I’ve always found Christiaan Punter to be a reviewer well worth reading and here he certainly captures the essential character of these amps. The LM508IA that I have is very much as described here though mine is also the upgraded 240v Singapore version with upgraded caps and resistors throughout.
I’d add that using the pre in (in my case with either the Microzotl or Shindo preamps I have) gives a further substantial step up to these integrated direct having tried this comparison with the LM219IA, LM845ia and my LM508ia. The Microzotl adds an extra level of resolution and apparent speed with more authority throughout and is an especially good match for these SET.
Also all the various LM’s here are reviewed with stock tubes so there is still much room to take these beasts further still and I am sure when I roll the 805 and 300B valves in with (possibly) the new Acme 805 and Western Electric WE300Bs then I’ll be able to likely consider my current Line Magnetic SET up fairly complete as an amp with (for me) very little in the way of compromise.
The SET LMs certainly look, feel and sound like very unconstrained and rich, alive and sonorously fab amps for sure.
I know it’s not sexy on WBF to talk about Zu audio, but my druids with Audion 300B (we) set is incredible at conveying emotions of rock, soul, and blues music. Kills every box speaker, Devore, and many horns I’ve heard for that type of music. I buy what I like.
In case someone thinks I’m only a reverse snob, I am a real snob as well. I have a bi-amped mbl 101 system with heavy ass muther symphonic line krafts and Cat preamp that is as musical and emotionally engaging as any set/ high efficiency system I’ve heard, but even more musically transparent.
SET lovers, please do yourself a favor and check out symphonic line kraft if your speakers are not as efficient as advertised.
Caesar, re good words on Zu, you know how I feel. I've managed to wrangle them to be pretty good on jazz and classical too. I'm very pleased at least one other person on this forum doesn't think I'm certifiable.
Caesar, re good words on Zu, you know how I feel. I've managed to wrangle them to be pretty good on jazz and classical too. I'm very pleased at least one other person on this forum doesn't think I'm certifiable.
Its more that everyone on this forum that has the budget to spend more on speakers, does so. And since the Zus are not in the stratosphere pricewise, they will get dissed a bit. That said, they do have a strong signature that can put people off or make people love them.
