New 2A3 recommendations

[Suger]

Hiya

So it would seem that the time has come to replace the 2A3s on our NewAmoirs, as the original Sovteks are starting to show signs of wear.

I wondered if anyone had any recommendations for a nice replacement? We don’t rotate and it’s our only 2A3, so I’m pretty open to ideas.

[Tom-s]

Two 2A3 that can handle normal 2A3 and higher operating points would be JJ 2A3-40 and EML 2A3-Solid plate.
Maybe look into those.

[Suger]

Many thanks

[Larpy]

Do you mean the Mon Amour amps?  I haven't heard them myself but the Electro-Harmonix Gold 2A3s have received good reviews.  The EMLs are viewed as excellent, though they cost quite a bit more than the EHs.

In the U.S., you can still find NOS 2A3s for around $150-$200.

[hmbscott]

I replaced the Psvane Classic 2A3-C's that came with my Stereomour II kit with matched NOS 2A3 RCA-construction black-plates (Sylvania branded), which I like a lot. Obtained from the very nice folks at Radio Electric Supply, $150 ea. The Psvane is a nice tube, but the RCA black-plates are definitely a cut above in refinement, most apparent in high-end smoothness without out any compromise in detail. This is in a new modified Stereomour II, (https://forum.bottlehead.com/index.php?topic=15167.0) that doesn't yet have the shunt regulator or DC filament supply upgrades added. I have very sensitive speakers so I hear significant the AC heater hum, and noted that the Psvains are definitely the noisier tube heater wise, but the RCA's aren't silent either. I have over a hundred hours on both tube types, and noted the Psvanes seemed to benefit much more from burn-in, especially early on, than the RCA's.

[Paul Birkeland]

So it would seem that the time has come to replace the 2A3s on our NewAmoirs, as the original Sovteks are starting to show signs of wear.

What are the symptoms?  Typically I would expect about double the life you're getting out of a pair of Sovteks.