Aric Audio Super 2A3 owners - favorite tubes?

I read somewhere else about 6F8Gs and put them in for the 6SN7.

Bass got tighter; I like it.

The 6F8G is an older 6SN7 and you're going to need an adapter.

About to replace the 5961 with a 6SU7.

@jake18aa Thanks!

I used to have Tannoys - though not any of the really fancy ones or GR line. I considered upgrading down the line, but didn't feel like I heard what I was looking for until I got up to the Kensington and higher in the range, and they were too expensive and too huge.

I do love the dual-concentric/coaxial style speakers though. Very addicting sound!

Enjoy your new amp!!

@mmcgill829 Wow, a beautiful system you are running. I mentioned the Cain & Cain speakers I have and that I'm using with Aric's  2A3. That's my second system. My other system is running Tannoy Kingdom Royal speakers with AudioPax KT88 mono blocks and the Aric Audio Motherlode II preamp. These Tannoys retain the strengths of the rest of the line and improve on all the weaknesses. I think it will be fun for me to put together a virtual system so we can about all the goodies. I'd love to hear your system, for sure!

@mmcgill829 Thanks I'll check out your system and you nailed it about being "fun, frustrating, and expensive all at once!" I'm already looking at new tubes, and new speakers, and I just bought this amp!!!

@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!

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.

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.

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.

@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 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?

@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!

Power tubes and rectifiers can alter the sound of an amplifier from 10% to 30%.  The driver tubes (6SN7 & 6SL7) can impact the tone and presentation by up to 60% - depending on your system and ears.

I like the VT231 Raytheons - although the Sylvanias are very nice as well - a little more laid back, middle of the theater presentation compared to front row Raytheons.

6SL7 tubes - try the 6SU7GTY Tung Sols...just the best in class by a good margin.  Brown base, dark glass version .  The 5691 are nice as well - but the TS are amazing.

@vthokie83 Please do! Would love to hear your thoughts (plus could be beneficial for others who come across this thread with the same questions).

Worth a shot, best of luck. I may come back here in a couple of months once I've had a chance to try the tubes

@vthokie83 The problem is they are aligned right in front of each other rather than side to side, so its a front/back distance that is the issue and it's quite close. I'm not sure I'd want to put anything but standard sized tubes there from a cooling perspective. It would really need to be either significantly higher or offset by a couple inches.

I'm still using the bad boy 6SN7 tube there, plus a fairly expensive NOS RCA 6SL7/5691 red base that was something like $200 for just the one. I may swap the 6SN7 for a linlai just to test, but that's probably it I think! The NOS 5691 is pretty excellent.

mmcgill829

I read that some users have used a tube extender, basically a second tube socket; to offset them.....allowing them to clear each other. Not sure if that would work for the 2A3 amp though

The only bummer for me is that the Super 2a3 amp from aric has the 6SL7 and 6SN7 tubes too close together to accommodate these larger tubes. I'd love to experiment with using the linlai tubes in the amp as well. I could get away with replacing just one, though, so I may get 2 matched pairs when I order more and keep two for the amp - one for use and one for backup. Worst comes to worst and it doesn't work as well in my amp, I'll just have an extra set for my pre-amp and be set for the forseeable future. Never hurts to have extra tubes around.

I'll be getting some KR 2A3s in the near future and am interested in seeing how they compare to the EMLs.

Alexberger and Mmcgill829,

Thanks for the updates, I'm feeling a bit more confident in the Linlai E-6SN7s....but most reviews are really positive.

I was torn between the Ken Rad VT-231 Black glass and the CBS-Hytron 5692, and they virtually the same price.....but excited to hear they compete with the Ken Rads.....that's exciting

Agree on the Linlai Elite 6sn7s. I use them on my Aric’s too!

@1markr Will keep my eyes out for any of the Svetlanas. I've been waiting for the Linlai 5U4G to come back in stock with Grant Fidelity. Hopefully sometime soon. They're nicely priced. I have the opportunity to get some KR 5U4G tubes, but they are SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive.

@alexberger The Linlai E-6SN7 was a bit of a shock - and still is - since in my experience NOS was pretty much always better. But here recently, I've been especially impressed with these Linlais and the EML mesh plate 2a3s I got. I am glad that there are some contemporary producers making high quality tubes that sound fantastic. NOS will run out eventually (and continue to shoot up in price until they do), so can't rely on them forever!

I had many different vt231 from 40x. (Ken-Rad black glass, transparent glass, Sylvaniya, RCA)

I don't have Tung-Sol and Sylvania 6sn7W, because they were crazy expensive, even 18 year ego when I bought most of my tubes.

Ken-Rad VT-231 black glass was my favorite for many years. I think  Ken-Rad VT-231 black glass is one of the best 6sn7 ever produced.

I also preferred old tubes because new tubes I tried always lose to vintage.

But I found Linlai 6sn7 sounds even better than Ken-Rad VT-231 black glass.

I also like Linlai 12ax7. I compared it to my favorite Telefunken smooth plates and Sylvania 7025. And Linlai competes very well against these great tubes.

Huge fanboy of Aric’s electronics here.... I own his "near" Motherlode preamp for a few years now (works great with SS amps!), and now also have his 300B PSET amp since Sept. After being in this insane hobby for over 30 years, this is the heart of my "end game" system.... and I have heard / owned a ton of great gear! Anyways my point here - surprised nobody brought up Svetlana Winged-C 5U4Gs from the mid to late ’60s (aka 5C3S). They are cheap too. I have them on my Aric gear (1 on the preamp, 2 on the amp), and they beat all the 40s, 50s NOS 5 v rectifiers that I have used. I did order a Linlai 5U4G to play with since I use the Linlai Elite WE300Bs and love them, but don’t over look those Svets!

@vthokie83 haha! I totally get what you mean. Huge amount of value from Aric's gear.

Interesting notes re: chinese tubes. I know that Shuguang is basically gone since they had a plant fire or something, and Linlai folks left PSVane due to a dispute and they have a...not great relationship. Lot of drama in the tube world haha.

Have fun tube rolling! It's an expensive endeavor for a while until things get settled, for sure. I'm still not done trying things out myself, and have spent almost as much as an amp in tubes alone 🤪

mmcgill829,

I'm all out of superlatives for my latest purchases: CODA S5.5, Aric Audio Transcend "Push Pull", and Aric Audio Motherlode XL....I won't even try anymore, as I feel more like a fanboy that a reviewer. As Michael Jordan says "Just do it" if someone is considering CODA or Aric Audio equipment, they are ridiculously good.

Tube rolling is going to have to wait a month or so, so not much I can say other than the stock tubes for the Aric Audio stuff is really good.....but Brent Jessee always has a passion for NOS tubes, so I'm sure there is more to be gained there.

I did a LOT of research on the Chinese tubes, and I agree that there was a past issue with PSVane (and several brands of Chinese tubes), and it's been weird with the incestuous relationship between Shuguang, PSVane, and Linlai.

Most recent reviews for the PSVane El34s have been positive, especially the EL34-PH and EL34-UK tubes, but the 6SN7/CV181 lines appeared to have had quality issues. By all accounts the Linlai E-6SN7 is stellar, and happy to see your experience is the same. We'll see.

I found a reputable (by reviews) Chinese supplier who seems to take testing and matching seriously, but that's a leap of faith and only based on other's experience.

@vthokie83 Congratulations! How are you liking them so far?

I just finished trying the Linlai e-6sn7 tubes vs my sylvania 6sn7GTs and I actually wound up preferring the Linlais, believe it or not. In my system, they just sounded more open and airy with a slightly larger sound stage. Pleasantly surprised and will likely pick up a couple more sets to have as backups.

Swapping from the 5U4GB to the 5U4G was an improvement for me - mostly better bass presence. I’ve yet to determine if there’s much sonic difference between brands of 5U4G just yet.

I’ve looked into PSVane tubes in the past, but have heard horror stories about the QC on them, with a large % being DOA or lasting not long at all before burning out. Grant Fidelity had big QC problems with them - even among their supposed pre-screened tubes - and ultimately stopped selling their tubes all together for a variety of reasons. Hopefully you have a better experience with them.

YMMV compared to my findings, but thought I’d share!

EDIT: should get some photos up on your virtual system page :)

Mmcgill829 and all,

I recently received an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, and an Aric Audio Transcend "Push Pull" amp.....they have only recently been installed and are breaking in. The Motherlode takes one 5U4G and two 6SN7s, the Transcend takes three 6SN7s and 4 EL34s.

The Motherlode XL preamp came with an RCA 5U4GB Tall bottle black plates, seem to be of nice quality...but obviously Aric likes them, so good with me. Additionally I spoke with Brent Jessee and he recommended the NOS 1943-1945 JAN military spec VT244 (5U4G equivalent) National Union black plates....not at all cheap at $200, but I trust Brent, so I bought it.

I had Aric upgrade to pair of NOS Sylvania 6SN7GT two rivet "Bad boy" tubes. For 6SN7s Brent recommended a matched set of the NOS 1950s 5692 JAN military spec CBS-Hytron. Here again they are not cheap at $350 for a matched pair, but I bought those as well. Damn this hobby is expensive!

Additionally I did quite a bit of research and bought some Chinese tubes as well: a matching quad PSVane EL34-PH (Philips reproduction) and matching quad of EL34-UK (Mullard reproduction) tubes. I also purchased a matching 3 tube set of Linlai E-6SN7 tubes.

I won't get around to tube rolling these in for a month or so, so can't give any impressions....other than the fact that they all seem to be well thought of for their respective categories.

@alexberger said: "NOS 5U4G RCA is not something special. I like Ken-Ran 5u4G. But Linlai 5u4g are on the same level and very cheap. I had a U52 GEC/Brimar brown base. It was really great, better than other stuff I had but it is crazy expensive now. I bought it when it was already used, and after 3 years it died. But to buy one today is too expensive."

The GEC u-52 is my preferred rectifier for my Allnic phono stage. I too had a Brimar branded brown base in box, fresh old stock as far as I could tell. Still has some life in it, but I retubed the entire system a few years ago and found an earlier iteration- also a "cup base" but black. I've read various things about these- that they were the industrial version, that they were earlier than the brown bases, that they don't have the finesse of the brown base. My experience has been that the black base is comparable. The tube has far more air in my set up than the Mullard metal base, which is another "grail" rectifier. 

mmcgill829,

You are most welcome. I have purchased from Brent quite a few times, and the tubes and his recommendations have always been spot on......sometimes even recommending less expensive tubes, if he feels they are a better match. Happy listening

@vthokie83 Thanks for the heads up. I'd never come across his website before. I'll check it out!

Mmcgill829,

If I were you, I'd reach out to Brent Jessee to discuss your needs. He has a ton of hard to find 2A3, 6SN7, 5u4G tubes; and has great insights. He does not give away his tubes, but he does stand behind them with a warranty

NOS 5U4G RCA is not something special. I like Ken-Ran 5u4G. But Linlai 5u4g are on the same level and very cheap. I had a U52 GEC/Brimar brown base. It was really great, better than other stuff I had but it is crazy expensive now. I bought it when it was already used, and after 3 years it died. But to buy one today is too expensive.

Has anyone used the KR 54UG or Sophia Electric 54UG? Bonus if you've used them and compared with EML Mesh 54UG or NOS RCA 54UGs.

@evank Interesting! Well I might be interested should you choose to move them, depending on cost.

That's good re: the spatials. The new Q3 models (pretty huge) threw out one of the most 3D soundstages I've heard in person. Pretty magical!

@mmcgill829 

I just didn't find them too musical. I ended up sticking with the CBS ones that Aric had supplied. I also Like the Sylvanias but just not as much as the CBS. I tried some RCA's which had great midrange, but the lower end was too sloppy.

The Spatials are very transparent and dynamic and love the fact that they don't interact with the room as much as a conventional speaker.

@evank Interesting! What didn't you like about them? What tubes do you prefer personally?

Also side note - how do you like those spatial speakers? I heard their new Q3 at SWAF in March and was entranced, to say the least.

@alexberger  i typically like to stay away from grey market or ebay for tubes (especially new production) unless they are cheap tubes. Like I'm not going to be upset if a $10 DHT tube for my DAC is bad but I'm going to be upset if $150 preamp tubes are. Just personal preference though!

I bought my Linlai 6sn7 on AliExpress.com 

But I need a pair of tubes.

@mmcgill829 If you are interested I have a pair of the Linlai top grade from Grant Fidelity. Maybe 75 hrs on them. I didn’t like them in my Super 6sn7 line stage. YMMV.

@alexberger I have actually looked into the Linlai e-6SN7. From reviews, they seem to be superb tubes. A bit spendy for new production, but if they have the performance to back it up, then it is worth it. In the Aric, the pre-amp tubes make an enormous difference in the overall sound. There's also plenty of space to accommodate those larger tubes from Linlai. I'll have to see if Grant Fidelity will do a trio for a deal versus buying a pair + overpriced single.

Hi @dekay 

You are right. I read about this tube on the EML site. Yes it is designed to work in 2a3 amplifiers. It is more like 2a3, just more powerful.

Alex:

The EML 300B discussed specs 2.5 filament voltage.

Not certain why it's named 300B/2.5 unless it's because of the larger (glass envelope) size.

There was also a 300B/2.5 made in China, but I forget the manufacturer (same larger glass envelope).

DeKay

300b won't work at it best in 2a3 amplifier. 

Different,

1. Load resistance 2.5k , need 3.5k

2. Different self bias resistance value.

3. Different plate voltage. 

4. Need more voltage swing for driver tubes.

The EML 300B/2.5's sell for <$900/pair.

Not familiar with them, just an FYI on the listed selling price.

DeKay

Linlai 6sn7 are great. I also have and used Ken Rad vt231 black glas. I liked them  a lot. But Linlai are even better. 

I also like Linlai 5u4g. They are affordable and really good, comparable to vintage Ken Rad and Brimar 5u4g. I didn't have EML 5u4 and Sophia Electric 'Aqua II' 274B. I am not ready to spend such amount of money for rectifier tubes. I tried once 5u4gbRCA it was the worst 5u4 I had. I don't recommend any 5u4gb.

@carlsbad2 that and the fact that they are near $900/each, which is probably an even bigger deterrent. Lot of money to spend for a test! 😅 I assume they'd likely be pretty difficult to re-sell too, if they weren't the right fit preference wise.

@mmcgill829 I think that is why they don't sell a lot of them.  the name makes people not realize what amp they are designed for

@carlsbad2 oh interesting. I'll take a look at those. I didn't even realize that was a thing!

@tvad AFAIK 5U4G and 5U4 are one in the same. The G just refers to it being glass and the NOS G's tend to be the 'coke bottle' shape, with the GB being the straight bottles. Forgive me if I'm incorrect though. I currently have NOS RCA 5U4G (coke bottle) rectifiers in, which replaced the 5U4GBs that were in there stock (don't remember what they were off the top of my head though - nothing fancy).

@mmcgill829 don't be so sure.  the 300B 2.5V is designed to be used in 2A3 amps.  the ones I had were in my 2A3 amp.  They won't work in a 300b amp.