Shuguang Power Tubes. Need advice.

[mAx___]

I'm thinking of getting a quad of Shuguang KT88 instead of Gold Lions this time. Shuguangs cost almost half of the Genalex.
I'm assuming the price difference is because of where they're made. Or is it the quality?
Any direct experience with both?

 

[jeffb]

I don't have any experience with KT88s.

But Ive had a bunch with Shugang EL34Bs (from various "rebranders") and EL84s.

I think they sound great.
I've had terrible luck with longevity/reliability.
I've had several make me nearly shit myself when they fried out mid-play.
None of them were older than a few months and were nowhere near abused or rode hard

I stopped buying them about 10 years ago.

I've had slightly better luck with shugang preamp tubes- but have had a few of them also give up the ghost with very few hours on them.

 

[guitarbilly74]

I've only used their 12ax7s and frankly, I love them. They sound bright and crunchy. I haven't had any issues with them.
I haven't tried their power tubes yet.

 

[Matthews Guitars]

I've got some experience with their KT66s. So far they've been very good. No issues. They look like a very faithful reissue of the Marconi KT66.