2a3 rolling

debk · 8085

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Offline debk

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on: July 09, 2021, 02:01:53 AM
I have a few of pairs of 2a3's, Sovtek, Eh gold (came with the kit), and Linlai Elite.  I like the sound of the EH gold and Linlai better than the Sovteks.  However, the choice between the Linlai and EH Gold is closer.  When listening to my digital side it is a wash between the two, maybe a slight edge to the EH Gold.  When I listen to vinyl, the EH Gold wins hands down, more detail and better bass.  Would not have predicted that EH Gold would beat out the much more expensive Linlai tube, you never know.
Just listened to my UHQR pressing of Supertramp Crime of the Century, sounded incredible!
I think I have some old RCA 2a3 someplace, once I dig them out I'll give them a try


Debra K

Eros 2Phono amp
BeePre2, Psvane ACME 300b
Kaiju, Linlai Elite  300b
Monamour 2a3 amps various tubes
Sota Sapphire, Pete Riggle Woody Tonearm, Kiseki Purpleheart Cartridge
Rega P6 Ania Pro cartridge
Roon Nucleus
MHDT Labs Orchid DAC
Jager speakers


Offline Karl5150

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Reply #1 on: July 09, 2021, 03:05:44 AM
 My 180g copy of CotC (a favorite album from my youth) and several others have always sounded a little bright in my system. Your mini review has me questioning whether it is source related or maybe the stock Sovteks in my StereomourII.
Just out of curiosity, since it isn't an option for me, have you compared the tubes at both operating points?
Thanks,
Karl
   

Karl
Downstairs: Planar3>PH-16>Stereomour II>OB Betsy+
Upstairs: RP1>Eros/CD5004>Seductor (2x Monoblocks)>FH3
Office: Modi Uber 2/Sirius>SEX2.1.1>µFonken FF85WK + DC160 subs
BR: FiiO M6>SEX3.0.1>ScanSpeak 10F + TangBand W6 (Mono)/DT770Pro
Garage: X12 streamer>Quicksand>Minimus 77


Offline debk

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Reply #2 on: July 09, 2021, 11:20:06 AM
Didn't compare at both operating points will try it this weekend

Debra K

Eros 2Phono amp
BeePre2, Psvane ACME 300b
Kaiju, Linlai Elite  300b
Monamour 2a3 amps various tubes
Sota Sapphire, Pete Riggle Woody Tonearm, Kiseki Purpleheart Cartridge
Rega P6 Ania Pro cartridge
Roon Nucleus
MHDT Labs Orchid DAC
Jager speakers


Offline debk

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Reply #3 on: July 10, 2021, 12:04:22 AM
Tried both operating points.  I think the Linlai 2a3 improves slightly at the 60ma bias, not much of a difference with the EH tube.  Don't get me wrong both tubes sound fantastic in these amps.  You may get totally different results, there is a lot of personal bias and other factors between peoples systems.  I like to joke that I listen to $10000 of stereo equipment with $100 ears  ;D.  I ordered a pair of JJ 2a3-40 to try  will let you know my impression when I get them.

Debra K

Eros 2Phono amp
BeePre2, Psvane ACME 300b
Kaiju, Linlai Elite  300b
Monamour 2a3 amps various tubes
Sota Sapphire, Pete Riggle Woody Tonearm, Kiseki Purpleheart Cartridge
Rega P6 Ania Pro cartridge
Roon Nucleus
MHDT Labs Orchid DAC
Jager speakers


Offline Karl5150

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Reply #4 on: July 12, 2021, 03:45:42 AM
"...I listen to $10000 of stereo equipment with $100 ears..." You and me both.  To me, in the end, if it gets your toes tapping and brings a smile to your face (or a tear to your eye) it's doing something right. Thanks for taking the time to check it out and enjoy the music.
Karl

Karl
Downstairs: Planar3>PH-16>Stereomour II>OB Betsy+
Upstairs: RP1>Eros/CD5004>Seductor (2x Monoblocks)>FH3
Office: Modi Uber 2/Sirius>SEX2.1.1>µFonken FF85WK + DC160 subs
BR: FiiO M6>SEX3.0.1>ScanSpeak 10F + TangBand W6 (Mono)/DT770Pro
Garage: X12 streamer>Quicksand>Minimus 77


Offline debk

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Reply #5 on: July 18, 2021, 03:20:28 AM
A little update.  I put a number more hours on the Linlai tubes and they started to open up and just sound fuller.  I think the tube needs a good 100 hours of burn-in time to sound it's best.  Currently listening to the JJ 2a3-40.  Very nice sounding tube out of the box.  High and mids are smooth,  and bass a little more forceful than the other 2a3s.  Kind of like a cross between a 2a3 and 300b.

Will keep the 2a3-40s in for a while and see how they mature

Debra K

Eros 2Phono amp
BeePre2, Psvane ACME 300b
Kaiju, Linlai Elite  300b
Monamour 2a3 amps various tubes
Sota Sapphire, Pete Riggle Woody Tonearm, Kiseki Purpleheart Cartridge
Rega P6 Ania Pro cartridge
Roon Nucleus
MHDT Labs Orchid DAC
Jager speakers