Haoting
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Why Tubes ?
Tube audio used to be quite common back in the 50-60s then they were mostly replaced by transistor based audio at the mid to low end of the audio market. However, tube never really went away - it stays in the high end market and offers extraordinary enjoyment to music lovers. Ask why people choose to have tube audio? Here are a few common answers to you to consider:
Tubes sounds warmer and more musical than solid state and is widely perceived as true high fidelity. For the same money or less than solid state, you can experience real hi-fi and impress your friends, family and neighbours.
Tubes are more fun than solid state and blend well with art and home décor. It has a much higher WAF (Wife Appreciation Factor) than conventional box electronics. It can truly be a living room conversational piece, as many of our female customers confirmed. Thanks to the sound of tubes, your music system sounds nearly like a live band playing when you entertain guests.
Tube Components can be customized to your sound preference by installing different makes of tubes. So upgrading is a lot more affordable (you don’t have to run a garage sale to sell off old electronics). A different set of tubes instantly gives you new sounding component. Solid State components are next to impossible to modify/improve by the end user.
Tubes are easy to maintain and repair as the circuitry is less complicated than solid state. Most tube amp maintenance is really just about putting in a new tubes – as simple as changing light bulbs.
Tubes are NOT more expensive than solid state, contrary to many people’s perception. With many products and components nowadays manufactured in China and distributed by reputable North American audio resellers, tube audio has never been more affordable and reliable.
Tubes can last a long time. The smaller pre-amp tubes can last anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 hours. Some military grade pre-amp mini tubes can last 200,000 hours. Larger power and driver tubes usually last 5,000 hours. At 4 hours per day use, 5,000 hours = 3.5 years. Many people upgrade their cars more often than that.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________
http://spectrum.ieee.org/images/arch...ges/tubet1.gif
Source: IEEE Spectrum: The Cool Sound of Tubes
__________________________________________________ ____________________
Even the best amplifier in the world uses tubes: Audio Note Kondo's Ongaku.
Price= $80,000
http://www.audiofederation.com/catal...te-kondo-3.jpg
From Kondo Ongaku's webpage:
The ONGAKU is the most famous and best-reviewed amplifier in history and has been declared the best amplifier in the world in England, the USA, France and Italy. This is the amplifier that inspired the worldwide single-ended movement.
The ONGAKU was introduced in 1988 and from that day onward the world of audio changed forever. This is the pure embodiment of "silver sound"; it makes you feel the musical energy expand, you can feel the room pressurize before the orchestra begins.
This amplifier has been reviewed by Dick Olsher, Alvin Gold, Jonathan Kettle, Mike Kuller, Lynn Olsen and many others - the only non-perfect aspect of the ONGAKU that any of them could find was that they couldn't afford it!
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
CURRENT GLASS TUBE MANUFACTURERS
by Eric Barbour, Vacuum Tube Valley------------------------updated May 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUSSIA:
Svetlana Electron Devices, St. Petersburg:
The major Russian power-tube manufacturer. Formerly a part of the huge Svetlana collective factory, now independent. Svetlana products are now marketed outside Russia by PM Components. Types in production: EL34, SV6L6GC, SV6550C, SV300B, EL509, EF86, 6BM8, 6AS7, 3CX300A1, 6D22S, GP-5, and a long list of large ceramic power types for amateur radio, broadcast and industrial uses. (website: Svetlana Tubes - Russian Vacuum Tubes made by Svetlana in St. Petesburg)
-----
Reflector Corp, Saratov:
Note: there is no "Sovtek" factory. "Sovtek" is only an American brand name owned by New Sensor.
Reflector makes most of the tubes marketed by New Sensor Co. of New York under their "Sovtek" and "Electro-Harmonix" brand names. Some are old Russian tubes, others are made especially for export. Types in production: 12AX7LP, 12AX7LPS, 12AX7WXT+, 5751, 7027, EL34WXT, 6550WE, 6550WD, KT88, 6L6WXT+, 5881, 6922, 6EU7, 7199, EL84, 300B, 2A3, 6A3, 6B4G, 7591A, 7591XYZ, KT66, KT88, 5AR4.
Also variants of above bearing "EH" suffix. "Sovtek" also markets 5U4G, 5Y3GT, 6SN7, 6SL7, 6N1P, two 12AX7s and a few other types made at other Russian factories, primarily Voskhod Kaluga.
(New Sensor currently owns the Svetlana "S" logo, and is attaching this logo to Reflector-made tubes.)
-----
Ulyanov, Ulyanovsk:
Large state-owned factory specializes in military equipment. Also makes tubes for use in military aircraft electronics. Types in production: GU-50, GU-13/813, 6S33S-V, 6S19P, 6S41P, others. 6S33 is becoming popular in high-end amplifiers in America and Japan.
-----
"Vacuum Builders ", Ryazan:
Large factory, formerly state owned. Types in production: 811A, SV811-3, 572B, GM-100, GU-81M. Also makes lamps and spark gaps. (website: ÎÎÎ "Âàêóóìíûå êîìïîíåíòû" - ïðîèçâîäñòâî ýëåêòðîâàêóóìíûõ ïðèáîðîâ, áîðîñèëèêàòíîãî ñòåêëà)
----
It was reported that Voskhod Kaluga and Ryazan have gone bankrupt, though Ryazan has apparently managed to survive and has put up a website offering some transmitter tubes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHINA:
Shuguang Electrical Factory No. 1: In Changsha, Hunan; owned by Korean firm Samsung. Shuguang makes most of the popular audio and guitar types, which are frequently rebranded by importers and OEMs. Types believed in production: 6L6GC, EL34 (3 types), 6550, KT100, 5AR4, 2A3, 807. Possibly 211, 845--unconfirmed. (Thanks to Chris Beeching of PM for info.) (website: Êï¹âµç×Ó½ø³ö¿ÚÓÐÏÞ¹«Ë¾)
-----
Liuzhou: makes many power types which are marketed abroad. PM Components, a British firm, has "Golden Dragon" types made by Liuzhou. KT100 is/was supposedly made here. (Thanks to Chris Beeching for info.)
-----
O&J Enterprises/Valve Art/ESTI: allegedly makes the following: 6L6GC, EL34, 6550A, KT88, KT100, 300B, 300B-C60
(graphite plate 60w), 5300B (graphite plate 80w 150mA), and 6300B (graphite plate 80w 180mA), plus
possibly other types, at a factory in Changsha, Hunan. It is suspected some types might be made by Shuguang and Liuzhou under an exclusive. (Thanks to Wilfred ter Borg for type list.)
-----
"Sino" factory in Beijing recently stopped making 12AX7, 12AT7, 12AU7, 6GH8, 6AN8 and other small tubes, due to a poor market and tough competition from Sovtek/New Sensor. Sino is apparently no longer making any tubes. Rumor has it that Sino's old tooling was purchased by Magic Parts, who have put it back into operation with a Chinese partner.
-----
Tianjin: small facility,run by former Sino factory manager. Makes power triodes and rectifiers similar to old Western Electric types. Their tubes are marketed under various names, such as "TJ", "All Music", "Full Music", and "Sophia". Types: 101D, 102D, 205D, 274B, and many variations of 300B.
-----
There are other tube factories in China. Most make only large power tubes and keep a very low profile,
such as the Jingguang factory which makes most of the ceramic tubes for Penta Laboratories.
Some specialize in transmitting tubes such as the 811A, 812A, 813, 3-500Z, 100TH, 833 and others. Such transmitting types are often branded with old American/European brands and sold without notification that they are Chinese-made. Buyers should beware of such rebranded Chinese tubes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERBIA:
Elektronska Industrija (Ei), Nis:
Former Philips contract manufacturer, making audio tubes along with many other electronic products. Currently being marketed by Edicron. Types in possible production: 6CA7, 6CG7, 12AT7, 12AX7, 12BH7, 12DW7, EL34, EL519, PL519, KT90, KT99, EL84, possibly others. (website: http://www.eiexpo.co.yu/)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SLOVAKIA, CZECH REPUBLICS:
JJ Electronic, Cadca, Slovakia:
Spinoff from now-defunct state factory Tesla. Outside of Slovakia, JJ tubes are sometimes sold under the Teslovak or Tesla brandnames. Types in production: KT88S, EL34, E34L, ECC83/12AX7, EL84, 6L6GC, 300B, 7027A. Some of the power types are available in red or blue glass. (website: JJ-Electronic - Vacuum tubes, Capacitors, Amplifiers - Home)
-----
former Tesla factory, Hloubetin, Prague, Czech Republic:
All the tubes sold by AVVT, KR Enterprise, and the new Emission Labs are said to be made by the same contract manufacturer in Prague, using old Tesla equipment. This cannot be confirmed.
-----
Tesla Vrsovice, Prague, Czech Republic:
Still makes some glass power tubes under proprietary type numbers. (website: TESLA ElectronTubes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USA:
Groove Tubes, San Fernando CA:
Currently making copies of old RCA 6L6GC and 6V6GT, using old tooling and marketed as high-end guitar amplifier
tubes. (website: Home Page @ Groove Tubes)
-----
Richardson Electronics, LaFox, IL:
Made a 300B, 845 and 50 sold under the Cetron brand for high-end audio, as well as a KT88 sold under the
National brand. Current production cannot be confirmed. Richardson has large quantities of tooling obtained from old American tube factories when they shut down. Also makes some larger transmitting and high-voltage types. Richardson markets many tubes (some obtained from other factories worldwide) under their own brandnames; such as Cetron, National and Amperex. (website: Richardson Electronics Ltd.)
-----
MU, Oceanside CA:
This small factory once made glass tubes on a low-production basis for the US government. They are now working on a
rectifier tube for the audio market, as well as possible other products.
-----
Westrex Corporation, Huntsville AL:
Makes the reissued Western Electric 300B for high-end audio. Claims to be developing a KT88 (with a UK partner factory), 308B, 274A and other types for future manufacture. Company office is in Atlanta, GA. This firm is independent of AT&T Corporation and has licensed the brandnames from AT&T. (website: Western Electric)
----
Triton Services was manufacturing some glass transmitting tubes using former Eimac and RCA tooling.
Recently they were reported to have ceased production of glass tubes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
France:
Covimag:
Small factory--Makes some glass RF power transmitting tubes, such as 3-500Z, 3-1000, and others. Distributed by Richardson. (website: Accueil)
-----
Thales Electron Devices currently owns the remains of Thomson-CSF power tube manufacturing. It is believed they
currently make only ceramic types. (website: Page not found)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UK:
EEV, Chelmsford (now called E2V Technologies):
Still makes some specialized transmitting tubes and thyratrons with glass envelopes.
(website: e2v)
Why Tubes ?
Tube audio used to be quite common back in the 50-60s then they were mostly replaced by transistor based audio at the mid to low end of the audio market. However, tube never really went away - it stays in the high end market and offers extraordinary enjoyment to music lovers. Ask why people choose to have tube audio? Here are a few common answers to you to consider:
Tubes sounds warmer and more musical than solid state and is widely perceived as true high fidelity. For the same money or less than solid state, you can experience real hi-fi and impress your friends, family and neighbours.
Tubes are more fun than solid state and blend well with art and home décor. It has a much higher WAF (Wife Appreciation Factor) than conventional box electronics. It can truly be a living room conversational piece, as many of our female customers confirmed. Thanks to the sound of tubes, your music system sounds nearly like a live band playing when you entertain guests.
Tube Components can be customized to your sound preference by installing different makes of tubes. So upgrading is a lot more affordable (you don’t have to run a garage sale to sell off old electronics). A different set of tubes instantly gives you new sounding component. Solid State components are next to impossible to modify/improve by the end user.
Tubes are easy to maintain and repair as the circuitry is less complicated than solid state. Most tube amp maintenance is really just about putting in a new tubes – as simple as changing light bulbs.
Tubes are NOT more expensive than solid state, contrary to many people’s perception. With many products and components nowadays manufactured in China and distributed by reputable North American audio resellers, tube audio has never been more affordable and reliable.
Tubes can last a long time. The smaller pre-amp tubes can last anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 hours. Some military grade pre-amp mini tubes can last 200,000 hours. Larger power and driver tubes usually last 5,000 hours. At 4 hours per day use, 5,000 hours = 3.5 years. Many people upgrade their cars more often than that.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________
http://spectrum.ieee.org/images/arch...ges/tubet1.gif
Source: IEEE Spectrum: The Cool Sound of Tubes
__________________________________________________ ____________________
Even the best amplifier in the world uses tubes: Audio Note Kondo's Ongaku.
Price= $80,000
http://www.audiofederation.com/catal...te-kondo-3.jpg
From Kondo Ongaku's webpage:
The ONGAKU is the most famous and best-reviewed amplifier in history and has been declared the best amplifier in the world in England, the USA, France and Italy. This is the amplifier that inspired the worldwide single-ended movement.
The ONGAKU was introduced in 1988 and from that day onward the world of audio changed forever. This is the pure embodiment of "silver sound"; it makes you feel the musical energy expand, you can feel the room pressurize before the orchestra begins.
This amplifier has been reviewed by Dick Olsher, Alvin Gold, Jonathan Kettle, Mike Kuller, Lynn Olsen and many others - the only non-perfect aspect of the ONGAKU that any of them could find was that they couldn't afford it!
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
CURRENT GLASS TUBE MANUFACTURERS
by Eric Barbour, Vacuum Tube Valley------------------------updated May 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RUSSIA:
Svetlana Electron Devices, St. Petersburg:
The major Russian power-tube manufacturer. Formerly a part of the huge Svetlana collective factory, now independent. Svetlana products are now marketed outside Russia by PM Components. Types in production: EL34, SV6L6GC, SV6550C, SV300B, EL509, EF86, 6BM8, 6AS7, 3CX300A1, 6D22S, GP-5, and a long list of large ceramic power types for amateur radio, broadcast and industrial uses. (website: Svetlana Tubes - Russian Vacuum Tubes made by Svetlana in St. Petesburg)
-----
Reflector Corp, Saratov:
Note: there is no "Sovtek" factory. "Sovtek" is only an American brand name owned by New Sensor.
Reflector makes most of the tubes marketed by New Sensor Co. of New York under their "Sovtek" and "Electro-Harmonix" brand names. Some are old Russian tubes, others are made especially for export. Types in production: 12AX7LP, 12AX7LPS, 12AX7WXT+, 5751, 7027, EL34WXT, 6550WE, 6550WD, KT88, 6L6WXT+, 5881, 6922, 6EU7, 7199, EL84, 300B, 2A3, 6A3, 6B4G, 7591A, 7591XYZ, KT66, KT88, 5AR4.
Also variants of above bearing "EH" suffix. "Sovtek" also markets 5U4G, 5Y3GT, 6SN7, 6SL7, 6N1P, two 12AX7s and a few other types made at other Russian factories, primarily Voskhod Kaluga.
(New Sensor currently owns the Svetlana "S" logo, and is attaching this logo to Reflector-made tubes.)
-----
Ulyanov, Ulyanovsk:
Large state-owned factory specializes in military equipment. Also makes tubes for use in military aircraft electronics. Types in production: GU-50, GU-13/813, 6S33S-V, 6S19P, 6S41P, others. 6S33 is becoming popular in high-end amplifiers in America and Japan.
-----
"Vacuum Builders ", Ryazan:
Large factory, formerly state owned. Types in production: 811A, SV811-3, 572B, GM-100, GU-81M. Also makes lamps and spark gaps. (website: ÎÎÎ "Âàêóóìíûå êîìïîíåíòû" - ïðîèçâîäñòâî ýëåêòðîâàêóóìíûõ ïðèáîðîâ, áîðîñèëèêàòíîãî ñòåêëà)
----
It was reported that Voskhod Kaluga and Ryazan have gone bankrupt, though Ryazan has apparently managed to survive and has put up a website offering some transmitter tubes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHINA:
Shuguang Electrical Factory No. 1: In Changsha, Hunan; owned by Korean firm Samsung. Shuguang makes most of the popular audio and guitar types, which are frequently rebranded by importers and OEMs. Types believed in production: 6L6GC, EL34 (3 types), 6550, KT100, 5AR4, 2A3, 807. Possibly 211, 845--unconfirmed. (Thanks to Chris Beeching of PM for info.) (website: Êï¹âµç×Ó½ø³ö¿ÚÓÐÏÞ¹«Ë¾)
-----
Liuzhou: makes many power types which are marketed abroad. PM Components, a British firm, has "Golden Dragon" types made by Liuzhou. KT100 is/was supposedly made here. (Thanks to Chris Beeching for info.)
-----
O&J Enterprises/Valve Art/ESTI: allegedly makes the following: 6L6GC, EL34, 6550A, KT88, KT100, 300B, 300B-C60
(graphite plate 60w), 5300B (graphite plate 80w 150mA), and 6300B (graphite plate 80w 180mA), plus
possibly other types, at a factory in Changsha, Hunan. It is suspected some types might be made by Shuguang and Liuzhou under an exclusive. (Thanks to Wilfred ter Borg for type list.)
-----
"Sino" factory in Beijing recently stopped making 12AX7, 12AT7, 12AU7, 6GH8, 6AN8 and other small tubes, due to a poor market and tough competition from Sovtek/New Sensor. Sino is apparently no longer making any tubes. Rumor has it that Sino's old tooling was purchased by Magic Parts, who have put it back into operation with a Chinese partner.
-----
Tianjin: small facility,run by former Sino factory manager. Makes power triodes and rectifiers similar to old Western Electric types. Their tubes are marketed under various names, such as "TJ", "All Music", "Full Music", and "Sophia". Types: 101D, 102D, 205D, 274B, and many variations of 300B.
-----
There are other tube factories in China. Most make only large power tubes and keep a very low profile,
such as the Jingguang factory which makes most of the ceramic tubes for Penta Laboratories.
Some specialize in transmitting tubes such as the 811A, 812A, 813, 3-500Z, 100TH, 833 and others. Such transmitting types are often branded with old American/European brands and sold without notification that they are Chinese-made. Buyers should beware of such rebranded Chinese tubes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERBIA:
Elektronska Industrija (Ei), Nis:
Former Philips contract manufacturer, making audio tubes along with many other electronic products. Currently being marketed by Edicron. Types in possible production: 6CA7, 6CG7, 12AT7, 12AX7, 12BH7, 12DW7, EL34, EL519, PL519, KT90, KT99, EL84, possibly others. (website: http://www.eiexpo.co.yu/)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SLOVAKIA, CZECH REPUBLICS:
JJ Electronic, Cadca, Slovakia:
Spinoff from now-defunct state factory Tesla. Outside of Slovakia, JJ tubes are sometimes sold under the Teslovak or Tesla brandnames. Types in production: KT88S, EL34, E34L, ECC83/12AX7, EL84, 6L6GC, 300B, 7027A. Some of the power types are available in red or blue glass. (website: JJ-Electronic - Vacuum tubes, Capacitors, Amplifiers - Home)
-----
former Tesla factory, Hloubetin, Prague, Czech Republic:
All the tubes sold by AVVT, KR Enterprise, and the new Emission Labs are said to be made by the same contract manufacturer in Prague, using old Tesla equipment. This cannot be confirmed.
-----
Tesla Vrsovice, Prague, Czech Republic:
Still makes some glass power tubes under proprietary type numbers. (website: TESLA ElectronTubes)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USA:
Groove Tubes, San Fernando CA:
Currently making copies of old RCA 6L6GC and 6V6GT, using old tooling and marketed as high-end guitar amplifier
tubes. (website: Home Page @ Groove Tubes)
-----
Richardson Electronics, LaFox, IL:
Made a 300B, 845 and 50 sold under the Cetron brand for high-end audio, as well as a KT88 sold under the
National brand. Current production cannot be confirmed. Richardson has large quantities of tooling obtained from old American tube factories when they shut down. Also makes some larger transmitting and high-voltage types. Richardson markets many tubes (some obtained from other factories worldwide) under their own brandnames; such as Cetron, National and Amperex. (website: Richardson Electronics Ltd.)
-----
MU, Oceanside CA:
This small factory once made glass tubes on a low-production basis for the US government. They are now working on a
rectifier tube for the audio market, as well as possible other products.
-----
Westrex Corporation, Huntsville AL:
Makes the reissued Western Electric 300B for high-end audio. Claims to be developing a KT88 (with a UK partner factory), 308B, 274A and other types for future manufacture. Company office is in Atlanta, GA. This firm is independent of AT&T Corporation and has licensed the brandnames from AT&T. (website: Western Electric)
----
Triton Services was manufacturing some glass transmitting tubes using former Eimac and RCA tooling.
Recently they were reported to have ceased production of glass tubes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
France:
Covimag:
Small factory--Makes some glass RF power transmitting tubes, such as 3-500Z, 3-1000, and others. Distributed by Richardson. (website: Accueil)
-----
Thales Electron Devices currently owns the remains of Thomson-CSF power tube manufacturing. It is believed they
currently make only ceramic types. (website: Page not found)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UK:
EEV, Chelmsford (now called E2V Technologies):
Still makes some specialized transmitting tubes and thyratrons with glass envelopes.
(website: e2v)
