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Another Step Forward

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A couple of hours ago I replaced the stock Chinese 2A3s with Sovtek versions in my Paraglows. First impressions;
Firstly, the blue glow at the top of the Chinese tubes has gone, presumably indicating that the Sovteks are manufactured to a higher quality in a cleaner environment. I also noticed that the small amount of hum through my speakers(Paraglow Mk II upgrade pending) was reduced.
As for the sound quality, well, the Sovteks have traded some of the Chinese tube's warmth for some low level detail and a more spacious sound stage. I would describe the Sovteks as leaner and cleaner.
I have also noticed that I need the volume control a couple of notches higher with the Sovteks (perhaps explains the hum level reduction?).
Initial impressions are of another worthwhile step forward.
I'll try and arrange a comparison with Gaspode's meshplates next time I bump into him.
BFN
Ray

Follow Ups:

Re: Another Step Forward - u 00:46:36 01/29/03 (0)
I posted on the subject of whether a blue glow is something to worry about back on 10th November 2002, The string is 'Should I Be worried?'
Some useful info.....
Ray
Sovtek 2A3 - donut_guy 17:33:57 01/28/03 (0)
Thanks for your post.
After about 10 days of use on the Sovtek 2A3 and they sound very good. I can turn up the volume a little louder over the Chinese 2A3 before clipping. No hum or noise. A real value. Hopefully they will last mega hours.
arcam-alpha9/PioneerDV-45A> foreplay> paramour> hornshoppe
Re: Another Step Forward - DennisA 17:17:12 01/28/03 (0)
A few weeks ago I put 2A3 Sovteks in my Paramours. They have a really good glow. The entire upper portion of the glass envelope, above the top of the plate, glows a violet - purple colour. It is much more evident (in my Paramours) than with the Valve Art tubes. My wife finds the glow very pleasing, and that improves the WAF.
Aloha, DennisA
Is it bad to be blue? - Ryder 14:03:23 01/28/03 (6)
Hi all:
said above by UK> > "the blue glow at the top of the Chinese tubes has gone, presumably indicating that the Sovteks are manufactured to a higher quality in a cleaner environment."
What ya thinks of that? Is that true?

Cheers Craig
- Is it bad to be blue?
- Re: Is it bad to be blue? - UK Ray 00:48:44 01/29/03 (0)
  I posted on the subject of whether a blue glow is something to worry about back on 10th November 2002, The string is 'Should I Be worried?'
  Some useful info.....
  Ray
- I really love blue..... - Gaspode 14:09:44 01/28/03 (4)
  Hi Craig.
  I had UK Ray round my place about 2-3 weeks ago.
  We tried the stock Parmour 2A3's, the Valve Art's and the TJ Meshplates.
  
  No prizes for guessing that that the TJ's won the day.
  However TJ's are pricey - ( well according to the wife anyway )
  We discussed what we heard and felt we would like to hear the Sovteks.
  Not so pricey but does have a good write up.
  Ray took the bait....and has purchased.
  FWIW - I often sub my TJ for the stock Paramour 2A3's.
  Sometimes looking and listening to your audio is just as cathartic.. perhaps even more.
  Show me the blue....
  Gaspode
  - Re: I've got some nice blue.... - Matts 14:49:37 01/28/03 (3)
    I was disappointed to lose the blue when I upgraded from the stock Valve Arts, but now I've got some '40s RCA 2A3s marked "U.S.N." that have a very nice blue/violet glow. Very entertaining- one of the first things people notice about it at night.
    - Where can I get a pair..... - Gaspode 14:54:16 01/28/03 (2)
      It's funny....
      Every says... wow nice amp... let's see it when you dim the lights.
      Then if the blue tubes are in.... "oh my God.... that's gorgeous" ... wax lyrical for about 10 minutes.
      When the TJ's are in ... "Wow... sounds wonderful"
      
      Sod's law... Wonder if TJ does a blue glow meshplate???
      
      Cheers
      Gaspode
      - Re: Where can I get a pair..... - KGW 09:45:32 01/29/03 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Where can I get a pair..... posted by Gaspode on January 28, 2003 at 14:54:16:
        
        I got mine from Triode Electronics
        
        KGW
        
        My DIY Page
      - Re: Mine were luck of the draw - Matts 06:24:49 01/29/03 (0)
        
        In Reply to: Where can I get a pair..... posted by Gaspode on January 28, 2003 at 14:54:16:
        
        I got 'em on eBay. Got others too, but these are the only ones with the cool blue. they're not quite the best sounding, but I leave them in most all the time.
Gadzooks sir... that seems like a challenge! - Gaspode 13:47:33 01/28/03 (0)
Hi Ray,
Sure no problem.
Next time we meet up - we can check it out.
Tell you what - when you get your horns sorted out - we could arrange a day off work and I'll bring the kit round.
You arrange the pizza - I'll bring the TJ, glows, FP etc.
I'm really curious to hear the Sovtek's too.
I might pick up a couple when I'm in Hong Kong next month. This tube rolling is addictive stuff.

Rgds
Gaspode

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