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Here at Triode Lab, we initially questioned whether we needed to modernize the award winning 2A3S (MK2). 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.
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We study the entire system (e.g., speakers, cables, room size, etc.) before making an amplifier recommendation. This is how we make ourselves better than the best. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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). 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 first version comes with 7W potted output transformers that Hashimoto designed specifically for the 45 and 2A3 tubes. Both versions provide two completely different sound presentations while retaining the traditional 2A3 signature. 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. The 2A3S Hommage was designed to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our 2A3 Classic (MK2), as well as pay tribute to the original MK1.