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Going to demo Line Magnetic 216

Tomorrow is the big day. Cannot wait to start running in my 216! At some point in the next month or so, I'd like to buy an extra set of all preamp and output tubes to have on hand. As I'm a tube newb here, can you call recommend places in Seattle, or internet sales that are reliable and honest? Oh - and maybe a tube or two particularly for the preamp section?

I didn't really have much to complain about in the demo unit, which had all stock tubes. But suggestions are welcome, Thank you!
 
SeattleHiFi said:
Tomorrow is the big day. Cannot wait to start running in my 216! At some point in the next month or so, I'd like to buy an extra set of all preamp and output tubes to have on hand. As I'm a tube newb here, can you call recommend places in Seattle, or internet sales that are reliable and honest? Oh - and maybe a tube or two particularly for the preamp section?

I didn't really have much to complain about in the demo unit, which had all stock tubes. But suggestions are welcome, Thank you!
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I bought some NOS tubes from Brent Jessee at audiotubes.com a couple of times. Seems to be well regarded although a little pricey. You can read a lot about each tube and brand on his site. There is also Kevin at Upscale Audio. Never bought tubes from him before but I see he gets plenty of praise as well.

There is also ebay of course. Provided you buy from regular tube sellers that have 100% feedback you will likely be okay. More risk with that though. I have just started using ebay as a source for tubes. No issues yet, though I've only bought three times.

I am hardly a tube expert, but for the 12AX7 tube (which is the one I've read about most since my preamp takes this tube), Telefunken seems to be the most sought after. A set of JAN Sylvania came with my preamp. In reading up on this tube, the sound is considered to be on the lean side. For my first tube rolling experience, I wanted to get a tube at the other end of the spectrum, so I picked up a set of RCA blackplates on ebay. These are considered to have a warm, lush sound. And I also grabbed a set of EI Elite tubes, considered to be in between the two extremes (and also along the lines of a Telefunken). I haven't rolled yet, but the RCA's will be put into use likely this week and I'm looking forward to hearing how they sound.

Looks like the 216 has two different types of preamp tube. Not sure how this might complicate things if you are trying to achieve a certain kind of sound but I'm sure there's a way to figure it out. Congrats on the amp btw. LM amps are mighty tempting should I elect to run an integrated again. I would likely settle on the 216 as well, as I think I would much prefer a KT88 tube to an EL34 for the types of music I listen to most.
 
SeattleHiFi said:
Tomorrow is the big day. Cannot wait to start running in my 216! At some point in the next month or so, I'd like to buy an extra set of all preamp and output tubes to have on hand. As I'm a tube newb here, can you call recommend places in Seattle, or internet sales that are reliable and honest? Oh - and maybe a tube or two particularly for the preamp section?

I didn't really have much to complain about in the demo unit, which had all stock tubes. But suggestions are welcome, Thank you!
Click to expand...

These guys know their tubes. I had the 216, i will check my notes and see what i used. http://www.upscaleaudio.com/VacuumTubes/
 
Found my notes. After trying 22 different 12AX7 tubes i settled on the GEC 12AX7 tubes. The change in 12AX7 tubes make the biggest improvement in sound with this amp.
 
Delayed! Damn, looks like I wait another day.
Thanks for the tips on tubes, I will definitely be checking into them as I look for a spare set these upcoming weeks!
 
All I can say is, even cold this amp transformed my music experience. Too busy listening to give an in depth comment, this is incredible.
 
SeattleHiFi said:
All I can say is, even cold this amp transformed my music experience. Too busy listening to give an in depth comment, this is incredible.
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Now... welcome to the LM club. You will find that it only gets better with time. LM produces some amazing gear and at each products price point they provide some amazing sound. I tell everyone that they must audition LM gear before buying other brands. Enjoy.
 
Well, I had an extended listening session with my LM 216 last night. I don't have any great prose or poetry that really does justice to what happened in my system, but I'll give you what I can.

First off, the experience with Eugene HiFi in demoing this gear, and conversing about it was an absolute pleasure. These guys love what they do, know what they do, and offer really superbly matched components (they actually carefully put together whole systems.)

Second, the discovery of LM audio I will credit to here at AK (mostly) and confirmed by a variety of opinions elsewhere on the net was something that got me intrigued, as I was already interested in making the switch to vacuum tubes (I used to play guitar/bass in bands through old crappy tube amps.) So thank you for all the reflective and helpful comments.

Third, the sound of the amp is beyond my expectations. I was worried that the Devore Orangutan's may have spoiled me during the demo, but my Dahlquist DQM 9 monitor speakers actually kick some serious butt, and they rose to the occasion with the introduction of the LM amp. I've never heard such solidity, precision, resolution and body in my system. It was true to recordings - on good ones, people stepped out of the fog and seemed real. On not so good ones, people still sounded enticing, just the realism isnt there. This was important to me, a lot of music doesn't have the benefit of a superior recording, and I'm not in the business of listening to recordings anyhow (not in the business at all actually!)

This is some of the best sound I've ever heard, period!
 
Hit the "Go Advanced" button in the quick reply window. Above the next message window that appears there is a small paper clip icon. Click on that and it will let you choose a photo.
 
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Yes, Dahlquist DQM 9. They are a rather good speaker. New crossover components and woofers were redone about 8 years ago. They have held their own against many very expensive speakers I have heard.
 
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