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Stunning audiophile grade McKORMACK micro line drive preamplifier. The McCormack Micro Line Drive is a compact, high-performance line-level preamplifier designed by Steve McCormack. It features a minimalist circuit path capable of operating in passive or active modes with variable gain, delivering exceptional transparency, low coloration, and an open soundstage for a modest footprint. Open to reasonable offers. Enjoy the 🎵 😎
McCormack preamps have a strong reputation for clean, grown-up sound and a very capable line-stage presentation, so this is the sort of piece that can be rewarding if it’s been cared for. At US$400, it sits above the US$173 median and well above the US$825 75th percentile? No — the broader market anchor says it is still within the upper half of recent asks, but clearly not a bargain; I’d call it a fair-to-ambitious asking price.
What makes it worth a look is the brand’s long-standing respect among enthusiasts for musical, low-noise, no-nonsense performance, especially if you want a serious analog front end without chasing boutique excess. The upside is strongest if it’s a clean, original example with confirmed working controls, quiet channels, and any factory packaging or documentation. On a piece this age, a buyer should mainly verify pot noise, switch behavior, and whether any service has been done, since condition matters more than cosmetic patina here.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Line Magnetic Audio: Brand Overview
Line Magnetic Audio was established in 2005 in Zhuhai, China, by brothers Zheng Cai and Zheng Xi, both passionate audiophiles with deep roots in tube electronics. Zheng Cai's background as a former general manager and chief engineer at Cayin, combined with years spent studying and restoring classic Western Electric, Altec, and Jensen components, provided the technical foundation for the company. This heritage of reverse-engineering and understanding legendary 1950s American audio design remains central to Line Magnetic's identity and philosophy.
The brand specializes in tube-based electronics and speakers, with a product range spanning integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, DACs, phonostages, and horn-loaded loudspeakers. Line Magnetic is particularly renowned for its meticulous replicas of classic Western Electric, Altec, and Jensen designs, as well as proprietary field-coil drivers that have earned respect among both manufacturers and DIY enthusiasts. All products are hand-assembled using point-to-point wiring across two factories, reflecting an uncompromising manufacturing philosophy.
Line Magnetic occupies the high-end boutique segment, targeting discerning collectors and audiophiles who value vintage-inspired design married with modern engineering. The brand commands respect for its scholarly approach to audio history, rigorous material research, and unrelenting build quality. Rather than pursuing mass-market appeal, Line Magnetic has cultivated a devoted global following among those seeking authentic tube sound and meticulous craftsmanship.
See all Line Magnetic Audio listings on RADAR.
