Напольная акустика — Line Magnetic LM-222 2

Line Magnetic Audio builds the LM-222 as a two-way coaxial floorstander in the Retro Loudspeakers group of its Foshan division, which is also offered under the Analog Sound name. Its 12-inch coaxial horn driver follows the typical design of the Jensen H222, and Line Magnetic names the classic Jensen speaker as the inspiration for the model. The Foshan catalogue groups it with other retro speakers such as the LM-812 horn system, the LM-755A console speaker and two versions of the LM-3.

Key specs that matter

The LM-222 is rated at 102 dB sensitivity, with a nominal impedance of 8 ohm. The stated frequency range is 37 Hz to 20 kHz, and the power rating is 30 W. The coaxial driver has a diameter of 30 cm and carries both bands of the two-way system on one frame. Each cabinet stands 750 mm tall on a footprint of 450 by 645 mm and weighs 28.5 kg net. Packed for shipping, one speaker weighs 34 kg in a carton of 49 x 79 x 69 cm. The enclosure is finished in mahogany-tinted multi-ply wood, and a metal stand can be ordered as an option.

Engineering and use context

Being a coaxial horn unit, the driver places the high-frequency section in the same unit as the cone rather than in a separate box on top. Line Magnetic names high sensitivity together with high performance at an acceptable price as the two goals behind the design. Connection is by two screw terminals per cabinet, and these also accept banana plugs, so there is no bi-wiring provision.

Pairing

Such efficiency and an undemanding load point toward low-power valve electronics, with single-ended triode and small push-pull amplifiers as the obvious match. Within Line Magnetic's own range, suitable partners include the LM-84IA with 12 W per channel from push-pull EL84 valves, the single-ended LM-845IA with 22 W per channel and the LM-300IA pure Class A integrated. Larger models such as the 48 W per channel LM-805IA deliver more than the speaker's power rating, so they call for care with the volume control, and the same applies to push-pull KT88 and EL34 integrated models such as the LM-216IA PLUS at 45 W and the LM-34IA at 40 W per channel. Any source with a standard line output is suitable, including the brand's own tube CD players and DACs.

Alternatives

For a larger horn system the Line Magnetic LM-812 is the brand's floorstanding option, rated at 40 W with the same sensitivity in a 720 x 1180 x 590 mm enclosure.