Statement Ming DA MC 2A3-X8

Vacuum Tube Preamp

a Response Audio Exclusive

The Statement 2A3-X8 is a complete rebuild of the unit using only the most highly regarded audiophile components. Our goal with this unit was to generate a unique vacuum tube preamp design that will compete with the best in the industry. We completely gut the chassis and reassemble it replacing every critical component making this unit a true Statement product. Several aspects of this piece changed to provide you with years of sonic heaven.

The design of the unmodified Ming DA MC 2A3-X8 provides a warm, luscious sound that can only be obtained with finely-made vacuum tube equipment. The Statement 2A3-X8 is not quite as soft but does retain much of the 'classic sound' of golden age gear with the addition of improved detail, transparency and resolution plus the reliability and 5 year warranty that goes into every piece of gear with our name on it.

What's Involved

Keep in mind that for reasons mentioned on our FAQ Page, we do not put into writing everything that is involved in the modification of the Statement 2A3-X8.

Feedback has proven the remote volume control to be less than superior. For this reason, we remove the volume control and replace it with a Gold Point stepped attenuator volume control for smooth and linear tracking. Remote capabilities are eliminated. You do have the option to keep the Alps Blue remote volume.

Critical coupling capacitors are replaced with V-Cap TFTF Teflon^® and OIMP capacitors  with other critical areas such as decoupling handled by SoniCap pieces.

We all know the power supply is the heart of any tube unit. In the Statement 2A3-X8, we replace the power supply capacitors with high quality units that have a lower DCR. These are also bypassed with SoniCap Gen II film capacitors.  Other tweaks and modifications are incorporated into the power supply, including filament supplies, that create a blacker background and lower noise floor.

For the signal path resistors, we use a combination of Dale RN, Dale CW, Mills non-inductive, Ohmite Carbon Film and more. The proper 'type' of resistor is chosen for each application in which it is used with some values have been changed for a quieter presentation.

Next is the internal wiring from the RCA inputs all the way to the input on the first stage signal tube. Here we use the same copper wiring used in our Musica Bella MB Series interconnect. We can also replace the source selector while were at it.

There is a lot more involved in the Statement modification than we mention above. Several other areas are also improved upon. Total time to perform this modification is about 5 hours.

The Statement 2A3-X8 is a very special unit designed to impress even the most discriminating listeners.  Like any product that leaves our facility, the Statement 2A3-X8 comes with a Five Year Parts & Labor Warranty on workmanship and all components used. Warranty does not cover transformers or vacuum tubes.

Want to see what our work looks like? Check out this Custom Modified 2A3-X8.

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Level: 1000mv
Gain:  20 db
Input Impedance: 100k
Output Impedance: 600 ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion:< 0.5%
Frequency Response:  5 Hz – 50 kHz + 0 db, -2db
Signal-to-noise ratio: 92 DB
Vacuum Tubes:2 X 2A3, 1 X EL34, 3 X 6SN7, 3 X 6922
Supply Voltage AC 110 -120v or 220v
Power Consumption:        80 Watts
Dimensions:        37 X 44 X 23 cm
Weight: 45 lbs

Order new, complete unit - (price TBD) - ORDER

Modification to consumer supplied units -   $1,295

Purchase a brand new Statement 2A3-X8 here:
http://www.pacificvalve.us/MDMC2A3.html
                                                                             $1,095 (maintains Alps Blue remote volume)
with V-Cap Teflon output capacitors / add - $625