[onehotchili]

I have a pair of 2A3 Fi Mono's and am currently running a pair of Electro-Harmonix 2A3 tubes.  I've been out of the "tube rolling" loop for awhile, and was looking for recommendations on some more "modern" 2A3's to try.... sorry no RCA single plate vintage tubes....

I know at one point I was considering the Sophia Electric 2A3's mesh plates in the $300-$400 range.  Are there some others I should consider?!?  Thx.

[ebag4]

I haven't tried many different tubes, but I really enjoy the JJ 2A3-40 in my Bottlehead Stereomour.

Best,
Ed

[onehotchili]

Yeah I was running a pair of JJ 300B's in my Hogan Amp (which I just put up for sale....)  Maybe I'll try the 2A3 version!

[sebrof]

I've tried Shuguang 2A3C, JJ-2A3-40 and Sophia mesh plate 2A3s. I think all of them are good and better than the Sovteks I had originally, better than a pair of Old Stock Sylvanias that measured as new.
In my system (WE 91A clone) the JJs and Sophias are best, I like the Sophias a little more than the JJs but it's pretty close. Never heard the EHs.

[MichaelO]

Hi: 

I have used the Sovtek, Shuguang 2A3C and the JJ-2A3-40 and am now using the Psvane 2a3 T Mk II.  The Shuguang I think is a very good sounding tube.  Mids are dimensional, highs clear and bass good but not as punchy as the Sovtek or JJ.  JJ I found very even through out their range with the best bass. The Psvane has great texture and dimensionality in the mids and bass.  Treble clear and extended.  Both the Shuguang and Psvane have slightly warm presentation the Sovtek and JJ more toward the cool (neutral??) tone.  Though the JJ is less cool and fuller sounding than the Sovtek.

Michael

[Audioclyde]

I've ran the following 2A3's in my headphone amp and my main SET amp:

1-Sophia Electric Princess mesh plates
2-NOS Ken Rad dual plates
3-NOS Tung Sol smoke glass
4-Psvane Western Electric series WR2A3's

My large preference is for the Psvane WR2A3's--incredible mids, but with good detail and extension, but never any harsh or tizzy top end.  Others have had some problems with these tubes becoming noisy too quickly, but I've been running mine for over 750 hours now with absolutely no problems.  Although pricey, I like 'em so much I will like try their WE275 version next!

Randy

[happyrabbit]

JJ 2A3-40 or the EML 2A3 Solid Plate. 



Dwight

[JackD201]

I've always stuck to RCAs. For a time they were easy to get and affordable here. The supply has since dried up presumably with the old tube horde o' riches bought up and sent  west. For current production tubes my vote goes to KR.