|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
24.12.167.171
In Reply to: What's the real story about Chinese tubes in 2007? posted by nightdoggy on March 20, 2007 at 19:39:46:
Many Chinese power tubes are now excellent. The Shuguang KT-88s are fine, some prefer the SC, some the 88-98 - but quality is good on both. The 5AR4 is very good, so is the 845 and the KT66.I can't address the tubes I don't carry, as my experience with them is very limited. But I'd use any of the power/recto tubes above in my own gear without hesitation.
Follow Ups:
and was hoping you would respond as I respect your opinion.
I think I'll try some as I am going to retube my D-75. The tubes in it have been there since the early '90s when I restored it. I think the tubes are all only fair as they were cheap at the time if I remember correctly. Hopefully that's why it sounded so harsh to me.
I know they were considered 'firebottles' a few years ago (at least in a Dyna 70) - can they handle more current now?
That's a bit of a loaded question - more current as compared to what? But 4-5 years ago most of the Chinese tubes could not handle normal, typical 5AR4 loads. Now I find they can.I have NEVER had to reject or replace a 5AR4 Chinese tube under warranty, believe it or not. The worst I can say about them is that until recently they said "Made in Chian" (!) on the tube instead of "Made in China".
So while they aren't Mullards, they sure have come a long way.
nt
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: