TRIODE LAB

2A3 SET Mono-Blocks Power Amplifiers ; 2A3M = M for Mono

1. 2A3M-FFX

• 6W+ Max measured / nominal 4.5W (With the upgraded Hashimoto 20W Potted OPT)

• Full suit Hashimoto Trans with custom specification power transformer (2 OPT to choose from - depending speakers matching)

• Mundorf Silver in Oil Caps or Silver Gold Oil Caps (Recommended for hi eff speakers)

• Mundorf EVO Oil Caps for the input stage

• Furutech Rhodium AC Inlet

• CMC / Finale Electric’s RCA Input

• Cardas choice of Copper/Gold/Rhodium Binding Posts (0-4-8-16) Default Optional with CMC or Furutech Binding Posts

• Like all our 2A3 SET design heritage, the 2A3 tube is AC heated for the most authentic sound. And this is what makes 45 / 2A3 good sound. Most 300B amps are not AC heated.

• Short and accurate signal path for the most organic music replay while sustaining durability and reliability

• Standard 1V Input Sensitivity @ 220K

• Options: High gain version (0.5V Input Sensitivity, for use with passive preamps applications) OR Low gain version (1.5V Input Sensitivity at 4W full power - half gain of default /down 6 db, for ultra high efficiency systems such as Avant Garde / Klipsch / TAD ...etc)

• 5U4 (or 5AR4/5V4/5Z4/274B Only)

• Limited Production due to the short supply of Hashimoto Trans, with a minimum of 3-4 months wait time

• Pricing does NOT INCLUDING 3" Foam Vault/Triple Layer Carton Box

• Dimension: 15”x 13”

• $8,500 USD / Pair

• More angles from: Soundstage Network

Testimonial from Texas, USA. Speakers : Avantgarde Duo Omega Horn Speakers 107db:

"The 2A3M-FFX mono-blocks arrived in good shape thanks to the durable packaging and were populated with matched pairs of Psvane WE275, NOS RFT 12AX7, and EML 5U4G.  After hooking them up to Avantgarde Duo Omegas, I turned them on to warm up.  The sound has texture detail unlike any I have ever heard.  The sound is relaxing and easy but maintains detail and resolution. I am able to listen for long periods enjoying all of the detail that I am used to, without being bothered by either etched/harsh or rounded and dull sound. 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.  The clarity and bandwidth are surprisingly good, voices are easy to understand.  Voices are also convincing and visceral, a rare quality in my experience.  Great job, Frank!

THEY ARE THE QUIETEST AMPS I HAVE NOW."

2. The new 2A3M-FFX “Supertriode”

Debut 2022

This version is similar to above, but the circuit design, the sound, is completely different. This version uses one of our favourite - the so called “super triode” preamp tube, the 6H30. Its a very linear tube with good low impedance, and powerful. For the sound - it offer that “carry-away” type sound with good tube signature like the 6SN7 / CV181. But it also combines the quietness , performance, and refinement of the newer 9 pin preamp tubes. That sound is hard not to be fall in love with. We are one of the pioneers who uses the 6H30 in the Single End Triode scheme , we started using it 30+ years ago for making triode amps. Is there a down side to it? and avoid it from making into “production” in the past? Yes - the 6H30 are generally much more expensive to the typical preamp tubes such as 12AX7/12AU7/6922…etc. And due to it’s powerful nature (easy to pickup noises from the air) - we have to spent more circuits and parts, to make it function best and operate it at the quietest condition. The grounding network for it is far more complicated than regular preamp tubes, in order to have it ran in perfection. And this why there is slight premium compare to regular 2A3M-FFX.

$9,500 USD / Pair

3. The new 2A3M Classic

Starting 2021, the 2A3M-Canadian Walnut Edition will be discontinued, and replace by this new 2A3M Classic, sharing the 45M and 300B M Chassis/Platform.

MSRP will be starting $6000 USD / Pair.

Technical and specifications will be same as the 2A3M-Canadian , but in the new aluminum classic chassis. There is also several technical updates (a normal task on a long running model like the McIntosh 275 or the Quad II Mono Blocks, because there is always new parts, new technologies and transformers coming out and discontinued). New changes including using the Hammonds big single ended output transformers, which is oversized , over built and comes with very high performance to beat. We will also be using a separated filament transformer to individually feeding the 2A3, quieter supposed. Last but not least, the circuit board we used on this will be the latest version. Using multiple caps to yield better S/N ratio, quieter for a more refined sound. Our engineer have not just sat here and do nothing - but we keep evolve our amps to be higher end.

Signature Package (+ $1,000)

• UPGRADED to HASHIMOTO (Sansui of Japan) Output Transformers (2 Model Choices - 7W Potted and 20W Classic : Realism vs Musicality - for classical type speakers - the 20W Classic is the one to match , for the 7W or even the 20W - it is more for modern / boxed hifi speakers)

• UPGRADED to CARDAS (USA) Speaker Binding Posts - Your choice of Copper / Gold / Rhodium

• UPGRADED to MUNDORF (GERMANY) SUPREME EVO SILVER GOLD Input Signal Caps

• UPGRADED to MUNDORF (GERMANY) SUPREME SILVER OIL Coupling Caps

• UPGRADED to FURUTECH (Japan) Rhodium AC Inlet (Optional Gold, for those who prefer the sound of it.)

• REMAP the circuit to unleash the HASHIMOTO Output Transformers (Each model of output transformer have different specs / sound / timing / inductance / character / difference in bandwidth from high to low / insert loss / and all other measurable parameters…etc). Now you suppose have a better part (like a better drive-train / transmission being installed on an race car) - but you need to remap and tune the ECU/Computer in order to unleash the full potential.

Designer Notes:

The Mono-Blocks sounds good, totally different from the Stereo 2A3 although both portray the 2A3's character better than anyone else on the planet. In comparison, with the Stereo version, you will find better tube bloom, sense of holographic, transparency, greater sense of weight and perfect decay you would expect from a classic high-end Single Ended Triode amp. The new mono-blocks are designed and voiced differently to a more modern type of presentation, but overall, the mono-blocks are similar to the 2A3S in a general sense. They have the same sense of texture, palpability, and tone with great details (especially inner details). In contrast, the mono-blocks are different in a few ways. First, the mono's will be a tad fuller and more musical, making it easier to understand/distinguish different voices and instruments, diction is better. Next, the imaging is slightly more focused and bolder. It is even more visceral than the Stereo version. Last but not least, the monos will give you a feeling of greater bandwidth and directness, thanks to the good/quieter 12AX7 versus the good ole 6SN7 on the Stereo (keeping in mind this is the good old tube sound that is very addictive and attractive). This is the perfect amp to relax and just listen to lots of music. It also works well with ultra high-efficiency speakers that tend to sound too forward or bright. For 100db+ speakers, the FFX version or below 45 version are recommended.