Oh no! Line Magnetic is on the cover of Stereophile!

The lower model is $10,000 US.

I did a one day preamp shootout awhile back on this forum running all three through my 219IA. But LM fans might not like my findings.

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/preamp-shootout-line-magnetic-melody-audio-rogue-audio.427664/

 

I bought the amp to serve my Snell J's. I just have the KEF'a hooked up for fun right now.

 

Folks in the Portland area can hear this beast this weekend at the PDX HiFi open house. Rafe's been there and knows. These fella's love music and understand how to get to the heart of it.



http://pdxhifi.com/

 

That looks like a lot of fun. I could listen to O/96's driven by Lebens all day long.

 

They will also be featuring the 518...good stuff!

 

About two years ago I asked a Beijing dealer what they cost and all I can remember is

 

I just looked at his webpage...oh my, this is a dangerous place for me to go. This looks like the best shop in the state by a mile.

 

Orange is apparently the new (audiophile) black. I like it.

 

Naw dude, you got this.

Just stay out of that Shindo room. That's where the problems start.

 

Open two days a week and by appointment only. Never a good sign for a value shopper like me. I've got an amp budget of about 5K hopefully I can get in there and get something done.

 

Make an appointment...

 

always good advice

 

I used to be turned off by the idea of making appointments at audio shops. I took it as a sign they were snobby and pretentious and only catered to big spenders. Turns out a lot of guys just don't want to sit around all day just in case today is the day somebody wanders off the street to sample esoteric tube amps, and want to make sure the people who do have their full attention.

 

My problem is that I'm just not that organized. That level of planning is a good idea. Most shops have three guys on hand: the owner, the sales guy and the installer. If there are two customers in there at the same time and the phone rings, it can get weird. If I am driving two hours to check stuff out I love the idea of having an appointment when they are not open to walk ins.

 

That's exactly the idea. That way you get the full attention of the staff and can take your time in the audition. I also like what PDX HiFi has done. An occasional open house to introduce themselves and their product lines. Just seems like good business to me.

 

If your leg brushed up on that. You would definitely receive third degree burns.

 

I think I was put off by the concept for years because the first time I went to an "appointment only" place I wasn't aware of the fact, walked in, and was told to leave. Not "Apologies, but I have an appointment with another customer coming up - could we schedule another time where I could give you my full attention?", just kind of "kick rocks". I guess I developed a negative association with the concept based on this.

 

I am never surprised by stories of arrogance and insult from the audio store

 

I totally get it. I felt the same way. It's all in how the dealer approaches it.

 

I like setting appointment times so that I can dedicate my full attention to the customer that's here (versus switching back and forth b/t multiple folks).

 

There's a 210ia on Audiogon this morning for what seems to be a very low price. Assumed it was 220v at that price, but it appears to be 120. who's gonna grab it?

 

Dennis 0675...Don Better is my Shindo dealer and a person you can trust; he's easy to talk to and extremely helpful. I've never been to his shop (one day I'll get there),but have purchased several Shindo units from him, both new and pre-owned. Once a unit arrives at my house it won't leave.

Your budget is close to allowing for a pre-owned Shindo Aureiges preamp and perhaps a pre-owned Montille amp.....ask Don as he gets units on trade up all the time.

If I were you I'd consider the preamp first, then, later on, an amp.

 

I've found the Auriges/Montille combo to be pretty common on the used market as well. I'll be tempted one day, but it might be hard to fight off my affection for integrateds.

 

I was thinking of the 219, but regardless...if 8 watts will do you...heads up

 

That is my concern. Going from 200 solid state to 8 feels risky.