Aric Audio Super 2A3 owners - favorite tubes?

@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.

Thanks for the comments! I will be waiting until my amp is broken in before doing any tube rolling, but I do have some 6SN7s here to play with and I'll probably have a go at some other 2A3s to compare to my Linlai E series at some point. My Motherlode II is being used in another system until the break in of the amp is complete. Right now I'm using an Audiopax Model 5 preamp so I have the opportunity to compare and contrast solid state and tubes. I'm curious what speakers people are listening to. I have a pair of Cain & Cain Super Abby (single driver, Voight design) with Abbey subwoofers. I'll be surprised if anyone chimes in and says they've heard these speakers. Terry Cain was a great cabinet maker and speaker builder who unfortunately passed away around 1992(?), but they've been good enough that I still listen to, and enjoy, them. This is the first time with a 2A3.

@jake18aa I have my virtual system posted on my profile if you want to see what else I am running, but my speakers are Coherent Audio The 18s.

Have fun tube rolling! It is fun, frustrating, and expensive all at once!