2. amps-preamps
  3. 126064-1835

2A3 Tube Opinions

Looking to add a pair of 2A3's for my amps that are full/meaty leaning towards the vintage sound.  Currently running EML Solid Plates and love them, but looking for more weight to the sound.  Thanks for any advice.
arthursmuck
arthursmuck OP
447 posts
 

Thanks everyone for the input so far.  Want to make sure I'm clear there is no harshness or edginess and the amps aren't lean sounding, it's really a case of wanting a bit more of something than overcoming a deficiency.  Call it audiophile greed...   :-)

A little more on my amps they are a two stage direct coupled design with a separate power supply for each stage. The driver tube is 7A4, power tube is of course 2A3. Rectification is by type 82 and 83 mercury vapor tubes.  Here's a link to a long discussion about them from a few years ago.  http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?4279-Found-Music-2A3-Amplifier/

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 
I agree with dekay and larryi in that rolling the input and driver tubes would likely be an  effective tatic. Arthur which amplifier do you listen to more often given your terrific choices?  Do you use the Thoress preamp with all of your  power amplifiers?
Charles,
arthursmuck OP
447 posts
 
I use the Thoress pre with everything.  It's really pretty equally split among amps.  I just got a pair of Sophia Electric 300B amps that are getting some serious air time right now.  Not sure where they rank in the world of 300B amps, but it sounds so good last couple days I hesitate to mess with anything. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,235 posts
 
Hello Arthur,
 The Sophia Electric 300b has earned a reputation for excellent sound quality, natural is a word often used. It sounds as though your SET amps are driving the big Tannoys pretty well based on your comments.
Lets see, Thoress 845, Sophia 300b, Found Music 2A3 and  the SS Dartzeel.
No doubt you are enjoying audio bliss!
Charles,
arthursmuck OP
447 posts
 
I've been really impressed with the Sophia.  Since I added the Swarm subs and lightened the load on the SET amps, I really am loving all of them.  I sold the Dartzeel and am contemplating either vintage Mac 225 or something from the EL34 family, as a change of pace.

P.S.  You left out the Line Magnetic, also SET...   :-)
I really might have an issue...
More to discover