I bought the jj meshplates based on the positive review from enjoythemusic, plus the price was right. I used them for about 2 yrs. When I did a little tweaking I decided to put the tubes which came with the unit back in, and was amazed at the improvement. The tubes were A V V T 300BSL's. I did a google search to find any info. and found an enjoythemusic update here- www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0503/ a v v t300bsl.htm I agree with the review, but feel the difference was even greater. It is possible that the meshplates age fast, like a lot of chinese tubes tend to do. The new generation of meshplate tubes may be better also.