Tube DIY Asylum

RE: The 300b is one of the most linear amplifying devices ever invented

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In Reply to: RE: The 300b is one of the most linear amplifying devices ever invented posted by Tre' on June 29, 2008 at 15:58:27

Correct! I would add that it depends on WHICH 2A3 or 45 you're talking of.
I have found the EML 45 and 2A3 almost "perfect", and the old RCA/Fivre, etc., Single-Plate 2A3 with the 10 vertical welded filaments to be virtually ideal. (Kinda hard to get today, though).
I think we all now have a bargain in the new JJ 2A3-40-- with the 300B plate and large glass bulb. What the heck! It still runs much like a good 2A3 and has the power (close) of a 300B, with the HUGE advantage of that 2 1/2 volt filament, and 2A3 grids. Hybrid? I suppose it is.
Hey! It has REAL bass and extended highs-- and SOME of the detailing of a GOOD (EML) 45 or 2A3. When a kick-drum hits, it hits HARD-- it is very robust, solid, clean and fast. MEAN tube! Voices and pianos dial right-in, and have loads of powerful dynamics to enjoy.
Not bad at all for $100 bucks. It is tough too, and runs cool if you run it right, and it doesn't sound thin and cheap like the E-Harmonix/Sovtek variety-- which was truly a bargain anyhow. How can you beat that?
This new "we built it out of the parts we had on hand" tube kinda makes 300Bs obsolete, one would think.... I like the thing a lot.
Also, I have 20 of them and have ZERO variations or defects. That's nice!
A few cautions about the JJ 2A3-40: (1) The filaments are pretty hard material. That's good! Don't expect them to sound good under about 500 hours of playing time. (2) What they like is about 40-50ma. plate current and about 260 V.D.C. across them.
That's almost like operating a 45?! Correct! But then... we would run a 45 at about 26ma. plate current-- would we not? That's if we really want to hear the tube's very best....
---Dennis---

Edits: 06/29/08 06/29/08 06/30/08 06/30/08

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