2a3 Tubes - Favorites?


Hi all,

Doing a quick search, it's been some time before specific 2a3 tubes have been discussed, and I just recently got a 2a3 SET amp, so I'm curious what tubes everyone prefers.

Ideally, looking for recommendations of tubes that are easily obtainable in 2024 - they can be new production like the Takatsukis, or easily sourced NOS. In the past when I've asked around in various places about tubes recommendations, I often hear about tubes that are near impossible to source nowadays, so I'd like to avoid those recommendations since they're pretty much irrelevant if they're unobtainium now.

Thanks for any suggestions!

128x128mmcgill829

What 2A3's are you using now and what might you want to change about the sound?

 

DeKay

@dekay The ones that came with my amp are Linlai Global 2a3T.

My problem right now, is this is my first SET amp and first set of 2a3s, so I don't have much context as to where these land with sound in comparison to other options.

Understood.

I can't find any feedback on the 2A3T, so I'm in the same boat as far as making rec's.

I assume that many/most are also looking for reliability, along with sound quality, which makes recommending new production tubes somewhat difficult.

This said, I would suggest a nice new testing pair of RCA Black or Gray bi-plates  as a baseline reference and as backups for whatever you find you like better through trial and error.

They should be available in the $200-$300 range and they last forever/sound good in my amps.

I use RCA Back/Gray Bi-P's, Ken-Rad Black glass dual flat plates and early Vissesux engraved base Bi-P's.

I suspect that later screened base Visseaux's may have also been marketed as Mazda (or visa versa), but I have not used either in my setup.

Just throwing that out there in the event that you eventually look into Visseaux.

 

DeKay