TRIODE LAB

2A3S Hommage

Limited 25 Copies , 2021+, Special Edition

ABOUT :

The 2A3S Hommage was designed to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our 2A3 Classic (MK2), as well as pay tribute to the original MK1. We have 25 copies of this limited edition finished in the Triode Lab Classic Hammertone that mimics tube amps from the golden age of mono-amps.The 2A3S Hommage is perfected with two versions of the luxurious-sounding Hashimoto (Sansui) output and choke transformers. Both versions provide two completely different sound presentations while retaining the traditional 2A3 signature.

The first version comes with 7W potted output transformers that Hashimoto designed specifically for the 45 and 2A3 tubes. These transformers provide the most realistic sound with unrestrained yet smooth highs, pinpoint accurate details, and the ultimate holographic imaging and transparency that only a triode tube can provide.

The second version, made with Hashimoto 20W classic output transformers, provides a more musical, sweet, and silky smooth presentation that works better with high-efficiency speakers (e.g., horns), speakers that require high damping (e.g., larger coaxial or full-range speakers), or speakers that need more force (e.g., for bass reinforcement).

This is why we always ask potential customers what type of speakers they have - to ensure a proper match that will provide the best sound or sound that a user is after. For example, if one has horn speakers or big Tannoy’s, we recommend the 20W version to obtain an incredibly silky smooth sound and good energy force.

Most other tube amplifier manufacturers do not consider the customer’s end goal, or simply do not care because it’s just another product for them (assuming they even understand the importance of system matching). Even if you know which brand of transformer is good, you also need to know which model is best suited for you and your system. To us, every single amplifier we build is a unique, hand-made, work-of-art that we expect to be a future classic and must be properly matched to a future Triode Lab / Finale family member’s system. This is how we make ourselves better than the best. We study the entire system (e.g., speakers, cables, room size, etc.) before making an amplifier recommendation. For example, if your future Triode Lab / Finale amplifier is going to be in a smaller room, perhaps a higher wattage amplifier would not in your best interest.

TECHNICAL NOTES :

Here at Triode Lab, we initially questioned whether we needed to modernize the award winning 2A3S (MK2). Our customers and ourselves have been very happy with the MK2 FFX as the sound that it provides is the exact sound signature we all crave - the emotion is perfectly executed having ultra-refined clarity (it’s even quiet with crossover-less speakers). However, since the latest digital sources keep on improving, we too, decided to up the game for modern quieter and wider-bandwidth sources that our customers use. Rather than call this a MK3. The result is the 2A3S Hommage is an evolution on the already unequaled MK2. By utilizing a multi-capacitor arrangement to obtain an improved S/N ratio, the result is a more refined, purer, and focused sound that can perfectly match these modern sources. In comparison, the MK2 (FFX) has a more classical sound (compared to the purity of the Hommage sound) with the tonal texture being slightly more lively and free.

More details and pictures to come.

MSRP : $4,500 USD / No Discount.

2A3S - FFX

FFX - the top-of-the-line 2A3S, some considered it as the best compact stereo 2A3 SET amp available on the market, also our bestseller. It will continue to be sold and built, carried over from the MK2 design - it is perfect (tone, performance, and measurements) and we do not wish to make any possible change to the unique voice of the FFX.  This will be a future classic, a collectable design.

• Hashimoto Output Transformers ( Choice of the 7W Potted as shown for most realistic and unrestrained highs, or 20W “Classic” for most musical sound with good bass ) and Hashimoto Choke. These are the finest exotic grade transformers from Tokyo, Japan, whom used to OEM supply for Sansui.

• Triode Lab 2A3-FFX M6 Power Transformer (Same one used on the 2A3GT-FFX) or Hashimoto Power Transformer (Standard 2017+)

• Choice of: Triode Lab's Official Colours, or your own choice of computer coded automotive paint

• Mundorf Silver in Oil Caps for the 2A3s - Our benchmark / reference in coupling caps.

• Mundorf M Lytics HV Power Supply E Cap - The MLytic® HV classic double-capacity electrolytic capacitors have been engineered especially for Tube amplifier applications.

• Finale Canada “Pink-Lingu” Rose-Gold RCA

• Cardas or CMC Binding Post, or your preferred post

• Furutech Gold or Rhodium IEC Inlet

• Tubes : 6SN7 or CV181 / 2A3 / GZ32 Only (might also use 5U4/5T4/5V4 and 274B)

• 100% tailor to customer, like "haute couture" of fashion

Starting: $6,500 USD + Options

• Limited. Made-to-order only. Lead time required.

• 2A3S-FFX R available $8,500 USD - 20W OPT Potted Hashimoto Output Transformers / Hashimoto Large Choke and Upgraded parts

• Pure copper chassis upgrade available for extra $3000 USD

FEEDBACKS / REVIEW : From two first time TRIODE LAB buyer:

100% Direct copy from emails

"Greetings,

All my apologies for not getting back to you earlier with feedback about the 2A3-S amplifier: the tubes took almost two weeks to arrive due to the Easter holiday period. I've only been able to listen to it during the last few days.

As a reminder they're connected to my Zu Audio Soul Supreme speakers (16 ohm and 101db/W) and I'm using Tung-Sol 6SN7 drivers, EH 2A3 Gold power tubes and a Svetlana 'C' logo 5U4G rectifier tube. I also have a pair of EH 6SN7 drivers and a Mullard GZ32 rectifier tube to try later.

First I would like to let you know that I like a lot the white car paint finish: it looks perfect.

I've been listening to various kind of music on the amp from small jazz quartets to electronic music and I must admit that I'm really impressed with the results. Instrument textures and voices are incredibly smooth and the dynamics (especially on drums or percussions) are out of this world. In particular the difference between the 8 and 16 ohm switch is a must have because the output is way stronger on the 16 ohm connection, sound stage is better, everything opens up much more. I think the simpler non active Zu speakers (the Soul and the Druid) are a really good match to your amp.

The other aspect that I'm impressed by is the bass. Most of the 300B or other SET amps have weak flabby bass but not the 2A3-S! All bass instruments sound deep and tight as they should and redefine what bass can be with a properly designed SET amp. Hats off!

I also would like to let you know that noise and hum are for all purposes non existent - even with the ear stuck on the driver one can only hear the faintest hum on 100+db sensible speakers: well done! The only missing thing would be some kind of manual with recommendations about tubes and basic instructions about how to connect the amplifier or switch output impedance.

To sum it up, I'm extremely satisfied with my purchase of the 2A3-S. For the price I think it's an outstanding product and with the Hashimoto OPT it's really a joy to listen to.

Best regards from Switzerland!

Robert S"

"I installed the 2A3FFX with Sylvania 5U4GB, PSVANE WE274, and NOS 6SN7s.  I used the MDA-1000 to feed it via an Oppo player for a transport.  Cardas Clear single ended interconnects.  Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker cables to the Avantgarde Duo Omegas. I use a balanced (center tapped) transformer to power all components except for the woofers, which are fed directly from the dedicated 20A circuit for the system.

Using the 2A3FFX, the sound has texture.  There is something about the 2A3s that give the sound a palpable quality.  It seems at ease, without being smoothed over or dull.  I am able to relax and just listen to lots of music with this setup.  There is all the detail that I am used to, but without it being etched or sharp.  The bass is firm and solid, but not as quick or detailed as solid state amplification.  But texture is the main strength, I have never heard such realistic texture and tone.  Overall, the amp is more pleasurable to listen to than any I have heard before, quite an impressive feat!!!

From Rush Battle, Texas USA"

2A3-RS

Limited edition.

• Your choice of 12AX7 or 6H30 as drivers

• Power output : 2A3 - min 4W max output power (depending brand / model of transformers)

• The 12AX7 version is handmade in our usual top notch 3D classic hard-wiring ; 6H30 version required a more complicated design and required to perform best on a circuit board that is entirely grounded/shielded for the best result. We've mastered this tube over a long period of time and even though this tube required more attention and work, we just like the sound of it. Either driver-stage uses finest resistors and e-caps, and via industry best QQQ-Japan's tube socket.

• HASHIMOTO (Sansui) Transformers SET (starting 2017)

• Dual Choke Transformers (One supply the operation and one supply the tubes) following its dedicated high quality dual Mundorf MLytic Ecaps. The standard setup for RS/RSR power supplies.

• Chassis size : 18" W x 12" D x 2" H

• The 2A3 RS is only constructed on pure copper chassis.

• Rectified and voiced by Mullard GZ32/ Sophia Electric Aqua 274B (5U4/5V4/5T4 can be substitute, 5AR4/GZ34 not recommended on NOS/Old 2A3 and 45)

• Goodies - Finale's Pink-Gold RCA / Cardas Pure Copper Binding Posts, Mundorf Silver in Oil Caps, Furutech Gold or Rhodium AC IEC, QQQ Japan's tube sockets...etc.

MSRP: $18,999 USD (Hashimoto or equivalent)

• Limited. Made-to-order only. Lead time required - min 3 months.

• No tubes included!

• Free Air Canada CARGO Shipping.

• Free Options - Hashimoto Large Chokes, Hashimoto Large Power Transformers, Furutech Carbon Fibre Speaker Binding Posts, RSR-EVO Power Supply, Mundorf EVO Silver Gold Oil Input Coupling Caps. All yield to different sound, and each of all looks/feel/weight to differently. Each is built unique to suit the buyer’s preference.

Model: 2A3S MK2 (Discontinued 2017)

With James transformers stopped supplying HiFi transformers, we need to end the MK2 prematurely (Production still ran over ten years easily since early 2000s).

While we already mastered the design and made the 2A3S the best sounding 2A3 SET amp around the world since we debut the MK1 Classic before Year 2000. The MK1 was only sold hand-wired throughout, the MK2 is the same but put on PCB as we expanded our sales/production and safer shipping. The 2A3S MK2 is also like a Signature Version to the original MK1 2A3 Classics with the use of finer audiophile level parts and high quality tube transformers , and available to finish with automotive paint to have your own unique SET amp.

Special Features :

• James Output Transformers (Power boosted to 4 watts, 4.3 watts @ 2% THX 8 Ohms )

• Hammond Canada Series 300 (120V-240V) Power Transformer, built specific for 2A3 amp use

• James Choke (Potted with epoxy) for superior noise filtration

• Mundorf Audiophiler ZN Fin Foil Audiophiler Coupling Caps (Recommended)/or upgrade oil types Caps for the higher-efficiency speakers.

• JJ Tesla Power Supply E Cap (Optional Mundorf M-Lytic ECap - quieter)

• Furutech Japan IEC Gold Inlet

• Cardas or CMC USA RCA Connectors

• Cardas Gold Binding Post (Optional)/CMC USA Gold Binding Post

• Triode Lab Orange/Triode Lab Satin Black/Triode Lab Classic Dark Gray Gloss, or custom paint for extra 3 months wait.

Not only is the 2A3-S the "little engine that could", Triode Lab is the little company that can.

2A3S Signature REVIEW by Mr. Rick Becker of Enjoythemusic.com (Click above picture to read full review)

Starting: $3,800 USD

Plus Options / Customs available

Model: 2A3S-III (Discontinued 2016-2019)

Single Ended Triode Stereo Power Amplifier (MK3)

History Note :

Like the MK2 , the MK3 ended soon due to the short supply / availability of local transformers , the world of HiFi market also remain and focus on the high end side. From now on, our legendary 2A3S SET Power Amp will now uses HASHIMOTO (Former SANSUI) Transformers exclusively , long live the 2A3S-FFX!

Quick Specs:

• Rated Output : 3.5W + 3.5W (Conservative rated / Minimum before distortion )

• Operation : Class A Autobias

• Speakers Outputs : 8 Ohms (4/16 Ohms as Options)

• Total Harmonic Distortion : Less than 1% at THD + N @ rated power

• Hum & Noise (A-Weight) : 80 db or better at rated output

• Frequency Response : 20 Hz to 20 Khz +/- 1 db

  
  

• Parts :

• Triode Lab P-10 Output Transformers, 10W, Engineered for 2A3, M6 Material, Made in Canada

• Hammond Canada Choke and Power Transformers (CSA/UL/CE Compliance)

• Mundorf Silver Oil Caps

• CMC Gold RCA

• Furutech Gold AC Inlet

• Premium Gold Pins Tube Sockets / Insulated 5 Way Binding Posts / High spec Japanese ECAPS / Brand name resistors ...etc

MSRP:$3,999 USD