Is the Shuguang 5AR4 any good?

No different than the Sovtek in sound or reliability.  If they are good strong tubes the Amperex and the Matsushita will last a decade at least unless damaged by something. 

Okay, @jackd that’s probably the bottom line then--no point in getting them if they aren’t better than the stock Sovtec. I'll try to win one of those other auctions I bid on.

What I tried to say was save money in the long run and purchase one (or two) properly tested, widely liked for their sonics and reliable old production tubes while they are still available @ sane prices.

Though my favorites have been Mullard and Amperex, the Sovteks (correction - they are 2003 production/not 1983) and the Japanese GZ34's sounded just as good (a tiny bit lighter/thinner in my amps - I prefer fuller).

The Sovtek production I purchased came out shortly after they were panned for producing unreliable GZ34's.

My tube testers TV-7/539C did not seem to properly test GZ34's as they always tested pretty close to spec until they suddenly did not (same thing when testing 12ax7's).

Don't know how the good tube dealers test them, but assume that they are using different/better test equipment.

I have enough tubes to last a few lifetimes, but recently purchased 5 pairs of Converse/Chuck/Vietnam tennis shoes and 12 pairs of Polo striped cotton pajama pants (70% off on the pants and $45/pair for the shoes) as supplies are drying up and/or are now gone @ reasonable prices.

I spend money to save money.

DeKay

@dekay   gotcha.  I am leaving those Chinese tubes alone.  Thanks.

@immatthewj 

I don't remember how many spots you have that need a 5AR4 but if you have enough good NOS ones to fill those spots you only need one spare so concentrate on getting quality not quantity.  Times are different than when I was buying NOS Mullards for $50.  One of the reasons that Andy is so popular and so backed up is that he actually tests his tubes in gear and not just tube testers.