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Question on Chinese Tubes Shuguang KT-88-T (Nature series)

I bought an amp with the Shuguang KT88-T  tubes. One month after I bought it, a tube failed. So now I have 3 very good tubes which I cannot find anywhere but China. Just perusing through posts about this tube I have discovered that these tubes have had reliability issues. In my case, it took out a channel in my amp which had to be sent back to the builder to be repaired. I don’t want anymore of that. Considering the past problems of poor reliability & my own situation which was expensive, I wonder if its wise to even buy one more of these Shuguangs and take the chance on tearing up my amp with it again. BTW the amp had built in protection but it didn’t work. Don said he had put in more safety measures when it was repaired. . But I’m concerned. . What’s your thoughts. Abandon the Shuguang? Try another one?
128x128artemus_5
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,992 posts
 
@russ69 Indeed, they are good. I've run their  KT66 also with great results  As good as they are, the Shuguangs are a better tube. I ran those for a month prior with very nice results and they weren't even broke in yet
(EDIT) 
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
The Rubys used by Cary were some great sounding valves.. They were Shuguangs (I'm pretty sure).  They were better than GL. BUT the GL now, don't suffer the failure rate like they use to either.. For a few years everyone had quality issues.. Factories were being sold everywhere and new factories were being built..

Tube equipment came back with a fury.. It's everywhere CHEAP too..

NOW Valve plants, are in actual competition again (less the covid crap),
for price, quality and market share.  Like it should be..

Regards
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
JJ's made in Slovakia are an excellent alternative to Ch*nese and Russian tubes!
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5 OP
1,992 posts
 
Guys, I know there are other good tubes out there. But Thats not the question. I have 3 tubes which sound very good and I need one more. Do I abandon the 3 I have or take a chance on these questionable Shuguang tubes?

facten
2,887 posts
 
I swapped Shuguang Black Treasures into my Ayon Spirit 2 , enjoyed the sound but 2 failed and I went back to Gold Lions rather than trying the Treasures again. I subsequently tried Psvane T2s , again liked the sound but one failed 3 months in. I could have purchased another Psvane but went back with Gold Lions. Although I know that any tube can/will fail I didn’t want to run the risk with the Treasures or the T2s but that’s me; only you can decide what’s best for you.



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