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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.
tommylion
larryi
3,993 posts
 

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
874 posts
 
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
3,993 posts
 
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.
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