply circuitry, resulting in less voltage being applied to the filament, compared to a 1.2 amp tube in the same application.  The reduction in filament voltage would presumably result in greater longevity, and perhaps also contribute to the sonic character of the tube.

In any event, though, as you (Jkull) indicated you should verify that the amp can supply 1.5 amps to the tube without issue, if you want to consider the EML XLS.

Good luck.  Regards,
-- Al