Thank you and the voltage converter may indeed be an added source of noise. But there are quite a number of used 508 for sale already in Europe. I saw some at hifishark and German classifieds, and like you said, these are 220-240v versions. Just this past week another used 508 is available in AudioAsylum USA for $3,700. I'm actually looking at acquiring the 508, to have it alongside my 518, and I don't mind a pre-owned unit, that's why I have been scouring around used hifi classifieds. However, I'm still scratching my head why in the short time that the 508 has been in the market, there are these owners already selling their units.
Does anyone have experience or know if it is safe to purchase LM amps from AliExpress from sellers like Queenway? I worry about receiving authentic products and also about returns if necessary.
Give Taylor from Goldprint Audio a call for your LM needs. You will be stuck with zero support if you buy from AliExpress.
Please don't purchase from a grey market dealer.....no guarantee of authenticity, and you will have zero support on the service side if needed (from Tone Imports or from Line Magnetic). I'll be happy to help with any questions you have. Looks like you are in CA, so I strongly suggest giving Matthew at Pitch Perfect Audio a call, he can certainly help you out.
Ali Express itself should be safe because it's kind of like an ebay - they sell outside the Chinese market I believe. But you would certainly have to make sure you have the ability to return the item if it is not as advertised etc. Plus you have to probably buy a voltage transformer which in general sound worse. So you see these lower prices but you are also taking risks to get the lower price. No US warranty, you have to use step up transformers that you also need to buy. Then because it's not the right voltage good luck selling it to anyone in the US. If you want it at a lower price wait for it second hand.
How would most folks characterize this amp or it's close relatives the 518 or 219? Like Conrad Johnson warmth or more Audio Research analytical? Do these amps respond pretty well to tube rolling? This amp is rated as 48 watts of SET Class A and I assume this is at 8 ohms? Does anyone have information at 4 ohms? Does it double down? I'm seriously considering a pair of Harbeth SHL5+ (maybe 30.1 or 40.1 depending) and auditioned with a Pass Labs XA30.5 and it sounded pretty good but could have been a bit more lively, and thinking it wanted more power. Or Graham Audio LS5/9 if I can find anyone in Alberta.
Not sure how to edit here... But for folks who have used preamps, how do you know what the input impedance is? Especially for the guys who have got custom amps built (I'm thinking about getting one of those preamps as well from DS).
Thanks! Line Magnetic got back to me as well. Their message: "48 watts are the power output for LM-508IA no matter it is 8 ohm or 4 ohm. Input impedance for LM-508IA is 100 k ohm" Seems odd that you wouldn't get more power in 4 ohm like some amps. My Pass Labs doubles power exactly going from 8->4.
The impedance matching when you order from Don is not an issue, and it is worth noting that he will take into account the Power Amplifier that you will be pairing his Linestage with, he is very knowledgeable and patient in accommodating all your requests or queries. Just a bit of advice on the tubes: I ordered a quad of the Shuguang CV-181 as per his recommendations. No doubt they sound really good, but I already have 2 noisy tubes out of the 4. A better option in hindsight, would've been if I just order 2pcs or a pair of CV-181, then use another pair of 6SN7 tubes of my choosing. Only 1 pair serves as the main tubes, and the other pair as buffer. At any rate, the DS Model 2 Linestage is a definite homerun. All the best...
Here it is - I'm not totally losing my mind. To be fair I generally have not liked any of the KT 88 amps I have heard including the 216IA. I prefer the 211IA
The amp is not I believe a SET amp and it is not made anymore according to the website since I can't find it on the website - but LM has similar naming conventions like 218 and 218mini and 518, 508 503 502CA (which to me means Control Amp but is actually a DAC). Both 508 and 518 are 845s and look similar. With the 218 and 518 and 219 already all 845 output amps I don't see the purpose of the 508 (this must be a newer amp). I try to listen first without wanting to know if it is a SET or SEP or PP because I don't want my preconceived bias to get in the way. It's always possible I will buy another LM amplifier in the future. The number one reason I sold the 219IA was its weight and the fact that the transformers can't be changed to western voltage. I refuse to use step up/down transformers (and I prefer the HK prices). But if in the future they add the dual voltage switch then I may look at their power amps.
Taylor, how would you describe the difference in sound to the 518? Besides the extra power, which of course opens the doors to more speaker options. I imagine the 300B's change the character in the mids a bit. I've never heard any other gear that uses the same input tubes as the 508 either.
Well I guess I'll have to make the trip out to hear it - Heck they've added a whole new 300 series. And a 217. Apparently, they've been doling out a whole slew of new amps. When i had the 219IA there were something like 6 amps and the classic series - they even have a reel to reel tape player! Which I must say I am interested in getting into. Anyone have info on these cute little amps? LM-302PA
Here is the 307CA matching preamp. I dunno I really like the look of this package if the price is not too nuts. Christmas present to myself.
I purchased 508ia 3 weeks ago. Before then I had scrutinized information about 508 in this forum. 508 really satisfies me. I tried swapping stock tubes(6sn7 & 6sl7) for TUNGSOL ROUND PLATE and MULLARD ECC35( produced in 1947). The result was great. It sounds greater more than I expected to be. Now, I wonder what the sound will be like when I swap power tube. And I am considering to buy RCA 805. Is there anyone who has heard RCA805? If there is anyone, please tell me. Is RCA805 worth buying?
