My 2A3 Custom BH amp built by PB is not direct-coupled, but the JJ 2A3-40 tubes I rolled in a month ago from "Eurotubes" in Portland OR really sing sweetly and produce thunderous bass. Huge stage, and do remind me of the 300B somewhat in their presentation. I hope they last a long time, as i would hate to change them back to NOS GE's or National Union. Eurotubes offers a 6 month guarantee.
Cheers, Hank in Eugene