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I'm rolling 2A3s................

73.19.16.116
Posted on August 19, 2020 at 13:23:06
Tom B.
Audiophile

Posts: 4355
Joined: October 5, 1999



I'm having fun rolling 2A3s between Sovteks and three pair of NOS RCA black plates and grey plates. I did have some beautiful Sophias, but they met with a tragic end about two months after purhasing them..ouch! I'm just getting into utilizing the pots on each amp. The amps are Bottlehead "Paraglows" Mono Blocks, which have been modified by Paul Birkland and placed in a larger enclosures(pots as well). They run a bit cooler than before. It's really a shame that Bottlehead only offers stereo power amps now days. I post here on occasion, because there are some very talented folks on this forum. My emphasis has been on the music as well as collecting vinyl and at 7000 things are getting crowded. I'm not much a technical individual. Collecting is my passion. Ask me about SXLs, ASDs, 33CXs and I can go on forever. English vinyl forever!

Tom B.

 

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RE: I'm rolling 2A3s................, posted on December 9, 2020 at 14:39:02
lokie
Audiophile

Posts: 1989
Location: Georgia, USA
Joined: January 28, 2003
 I think I'm in the minority but I always thought the Sovtecs sounded pretty good. Maybe they aren't expensive enough??

 

RE: I'm rolling 2A3s................, posted on November 16, 2020 at 05:32:54
claud
Audiophile

Posts: 958
Location: North Carolina
Joined: February 13, 2001
 The best sounding current manufacture 2A3 is the Psvane Acme Supreme. Go to Grant Fidelity website.

 

RE: I'm rolling 2A3s................, posted on December 9, 2020 at 13:47:20
onehotchili
Audiophile

Posts: 31
Joined: October 23, 1999
 Hey Claud,

What did you like about the PSVane ACME 2A3's? I am looking for some current production 2A3s to play with. I was going to get a pair of JJ's and then started reading about the PSVanes. I am looking to replace some EH and Sovteks which have been rotating in my Fi 2a3 monos recently....

 

RE: I'm rolling 2A3s................, posted on August 20, 2020 at 17:02:48
RPMac
Audiophile

Posts: 377
Location: So. Mississippi
Joined: January 3, 2005
 Did Paul put in the soft start kit? That should have saved the Sophias.

I converted mine to a "monkey" circuit with a plate choke in place of the CCS on top of the 6n1p.
What driver did he use?

 

RE: I'm rolling 2A3s................, posted on August 20, 2020 at 17:35:12
Tom B.
Audiophile

Posts: 4355
Joined: October 5, 1999



The 6n1P is longer the amps driver tubes. Instead Paul placed a 5965/12AV7 into the new configuration. I believe he did put a soft start kit into the mix. The Sophia incident was a unique situation. The amps work beautifully. I haven't lost a 2A3 tube since. It's been over two years without any trouble!

Tom B.

 

Beautiful, posted on August 20, 2020 at 07:27:30
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 that is a wonderful setup you have. I always wanted to try one of the Bottlhead kits. But at this point I can't see reinventing my setup.

Enjoy
charles

 

Hardly....(link), posted on August 19, 2020 at 17:54:21
viridian
 Paul's builds are so beautiful. He is a true artist. You are a lucky guy. Too bad about the Sophias..ouch!

See link below:

 

RE: Hardly....(link), posted on August 20, 2020 at 06:46:57
GEO
Audiophile

Posts: 4749
Joined: April 7, 2000
Contributor
  Since: September 9, 2000
 +1000

 

RE: I'm rolling 2A3s................, posted on August 19, 2020 at 14:07:11
tubemaze
Audiophile

Posts: 56
Location: Seattle
Joined: May 20, 2012
 Beautiful set up, man! How would you compare Sofia and RCA?

 

RE: I'm rolling 2A3s................, posted on August 19, 2020 at 14:22:40
Tom B.
Audiophile

Posts: 4355
Joined: October 5, 1999
 The Sophias as well as Meshplates are not quite a razor sharp in their presentations as the RCAs, but the new tubes are a bit more lush. It comes down to a subjective preference.

Tom B.

 

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