Chinese tubes are quite satisfying in my opinion. Not only more affordable, but also reliable and sonically good.
I'm using the KT88 from Shuguang and compared to other brands that I tried on the same amplifier, the results (sonically) are not much different - especially when looking at the price difference.
On other hand, I opted to swap the pre-amplification valves (12AU7 and 12AX7) from Shuguang to Genalex Gold Lion. Not because the Chinese ones were bad, but I truly heard a nice improvement in sound quality for a small amount of money.
I'm using the KT88 from Shuguang and compared to other brands that I tried on the same amplifier, the results (sonically) are not much different - especially when looking at the price difference.
On other hand, I opted to swap the pre-amplification valves (12AU7 and 12AX7) from Shuguang to Genalex Gold Lion. Not because the Chinese ones were bad, but I truly heard a nice improvement in sound quality for a small amount of money.