2. amps-preamps
  3. 136420-3158

Line Magnetic 508ia and the Elusive 805 Tube


Greetings, my fellow 'Goners.

I'm the very happy owner of a Line Magnetic 508ia integrated amp, a real powerhouse with a wonderful sound. I have replaced all of the stock tubes except the 805 tubes, as the stock tubes have suited me just fine. However, after a year or so of stellar play, one of them is showing signs of not being able to hold bias, so it may be time to experiment with some other tubes. Fine, but when I began looking around, I discovered that 805 tubes are not exactly plentiful across the land, nor is there much conversation about them. I found some on eBay--the Fullmusic look interesting, but pricey. My usual sources for tubes have none at all in stock.

So my questions are whether anyone out there with an LM 508 has tried rolling the 805 tube, what were your results, and--most importantly--where did you track them down?

I was very pleased with the results of rolling the 300B, 6SN7, and 6SL7 tubes, but the 805 options are relatively limited. Any insights, links, etc., would be most appreciated.


128x128waltersalas

Showing 7 responses by shkong78

shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 
@ geek101

My speaker Lansche 4.1 is specified to be 99db but I suspect it to be around 93db, still pretty high.

I played 1812 overture at full volume in my spacious listening space(1,500 sqf) with vault without any problem.

I also have Rogue Cronus Magnum II with KT 120 tube which company specified at 100W.

But it seems that LM 508 can play louder and deeper than Rogue Cronus Magnum II .

Rogue Cronus Magnum II is a pretty good amplifier but LM 508 is in another league above competing with those priced at 10-20k.



shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 
Yes it has  active amplifiers to drive two 10 inch woofers to go down 20hz.

http://stereotimes.com/speak112410.shtml

It is a heavenly match with LM 508.

The most nice thing is pristine treble out of plasma tweeter.

Eva Cassidy’s voice is heavenly with Lansche,

I miss that she had gone to heaven too early.

It’s little brother is on the sale at Audiogon.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis953i3-lansche-audio-no-3-floorstanding-speaker-like-new-full-ra...


Thomas
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 
@geek101 
What a beautiful speaker you ordered?

I am pretty sure that LM 508 will work fine with Legacy Aerius which has a active speaker and 95db/w.

LM508 appears to be more powerful than Rogue Cronus Magnum ii which is specified to have 100W.

Enjoy your new speaker.
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 
@georgehifi

I heard similar opinion from my Guru.

They did not spare the cost of material earlier but now they try to save the material cost.

My Guru has a NOS stock tubes worth more than 10 million USD.

Next time I see him, I will ask whether he has some NOS 805 tubes.

By the ways my Guru is not in USA.
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 
@radiohead99 
It is nice to hear from you about  NOS United Electronic 805 tubes.

I believe your opinion.

The only catch is how to connect from the top to other connector behind tube.

I read the instruction from the thread in Steve Hoffman Forum.

But I am not comfortable with the connection.

I also ordered new version called  COSSOR VALAVE 805 made by PSVANE.

It is supposed to come on next Tuesday.

Let me see what happen.


shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 
One of Psavne Acme 805 tube went bad  with bias reaching only 50mA instead of 120mA after use of just 7days.
I had tried to reach seller five times asking for replacement tube for  6 days.
But he did not respond to my message at all.
I had ordered tubes three times from him..
Previously, he used to respond to my inquiry within 2 days.



Now I do not have any faith in reliability of Psavne Acme tube which is pretty expensive.

I recommend you not to order any item from this terrible dealer.
https://www.hifi-amplifiers.com/en/psvane-acme-serie-805-vacuum-tube-highend-tube-best-matched-pair-...
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,463 posts
 
I received a replacement Acme 805 tube from the dealer on free shipping on 21st, January.


It sounds fine after playing for 3 hours.

I will go into detail of the sound of tube after one more day of listening.


I can recommend this dealer to the forum member after free replacement of defective tube.


PSVANE Acme Serie 805 Vacuum Tube High-end tube Be


I had listened to replaced Acme 805 with Line Magnetic 508 for 24 hours.


It is one of the best new tube with transparency,excellent soundstage and nice details.


I have Synergistic Blue fuse, Shuguang Treasure 300B and CV181z(6SN7 equi) and Mullard ECC35 in Line Magnetic 508.


Although the price is a little bit on the high side, with two year of warranty on Acme series,   one may consider using it.


Thomas
More to discover