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Got these in today! All I can say is that I'm blown away! Everything about the buying process was excellant! Ordered them on Wed.11th and got them today from China for God sakes. Try that kind of delivery from any tube vendor in the US. Right out of the box they are more extended at both ends and less fatty than my Sovteks(by no means sloches). They sound closer to a 300B with just a touch more midrange info. The Sovteks tend to be more midrange embellished. Nothing wrong with the Sovteks it's just that these are so much more balanced in there presentation. Bass is better with the Chinese tube. The Sovteks are a little humped in the lower mids and upper bass. The Chinese are more neutral in this area. I've not had them up and running but about an hour. Can't wait to hear them after about 30 hours!
Follow Ups:
If what you have is the same 2A3C as what I have then they are indeed a very nice sounding 2A3. I were sent these by Super TNT about 18 months ago from what I gather was their move into producing these type of 2A3. I was also sent the 2A3B's to evaluate at no expense but I must say I prefer the "C"'s to the "B"'s.
I hope you continue to enjoy them as much as i have been.
In the picture you will see from the left an RCA 2A3, 2A3B and the 2A3C.
OLLY
Are you saying these are a new version of the 2A3c or just new to you? I hope you continue to like them. They do sound very extended. But with mine that got old fast. I like treble and bass but I want the midrange too. It all depends on what makes you want to keep listening. So far theres no sub for the GE/WE 2a3. I would love to try the JJ's but they are way over priced. If someone could vouch they sound as good or better than WE I would try them.
Thanks for the heads up, I am always on the lookout for new 2a3 tubes to try. Is this a tube that is only available from a Chinese distributor/manufacturer? Who is the manufacturer?I see that you have compared it to the Sovtek. What other 2a3s have you heard?
Of the 2a3s I've heard, the Sovtek was at the bottom of my personal ranking (but, it is pretty cheap, so I can't be too critical). The best I've heard is the current set I run -- EML Meshplates. They do have a reputation for unreliability, though mine have held up for more than a year so far. One of the pair has developed intermittent noise, but that noise has not gotten worse in about 8 months or so since onset. The EMLs have a big bottom end and much more midbass than most 2a3s (sort of like your description of the Chinese tube sounding more like a 300B), and projects a huge and deep soundstage.
I've heard and liked the Sophia meshplate, but it does not have the warmer sound of the EML.
I also own and run old Cunningham double plate 2a3s. These are close to the Sovtek in tonal balance, but do not sound quite so analytical and dry.
I've just ordered JJs, I have no idea what they will be like.
By the way, my amp is a parallel SET, hence the need for two pairs of output tubes.
I have good experience with Shuguang 12ax7C tubes before, and it seems the Chinese shuguang are making great progress of making good sounding tubes with good quality. Please let us know how your Shuguang 2A3 sound after burn in.
"Try that kind of delivery from any tube vendor in the US."I don't know which US tube dealers you have experience with, but I have dealt with many of them and received excellent service. With USPS Priority Mail service being so fast and reasonablly priced, I usually get tubes two or three days after the order. If you need something the next day, that is easily done as well.
I will admit that getting something from China in 5 days is somewhat surprising, especially when you compare it to getting something from France or Italy, which seems to take forever. What is really cool is that the Chinese are seriously working on creating great sounding tubes at value prices.
BTW - I have a pair of Shuguang 2A3C's that are being broken in right now and will report back when I get a chance to do some serious listening. I look forward to your report as well.
Sorry, Jim. I've never done business with you. I've not heard of you. I'm just shocked that someone in China can give such service. Plus, have such a great product! It's as if some of the American tube vendors think that since they have the best quality tubes that they can take their time. That quick service is not a necessity. Maybe I could try and get some tubes from you in the future. I don't expect super service, it's just that these Chinese are really on the ball to take American business. I really hesitated to order from them but, after reading and talking with other people who have bought tubes from them, I just could not resist.
You don't have to buy anything from me! Just be aware there are some really good guys (many are Asylum sponsors) here in the Colonies that have a great customer service attitude and a fine product line.Be aware that some tubes are very hard to get here, so sometimes going to the home country can be the easiest way to get them.
"Try that kind of delivery from any tube vendor in the US."I really resent that sort of comment. MANY US vendors provide excellent service, fast shipping, etc. Most times I ship the same day the tubes are ordered and they arrive 2 days later (or next day if needed). Again, I'm KNOW for sure I'm not alone in doing that.
I'm glad you are excited about your tubes, but please don't make sweeping statements like that. Because it simply isn't true.
Now that is what I call service.It takes just over a week from the East Coast of Australia to the West coast.
Joe
Take a deep breath Jim. After all the folks here are crazy you know:)But seriously, to be told American service is second fiddle to the Chinese is a low blow.
Maybe things have improved at STNT. But my shipment wasn't as fast. Something about a Chinese holiday.
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