Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Shuguang / SuperTNT EL34-B Tubes by astravitz

Model:	EL34-B
Category:	Tubes
Suggested Retail Price:	$10
Description:	Output pentode rated for 25W anode dissipation, primarily intended for use in a.c. mains operated equipment.
Manufacturer URL:	Shuguang / SuperTNT
Model Picture:	View

Review by astravitz ( A ) on January 31, 2006 at 22:00:37
IP Address: 69.141.28.152

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for the EL34-B

I own a Jolida 302B, so my experience may be based on only this amplifier, it's difficult to know how tubes will work with other equipement and speakers. The SHUGUANG EL34B is a big bottle type design. They were the stock tubes in my amplifier. Jolida essentially "stamps" their name on them.
I find the Shuguang EL34-B to be a very warm sounding tube with a magic midrange. Highs are excellent, but not to sharp. The bass is there but also very well controlled. I tend to like a tight bass which there deliver.
I did try two other EH tubes in my system. I tried the EL34 EL and found them to be too full on the Bass (out of control is more like it). I also tried the EH 6CA7 big bottles. They were a little better in the sytem. They were able to reach the high notes rather well, but overall were a little to screetchy. I think the sound was wansn't that linear.
Overall, I ended up going back to the Shuguang EL34-B. I will say they required about 50 hours of burn in until the bias on all was consistent. Prior to that, they just kept changing their bias values. After about 100 hours they really come alive. They are much louder and CLEARER then the other tubes I've tried. That's the true magic of this tube, the clarity, they really help my Triangle Celius 202 speakers image very well. They also produce a very accurate and uncolored sound. For the money, I can't imagine they can be beat.

Product Weakness: Long burn in time for them to be consistent.
Product Strengths: Low Cost, Warm Sound, tight bass

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Jolida 302B
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Rotel 1070
Speakers:	Triangle Celius 202's
Cables/Interconnects:	Belkin Pure AV
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Female Vocals, Classic, Opera & Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 20 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	200 hours
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Long burn in time for them to be consistent.
Product Strengths:	Low Cost, Warm Sound, tight bass