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2A3 Recommendations & NOS Noise

Our George Wright Mono 3.5 amps come stock with Sovtek 2A3's, which are not a bad tube at all IMO. However, I prefer the more open sound of the NOS tubes, the 1940's RCA's in particular. Problem is, I've sent back two pairs of them because they were too loud. They either buzz or burble at levels that are audible over the music. I now have the opportunity to get a pair of Sylvania's or early Tungsol's, but I'm concerned that those could be noisy as well. They all have been coming from a reputable tube source, by the way.

Has anyone heard the EH Gold Grid 2A3 tubes? I've always found the EH tubes to be a bit dry sounding, but hear good things about their 2A3. They are said to be a big improvement over the Sovtek's. Any opinions?

Thank you,
Howard
boa2
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,557 posts
 
Ecclectique,
Thanks so much for all the helpful info. I too have found that the 6SN7 makes a huge difference in these amps. I absolutely love the huge, liquid imaging of the Brimar's. They are not as focused as my RCA's, but I just get lost in their music. I agree that the cheaper 6SN7's simply choke the life out of the Wright's. I'll have to decide if I want to chance another set of NOS 2A3's. In the meantime, I might have to get another pair of the Brimar's.
Howard
seekburk
126 posts
 
Hi Howard,
you are saying that you can hear the noise from the tubes directly from the amps themselves above your music levels?
That doesn't sound very good at all.Guess i won't be getting those RCA's anytime soon.
boa2's avatar
boa2 OP
1,557 posts
 
Craig,
Just don't get the pair I had. I'm getting another pair.

Like Ecclectique says, however, the Sovtek's are pretty good, and changing the 6SN7 will make a huge difference.
Howard
lak's avatar
lak
4,751 posts
 
Hello Howard,
I just saw your post and I will check my notes that I've kept on my 2A3 system that I've been using for eight years. I'm at work at this time and my notes are at home.
Latter
lak's avatar
lak
4,751 posts
 
I enjoy my NOS Sylvania's, AVVT Mesh plate Cobalt’s, Full Music Meshed plate 2.5v version, including Svetlana 2A3 (Russian number 2C4C). This tube was produced between 1950’s-1960’s for military equipment. My buyer found them in Siberia. A very rare tube hard to find I believe. (I own a few new pair).
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