Agreed on the Shuguangs being the best sounding, of current new-production.
The Tung-Sol new production is probably more consistent, though. I've seen a few wonky acting (noisy, primarily, but a few that just quit working altogether) Shuguangs- but the Shuguangs that work (which is the vast majority), sound really good. I haven't run into a significant number of noisy or dead Tung-Sols, yet...
Regards,
Gordon.
The Tung-Sol new production is probably more consistent, though. I've seen a few wonky acting (noisy, primarily, but a few that just quit working altogether) Shuguangs- but the Shuguangs that work (which is the vast majority), sound really good. I haven't run into a significant number of noisy or dead Tung-Sols, yet...
Regards,
Gordon.
Tom Bombadil
AK Member
Gordon, are you referring to the standard Shuguang 6SN7GT which sells for $15-$20, or the Shuguang Treasure CV-181 which sells for over $100? The CV-181T is the big thing going in audiophile circles. It's not really a CV-181, it's a premium 6SN7 packaged in a ST tube.
Tom Bombadil
AK Member
CV-181T, CV-181Z, Hard for me to keep track of them.
trainbuftony
Electron Herder
I recently purchased 4 tung sol, Russian made power tubes for 4x custom hand built amplifiers I created. They worked as good as you could expect any tube to work.
They work right put of the box.
They are available at or below your stated budget. I know there's people who love vintage tubes, but when I need a tube and it needs to work I break out the debit card and order something from Russia, who seem to produce the best quality tubes on earth at this point in time. I have high hopes that the western electric people will get their act together and start producing audio tubes but I'm not holding my breath. If and when they do make a 6sn7, it will probably be well outside your stated budget as well as my budget.
They work right put of the box.
They are available at or below your stated budget. I know there's people who love vintage tubes, but when I need a tube and it needs to work I break out the debit card and order something from Russia, who seem to produce the best quality tubes on earth at this point in time. I have high hopes that the western electric people will get their act together and start producing audio tubes but I'm not holding my breath. If and when they do make a 6sn7, it will probably be well outside your stated budget as well as my budget.
arts
Addicted Member
When it comes to the modern 6SN7 and 6sl7, I have noticed that some manufacturers are just stuffing their 12AU7 and 12AX7 offerings into an octal bottle with the heaters paralleled. Not too big a deal for the 6SL7, but the lower voltage and dissipation specs may be an issue for the 6SN7 when used vigorously 
Gigantic
A big, big love
Russian tubes are out for the foreseeable future for me. I’ll buy NOS from my guy in Ukraine, but new stock? I can’t stomach that.
Tor the time being, I’m curious about the mid tier Shugang, Linlai and Psvane offerings. I picked up a pair of 50‘s vintage NOS GE Gray plate 6SN7GTB that were a marginal improvement from the JJ tubes in my Freya +, but I’m curious if the mid-tier Chinese tubes are worthwhile. I don’t have the stomach for the Shugang Treasure series at +$100 a piece, but I would do slightly more than that for a pair if it was a noticeable improvement; plus, the aesthetics of the tennis ball globes and mini 300B in the UK 6SN7 are certainly appealing, especially if they sound good.
Lavane
Lunatic Member
I have yet not to like new issue Tung-Sol octal tubes. Either driver or power tubes. Are there better?, most likely,.but theybdo work well right out of the box. I have some new issue and old stock 5881's. I couldn't tell the difference in how they sounded. I tried them both in a stereo amp, and a guitar amp.
Wow, who's doing that? The 12AU7 isn't nearly as linear as a 6SN7. More to be concerned with there than just dissipation!When it comes to the modern 6SN7 and 6sl7, I have noticed that some manufacturers are just stuffing their 12AU7 and 12AX7 offerings into an octal bottle with the heaters paralleled. Not too big a deal for the 6SL7, but the lower voltage and dissipation specs may be an issue for the 6SN7 when used vigorously
Jack
I have tried two sets, 8 in all, Lin Lai 6SL7's, nothing but junk! Noisy as all heck, they buzz, pop, crackle and so on. I tried running them in for many hours, no difference!
Lavane
Lunatic Member
I like a lot of the JJ 9 pin signal tubes, but haven't ever really considered there octal signal tubes for some reason.
yes, the noval JJ's I have been using have been quite good. I ordered some JJ 6SL7's, try them out. I am reluctant to buy Tung Sol for the obvious reasons, but may not have a choice, as I have really not had much luck, yet, with Chinese built tubes.
Lavane
Lunatic Member
What problems have you had with Tung Sol tubes? The 6SN7's in my Ella have been performing well and sounding good. The 5881 re-issues have been good tubes so far as well. I haven't tried any of there 9 pin tubes though.
Gigantic
A big, big love
The JJ 6SN7 are stock in my Schiit Freya +. They are unremarkably acceptable.
Gigantic
A big, big love
I’m pretty sure the obvious reasons against Tung Sol have to do with their country of origin.
