Ray Tubes Vacuum Tube - 2A3 SELECT
The 2A3 was introduced by RCA in the 1930s for use in large radios, public address systems, and early hi-fi setups. Despite its notoriously complex filament, the 2A3 saw widespread use in military applications and in the post-war high-fi boom. It was also a favourite of Paul Klipsch, who in 1946 invented his namesake Klipschorn loudspeaker.
Product Highlights
The Ray Tubes SELECT Collection offers the best tubes youʼll ever need. It goes above and beyond the baseline to bring out the best in all your favourites.
* Designed and manufactured by a team with decades of experience
* Hand-selected by engineers—only the top tubes make the cut
* Gold pins for durability and longevity
* Substantially more consistent performance than New Old Stock
* Unlike NOS and most other new production, covered by the Ray Tubes One Year Warranty
Sound Characteristics
The SELECT 2A3 takes the iconic 2A3 and adds the SELECT seriesʼ signature refinement and tonal balance. Whether in low-power amps or high-fidelity systems, the SELECT 2A3 is an ideal choice for audiophiles who seek truth in sound and emotional connection in music.
* The bass extension is moderate but well-controlled. Kick drums, double bass, and cellos sound clean and coherent.
* The midrange frequencies offer gently warm tonality, with an outstanding sense of resolution. Voices and instruments emerge naturally from the soundstage with a sense of air and dimensionality.
* The treble performance offers excellent extension without excessive coloration. Details are precise yet never fatiguing.
Technical Specifications
* Tube Type: 2A3
* Tube Socket: 4-pin
Filament (Heater) Ratings
* Filament Voltage: 2.5 V
* Filament Current: 2.5 A
Maximum Ratings
* Plate Voltage: 300 V
* Plate Dissipation: 25 W
Interelectrode Capacitance at Zero Bias
* Input Capacitance: 7.5 pF
* Output Capacitance: 5.5 pF
* Grid-to-Plate Capacitance: 16.5 pF
Static Characteristics (under typical conditions)
* Plate Voltage: 250 V
* Grid Voltage: –45 V
* Plate Current: 60 mA
* Transconductance: 5.25 mA/V
* Plate Resistance: 0.8 kΩ
* Amplification Factor: 4.2
* Output Power: 3.5 W
Package Contents
* Set of four, two or single vacuum tube
* User handbook featuring burn-in guidelines
* Certificate of authenticity and warranty