Aric Audio Super 2A3 owners - favorite tubes?

@paul_lindemann I'll see if I can track down one of the Tong Sols. I only need one 6SL& tube for my amp, so it shouldn't be too difficult, I'd imagine!

I just received my new 2A3 from Aric and have just started to break it in. I've been using his Motherlode preamp for about three years so I'm excited to hear how they work together. Has anyone compared the Linlai 2A3 tubes with other 2A3s? I'm reading a lot about the 6SN7 tubes and perhaps I've missed any discussion around the 2A3 and the Linlais specifically. With regard to the 6SN7 has anyone tried the new RAY 6Sn7?

@jake18aa Congratulations on your 2a3 from Aric! I still love mine. Over the past year, I've tried a few different 2a3 tube options...

Linlai 2a3 (stock)
Svetlana SV-2a3 (2C4C) NOS (ok but nothing special)
EML 2a3-S meshplate (close second)
KR audio 2a3 (current favorite, though somewhat hard to find)

For the 6SN7, I've used the Linlai E-6SN7 (not the china market model) and NOS Sylvania JAN 6SN7GT VT-231 2 Hole Bad Boy, Black Plate. I found using 3 (2 in my pre and 1 in the amp) of the same tube option to be a little much. For me, putting an e-6SN7 on the amp and 2x the JAN 6SN7GT on the pre balanced out the sound nicely for me. The sylvanias are nice and musical, but too much of a good thing can end up getting a little 'sloppy.' The E-6SN7s are a lot crisper and more detailed, but running three of them ends up getting harsh and fatiguing after a little while (though initially it can be a bit dazzling).

For the 6SL7 tube, I ended up going with an NOS RCA 5691 red base. I did not notice a huge difference in overall sound properties by changing this tube, however.

One thing I did pick up after a recommendation from a friend were the Herbies Tenderfoot feet for all of my aric amps. I was skeptical at first, but they really made a nice improvement overall, especially with vocals for me.

I also just got not a Super 2A3 but a custom 2A3/45 amp from Aric.

Running EMLs.

I just got a pair of Linlai 2A3-D tubes and they sound pretty good. Nice bass without being bloated, and good highs. Compared to the EML, maybe smaller soundstage and less space/air. Comparing them to RCA black plates later today.

I’m running a 5961 RCA(I felt that it tamed the bass some) and a Northern Electric 6SN7. Aric said the 6SN7 wil have less impact than the 6SL7, about a 80/20 split (he said that circuit wise the 6SN7 should have no impact, but he found that it does). Based on that I passed on the RAY. Looking for a Linlai 6SL7-E, but I think it sounds like they are re-designing it so it’s not available (according to one site).

I ordered my amp sans tubes and I trust Aric’s ear so I’m kinda wondering what those black glass Linlais sound like.

Couple more notes since I meant to talk about the 2a3s (oops):

The EML meshplates have a very big soundstage, but it's a little on the unnatural side of things sometimes, and can sometimes be a little too crisp for me. If you're okay with it being a little bit on the crazy side, they're wonderful! I still do like them, but the KRs just edged them out.

The KRs ended up being a wonderful middle ground - nice detail and bass without being too analytical and sharp. Musical and non-fatiguing. Nice soundstage without being over the top or unrealistic. They're a bit pricey and hard to track down, but worth the trouble.

Honestly though, the black glass Linlais are a really great value for the money. Performance is quite good for a new production, budget tube. To get much better you are looking at 3x+ the price point unless you get lucky with some random NOS models.