Line Magnetic 518IA Integrated Amp and 502CA DAC

This one actually has Line Magnetic's name on it - the LM 927

 

Looks like an idler ?

 

Sure, if it's a rebranded EMT 927 or a variation, it would be an idler. But does it also come with LM's take on the EMT 139 ST phono pre found in the EMT 927s? That would be something!

 

I know we have sort of hijacked this thread....but has anyone seen pictures of the limited production, 10 year anniversary LM126 integrated? Thing looks amazing....KT66's for 15 watts and supposedly has NOS Western Electric Caps.

http://www.monoandstereo.com/2015/11/line-magnetic-lm-126-integrated.html

 

I wonder if the 'audiophile' department of LM would produce a dac ? Given the nature of their retro approach possibly unlikely.

 

That thing is hideous.

 

I like it! Looks a lot like the stuff from the Classic Line (like the 126 and 129).

I fully expect this thing to sound fantastic.

Total of 100 being built (for the world). Probably 5 or 6 making it to the US (I have 2 coming here).

 

They already do - the LM 502CA http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue74/line_magnetic.htm

 

I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder - Good sound can make anything look prettier and sexy gear that sounds rubbish will look rubbish real quick. Photos don't always do things justice - this integrated weighs in at 42Kg - so it's probably also really big - they need photos with scale items so you can get a sense of how big things are. So not only is it ugly - it will also be BIG and ugly. The 219IA that I have looked something out of a Frankentstein move to me - and it's just so big and so heavy 55Kg. But it has grown on my looks wise.

The classic line differs in that they are all largely re-made versions of WE and the turntable looks like a remade EMT. You may never see the thing outside of China if they don't have permission to make EMTs. In China they can copy stuff and sell it but may not be true outside of China - we shall see.

 

I guess I might be in the minority, because I still think the new 126 integrated looks awesome!

When my first unit arrives (probably still a month or more out), I'll take a few pictures and post them here.

 

I like the no nonsense look of the classic series over most audio equipment - it's kinda the good looking ugly if that makes sense - Rugged - big knobs that thump when you turn them and meters - give me meters.

I want this amp - no room for it but I want it anyway

 

Me too! But I think we're each going to need a pair of those.

I'd love to hear a review of the LM-1.

 

Yes, but the 219ia has all those beautiful tubes on display. Big difference from the other piece that hides them all behind a facade that looks like the inside of a Russian cold war sub.

 

Love the look of the 219 in black. I do prefer the tubes up front.

 

I've been inside a Cold War sub, albeit an American one. I found all the instrumentation inside very cool looking--lots of analog gauges and dials. It's not surprising I love the look of LM gear.

 

I have built the Mentor and it is a very fine preamp. I am seriously considering their new level 5 DAC kit.

 

The Psvane Western Electric replica 845 tubes arrived today. They sat out on my deck for quite a while today, so they are "thawing" right now. I actually put them up close to the 518ia to speed up the process.

 

Looking forward to seeing a few pictures of those tubes....

 

Well, one of them is DOA. Ugh.

 

Man.....that's a bummer.

 

Yeah, doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. I've already requested an RMA number so I can get these back in the mail to them for a replacement.

 

Sorry to hear that Ian. Hope you can get a quick replacement.

 

Grant Fidelity has already responded with return instructions, so they appear to be on their game.

 

Top - CD player
2nd - - DAC
3rd - WE LM129IA preamp
4/5th - WE124 6l6 power amp

LM755A full ranger speaker

 

Thanks for that. Looks expensive ! Any tech on it ?