[Trident900fi]

Thanks for the informations ! I will try

 
My EML is break-in since a long time. I was first use it on a pair of monobloc Tektron amp...
 
I actualy break-in the amp itself and the input tube !

 

[SleepyOne]

Lucky you, I don't like doing break-in on EML it takes so much time & effort!

 

[Trident900fi]

Little upgrade ! I replace the input tube from JAN CRC 5691 red base with a 6C8 plus adapter, and it's much better sounding now !
 
Here is some pics
 

 

 
Thanks to SleepyOne for the tip

 

[SleepyOne]

Your adapter looks different - the top connector & base seem to have different design.
 
It looks like:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1PC-TOP-GOLD-PLATED-6F8G-6C8G-TO-6SN7-6SL7-TUBE-CONVERTER-ADAPTER-/200934359820?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2ec89f030c

 

[rated1975]

Beautiful photos of a stunning amp. The finish is amazing.
Can you comment on your experience so far with the 2A3 and HD800?
Quote:

Little upgrade ! I replace the input tube from JAN CRC 5691 red base with a 6C8 plus adapter, and it's much better sounding now !
 
Here is some pics
 

 

 
Thanks to SleepyOne for the tip

 

[Trident900fi]

I don't use the HD800 on other amp ! Only a bit on a Krell KSA-5 clone amp. The EC 2A3 is clearly superior. More of everything !
He can play really loud when needed, without shouting. On big orchestra, everything is on the right place, and don't move.
I think that the 2A3 is a really well born amp, particularly with the 40Khz heater system. You don't have any background noise.
 
He is very sensitive to the quality of the tubes used. It should be good to get the very best...

 

[hmouse]

I read somewhere purrin said that: The downside of the EC 2A3 with something like the HD800 is that a little bit more tube rolling and/or HD800 modding may be necessary (methicks the stock HD800 is too bright and dry.)

Do you feel the HD800 "bright and dry" on EC 2A3?

 

[Solude]

I'll translate...
 
purrin said the HD800 in stock form is a bright mess that requires modding or super warm or rolled amps.  In the context of the 2A3 that only matters if you agree that the HD800 is a bright headphone.  I think it is a little hot in an area up top and lacking down low but others don't.
 
So all he really said was... if you don't like the stock HD800... don't expect the 2A3 to change that because it isn't a heavily coloured amp.

 

[SleepyOne]

Well, at least on my amp it is coloured by tubes for sure, how much will depend on the tubes you used.  

 

[Trident900fi]

I don't have the brightness problem with the 2A3 and HD800, because I use a Smyth Realiser A8. He correct the brightness of the HD800 !

 

[gwaaron]

I have HD800's with the 2a3 and love them with it.  Not at all overly bright to my ears, but with well defined treble.  I will say listening to MFSL CD of "Dark Side of the Moon" I did find with the track with multiple bells/chimes ringing to be a wee bit tipped up at times, but then that would be how they would sound in reality.  Overall a wonderfully musical combination, but it also is dependent upon quality of the recording and what your upstream source is.  I run my 2a3 through one of the output's on my preamp so I can listen to CD or LP.

 

[SleepyOne]

Probably dependent on what tubes are used as well.

 

[gwaaron]

Quote:

Probably dependent on what tubes are used as well.

Of course, along with cables if one is inclined to believe they make a difference.  

 

[SleepyOne]

Quote:

.... along with cables if one is inclined to believe they make a difference.  

 
Apparently Marantz does with USB......I recently demo their NA-11S1 and their staff told me so....
 
I am sure if one is naughty one can turn the 2A3 to warm and muddy with the 'right' tubes 

 

[bmichels]

I understand that the BA is positioned as the top of the line in ED family, but the 2A3 Has the advantage of offering also HP output. And booth are at similar price !

So, does the versatility of the 2A3 is at the price of a lower SQ quality than the BA ? Does the BA really sound better than the 2A3 .. with Cam like TH900 ( mine are recabled balanced) .