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But do even the best 300b tubes sound better than a 2a3?

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andy evans

In Reply to: RE: "Luxury" 300B Tubes posted by Joe Backer on July 23, 2022 at 16:18:03

I have EH and some older Chinese 4300 versions and I far prefer the 2a3 in the same circuit. More focus, cleaner, and without that kind of euphonic layer I hear with my versions of the 300b.

Are there any versions of 300b with the neutrality and focus of the 2a3, or should I simply stay with the 2a3? I have noticed that the 300b sounds cleaner at 5K for me.

Follow Ups:

RE: But do even the best 300b tubes sound better than a 2a3? - Tre' 10:48:52 07/25/22 (6)
"I have noticed that the 300b sounds cleaner at 5K for me."

Yup, but any triode will have less distortion into a higher load impedance due to the load line being more horizontal.

What load impedance do you use with the 2a3s?

Tre'
Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
"Still Working the Problem"
- 2a3 primary choices - andy evans 12:47:25 07/25/22 (5)
  In response to the question of what OPTs to use with the 2a3, I use either 3.5K or 5K but not below that.
  
  With the 300b I prefer 5K, but I prefer the 2a3 anyway unless I hear a 300b that matches it.
  - RE: 2a3 primary choices - Paul Joppa 08:51:04 07/26/22 (1)
    I run 2A3s at 4K, but I also revise the operating point to 300v/50mA. By my analysis, the should give similar results (power and distortion) to the spec operating point. Are you running at the usual 250v/60mA?
    - Yep. nt. - 91derlust 04:07:14 07/27/22 (0)
      .
      "Confusion of goals and perfection of means seems to characterise our age." Albert Einstein
  - RE: 2a3 primary choices - Palustris 07:39:10 07/26/22 (1)
    I use about the same: 3k ohm Electra-Print with the (luxury?) EML mesh plate 2A3 and 5k Tamura with the (luxury?) EML 300B XLS.
    
    I think that rather than "luxury," these might be considered great sounding high quality tubes with a 5 year warranty.
    - RE: 2a3 primary choices - Joe Backer 07:44:47 07/26/22 (0)
      Like a luxury car, I was thinking.
  - Thanks. nt - Tre' 13:10:54 07/25/22 (0)
    .
    Have Fun and Enjoy the Music
    "Still Working the Problem"

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