The 2A3 with the heaters that I heard was better than the BA on the account that I generally don't like the 300B, and the KR PX4 has serious quality and availability issues (if one of your KR tubes goes bad in the summer, you could be screwed, because KR doesn't make anything in the summer.)

Both the 2A3 mkII and BA have gotten transformer upgrades. The 2A3 is going to a dual C-core OPT. I have only heard the upgraded BA transformer, but not the upgraded 2A3 transformer. I don't think Craig will make the BA with the 2A3 tube now anyways. The current EC lineup is rather convoluted and I can see it shrinking to two or three models. (As an aside: I know he's been trying to kill the Zana Deux, but that amp has reached mythical cult status where orders keeping coming in.)

I don't think you can go wrong with the 2A3, especially since he's upgraded the power supply to the 6D22S, which does provide a lot more slam and control to the bass.

I'm really close on pulling the plug on a new 2A3 with 40kHz heater/new PS and EML solid 2A3's for 2800 USD...


What will I get compared to my ZDSE, except for being able to use speakers (bookshelf ones w/ high sensitivity).


Am I crazy?
Can somebody talk me in/out of it?


Cheers,
V

Just curious, how/where are you getting it (and EML tubes) for $2800 USD?

I think Craig just recently increased his prices.

Is 2500 USD for a


almost new MkI 2A3 with 5UG in the PS and 6SL7 + EML Solid 2A3's


resonable or a bit on the high side
considering the updated new 2A3 mkII and mkIV?


/V

Does it have the high frequency heater? That would probably be my biggest concern.  If it was made after May 2013 then I am fairly certain that it does as that was when Craig told me he updated the design.

Also, the 5UG is the older all tube rectifier PS.  Purrin seemed to think that the change to the solid state damper diodes was a big improvement and Craig told me that the new power supply was better for speakers.

I believe that the MkII is now also using an interstage transformer but I could be wrong.  If it is that is likely to be quite a large improvement.

That being said, for all the above you are looking at another $1300 by the time you add the EMLs on to the cost of the amplifier.  If you want my opinion as a consumer who has recently been, there I would go for the newer version.  There are a lot of improvements in the new design...and I hear that the mesh plate EMLs are better anyway.

Yeah, it has the high frequency heater. However... I'm a bit doubtful about the heater. The seller says it has the 5UG... But that is a big, and external tube and that doesn't rhyme with the pictures below...


It's this one:





 

 

 

 


/ V