Emission Labs Mesh Plate 2A3s; anyone else love these tubes?

I am running a pair SE in my Antique Sound Lab Tulip amp. The best way to describe their "sound" is to say they just get out of the way and let the music come through like it was recorded.

tommylion07-11-2017 9:23pm

4 responses Add your response

kdude66 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,200 posts 07-12-2017 at 02:17am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Tommy, The best way to describe their "sound" is to say they just get out of the way and let the music come through like it was recorded. I can totally agree with this,the mesh plate EML tubes bettered several other 2a3's that I used and they had a tone that was just right. It has been a few yrs since I had my 2a3 amps and these tubes,moved on to speakers that simply needed more pwr at the time but I remember them well. If I ever go back to a Set I think I will most definitely get another 2a3. Best of luck, Kenny.
larryi Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,969 posts 07-12-2017 at 01:17pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I ran four EML meshplates in an Audio Note Kageki amp (parallel single ended). I liked the sound very much. The meshplates delivered a BIG sound -- rich and saturated, extremely wide soundstage and sound that seems to envelope the listener. It was quite a contrast with the non meshplate EML 2a3s which have a tight and punchy sound (I like those tubes too). The EML meshplates are my favorite 2a3s, both current and vintage (have not heard vintage meshplates in the Kageki). But, if someone characterized the meshplate sound as "phasey," and did not like it, I would understand. It does sound a bit big (sound is everywhere) like when two channels are out of phase with each other, but, images are precise and solid, so in that sense, it is different from being out of phase. The meshplates have a sound that is vivid and exciting, but, I read someone describing this quality as being like "Technicolor" (meaning more exaggerated than reality) and this, too, is a valid description.
tommylion OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 874 posts 07-13-2017 at 07:55pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Kageki, nice! I would love to hear one someday, especially with AN E speakers & front end at the same level! Interesting about these tubes sounding phasey. I think that they are especially revealing of when the absolute polarity is not correct for a particular recording. It might sound that way when the polarity is wrong, but when I switch it, things snap into focus. I had a friend add a polarity switch to my amp, so it is easy to change on the fly. When I first listen to a recording, I check to see which position sounds best, and mark it.
larryi Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,969 posts 07-14-2017 at 11:51am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It is not really phasey, but, given how the sound seems to envelop the listener, it has a bit of that quality. Image locations remain precise and bass is full. I like the meshplates a lot, but, I know some people prefer their solidplate tubes more. In either case one gets a really nice sounding tube. I bought them from George Lenz who is incredibly good at providing information and follow up service.

Log in to respond

More to discover

Krell Theater Amplifier Standard

Rogue Audio M-180 Dark

Bryston BP17 Cubed