2. amps-preamps
  3. 176577-171531

Is the Shuguang 5AR4 any good?

I am probably getting carried away here, as I now have three 5AR4s on hand (which includes the one installed in my power supply) and one in the mail and bids in on 3 more (which I highly doubt that I will be successful on), but I just got an offer on a couple of Shuguang and I like having spares and I kind of have a hard time resisting a bargain.

So does anyone have any experience with this particular brand of 5AR4?

immatthewj

Showing 2 responses by jackd

jackd
1,037 posts
 

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. 

jackd
1,037 posts
 

@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.

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