Mastersound Evo 845 or Line Magnetic 219ia

miqueca,

I have the 518ia, I swapped in NOS GE 6L6GCs & 12ax7s, and NOS Mullard 5AR4, they take the amp to another level

Facten,
I listened to the 219ia for four times so far. In two occasions it was using the stock valves and in other two auditions it was running valves from Genalex and from FullMusic. And yes, there was a difference with the latter setup for the better.
As for the 518ia, I listened to that amplifier for 3 times and was always running the stock valves - which impressed me a lot! I have to trust you about swapping for better ones, it must go to another level!

I have one thing to add to this discussion. I have been using the LM Audio 216ia for about 3 years now and I really like it a lot. I had a minor issue with it and LM Audio fixed it by replacing the transformer and I paid for shipping and labor. I had the 219ia as a loaner it it was even sweeter.
With LM Audio they have basically engineered those amps with an older American Western Electric design. That is why they sound so good.
Some Chinese audio companies have an affinity for those older American designs.... which IMO are very, very good.