Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ

---

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Tubes Asylum ]

---

[ Alert Moderator ]

---

Re: New 2A3C SuperTNT

Posted by Larry I (A) on April 16, 2007 at 12:26:49

In Reply to: New 2A3C SuperTNT posted by audiofolk on April 16, 2007 at 08:49:30:

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.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Sonic Craft

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2025, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---