Member's recommendations for tube amplification

Thanks for the shout out, Charles. Yes, I think the Line Magnetic 508ia is an incredible amplifier, so much so that it forced me to reconsider my previous bias (no pun intended) for separates. I do indeed believe that the pre section is pretty great, though I may at some point do some experimentation with a good preamp to see if further improvements can be had by adding a quality pre in the chain. That has always been my experience in the past, but as I said, the LM 508 has resulted in a paradigm shift of what an integrated can do.

I do think it is necessary to upgrade the stock tubes to get the absolute most out of the 508, especially the 300B and 6SN7 tubes, though it also sounds good with the stock tubes. Adding some EML 300Bs and a nice pair of Sylvanias or the 6SN7 tube of your choice will yield very noticeable improvements.

To my ears, it is a stunning partner for the Double Impacts. I've had systems that were more than twice, even three times, as expensive, but I have never had better sound than I have now.

@david_ten I would suggest going the straight amp route rather than getting an integrated. No slight to Line Magnetic or any other integrateds mentioned, I just think invariably you may think about upgrading some part of your system again. When you do having a separate amp and preamp gives you more options, also I am guessing you may find yourself wanting a tubed preamp at some point.

"...I just think invariably you may think about upgrading some part of your system again."

Jond has just described the audiophile condition in a nutshell, regardless of what kind of amp you use. :)

Waltersalas,
I’ve expressed on many occasions my unabashed joy with the Coincident Frankenstein. I truly suspect that I’d be just as thrilled with the Line Magnetic 508ia. It is reputed to have high quality output transformers and power supply. 805 tube driven by the 300b? Sounds like a formula for superb sound quality if implemented correctly. My gut feeling is that this is a very top tier amplifier. I will say that the Frankenstein is one of the very best sounding Amplifiers I’ve ever heard. I don’t see how someone could possibly go wrong with either excellent choice.
Charles

David,

I have heard all of the LM Intergrated amps with the exception of the 508 but if I get the chance to borrow one that is local to me you can beat I will.

The 508 will most definitely accept preamp input and I do believe that the 508 has a pretty good preamp section as is vs other brands of tubed Intergrated amps that I have owned or heard.

Kenny.