New Shuguang Psvane Tubes

[zingo]

Shuguang just released their Psvane line of HIFI vacuum tubes. This new line includes both power and signal tubes, and seems to cover the tubes not included in their Treasure line. I am currently talking with Ian and Rachel from Grant Fidelity who is the authorized distributor for the new tubes on how they compare to other brands and lines. I'm going to try to get my ears on some as they are sexy looking tubes, and if so I'll report. :D

After launching the 50 year anniversary Treasure series in 2008, Shuguang has been developing new additions to its high end tube line to include large power tubes and small preamp tubes. With venture capital from UK and countless testing by Shuguang's Treasure design team, a new series called "Psvane" (pronounced as 'Pavane' - the brand is created from the inspiration of the 17th century classic music dance) Reference T-series has born in Aug 2010.

The Pavane T-series now include the following models: 845, 805, 211, 12AX7, 12AU7, 12AT7 and EL84. They are great compliment to the hugely successful Treasure series which includes the common EL34, KT88, KT66, 300B, 2A3 and 6SN7.

* Dramatically increased sound quality over the standard Shuguang tubes
* Gold coated pins to enhance connection over long term
* All parts are selected to the highest grade plus only highly experienced workers to assemble
* Suggested burn-in time is 75-100 hours
* 30-days manufacturer's warranty from date of purchase

http://www.imagechicken.com/uploads/1283139688023039500.jpg (http://www.imagechicken.com)

[dbaldus]

Any idea what the price might be for some of the 12AX7's or 12AT7's?

The word "reference" in the tube's title makes me think they might be a bit spendy :p

[zingo]

Per Grantfidelity.com (pair):

845 - $384, 805 - $220, 211 - $304, 12AX7 - $76, 12AU7 - $76, 12AT7 - $76, and EL84 - $76

[organ]

I just found out about this new line recently. There's a local guy selling them.
This is def. good news. We have new stuff from New Sensor (Mullard, GEC, TS, etc). A lot of the new tubes are as good and some better than NOS that I rolled.
It's nice to see new designs come out. I love the logo on this one.

[dbaldus]

Wow, not too bad - much cheaper than I expected!

Be sure to report back once you've gotten a pair of these... I'm curious to hear your impression!

[F1nut]

Jake, thanks for the news. Hopefully, they sound as good as the Treasures.

[zingo]

No problem Jesse, and I hope they do as well. Any piece of equipment filled with Treasure and Psvane tubes should be a real contender.

I heard back from Rachel from Grant Fidelity today and she said:
The Pavane series sound great - I have a few pairs to local customers to give me feedback.. so far it has been very positive...one customer said 'at high volume, they (845) peel paint off the walls.
It doesn't say much about SQ, but is a good start. :)

[mmadden28]

Per Grantfidelity.com (pair):

845 - $384, 805 - $220, 211 - $304, 12AX7 - $76, 12AU7 - $76, 12AT7 - $76, and EL84 - $76

Any of them work in the Dodd ELP?

[zingo]

Unfortunately, no. I would however suggest the Gold Lion 6922 which I am currently testing and evaluating a pair.

[55LS70]

Good. I'm in the market for some new 12AX7's.

[toucanet]

This sounds very promising. My NOS Telefunken 12 AX7 and 12AU7 are getting to be rather expensive.

Thanks for the update Zingo.

[zingo]

Exactly. NOS still are the best sounding tubes available and new audiophile tubes are not a one-to-one replacement for them, but they are a great option for a lower price and good sound quality; plus they are almost always available.

[zingo]

I finally have a pair of Psvane 12AX7 tubes on the way for my Shuguang amp with Treasure 300B and 6CA7 tubes. I'm hoping it should be a fun combo, and a nice upgrade and match over the stock Shuguang 12AX7 tubes. I'll report back after some burn-in and an A/B test.

http://i466.photobucket.com/albums/rr24/grantfidelity/tradeshows/2010%20AK%20Fest/S300MK-4.jpg

[engtaz]

Beautiful amp and tubes.

[Jetmaker737]

I put some Shugaung Psvane 12AX7's in my Jolida CDP. They sound pretty damn sweet. Unfortunately they replaced some failing Sovteks so couldn't really AB them.

[zingo]

I put some Shugaung Psvane 12AX7's in my Jolida CDP. They sound pretty damn sweet. Unfortunately they replaced some failing Sovteks so couldn't really AB them.

This is good to hear. I'm excited for the possibilities as the Treasure tubes are great on their own.

http://grantfidelity.com/site/files/imagecache/product/files/12ax7T_600.jpg

[zingo]

Beautiful amp and tubes.

Thanks!

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/0990a38650.jpg

[george daniel]

sweet :smile:

[iskandam]

I was seriously considering the Psvane 12AX7s to replace the stock Shuguangs on my amp, but ended up getting TJ Full Music instead. I asked Grant Fidelity what the difference is between both brands. They said both are equally good. Psvane is not quite as detailed as TJ Full Music, but has more bottom end.

Would love to hear your thoughts on them once you get them. Are you using the amp for your Klipsch Fortes?

[zingo]

I am using that amp with my Fortes, and the new Psvane tubes arrived on my door yesterday! Once I get them seasoned, I'll report back.

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue51/images/Psvanetubesinboxes.jpg

[Big Dawg]

Any update?

[CSM41]

I ordered my Psvane 12AT7's about two weeks ago for my tube preamp. I'll let you know my impressions as well.

[CSM41]

Just got my 12AT7 Psvanes. Initial impressions are pretty good. I really have to break them in before I can give a fair review. My Mullards were failing and I had to replace them so here they are. I will report back later.

[thsmith]

I have a pair of Amperex 7316 short plate D getters in my phono pre. Anyone tried the Psvanes 12AU7?

[thsmith]

Ok, Zingo and others that have these what is your opinion?

[zingo]

I really like the Psvane 12AX7 upgrade in my Treasure 300B amp. To my ear it was a similar sounding upgrading to rolling a good NOS tube in place of a factory stock; better tone, more life. Obviously there are many guys who will never choose a new Chinese tube over a classic NOS, but IMO having a similar sound to good NOS tubes, I'd rather pay for the warranty and the fact that they are factory new. Plus, $76 for a matched pair of quality tubes, that also match the Treasure tubes that are already in the amp is a great deal.

[thsmith]

Sounds good Zingo. Based upon what I have seen with the treasures in my system they sounded better than any NOS I have used such as the Tung Sol vintage 6550 3 hole.

Same is true for the 6SN7s, I have some great ones including RCA red base 5692s.

[Ricardo]

Interesting. I might order some 12AU7's for my pre.

[zingo]

Shuguang's top shelf tubes (Treasure and Psvane) are great sounding tubes, and can be very well priced; $76 for a pair of the 12Axx tubes is very reasonable, $510 for a pair of 300B tubes is pricey but they are fantastic sounding. I've concluded that no matter which Shuguang Treasure/Psvane tube(s) you buy, you will be getting a great sound, with varying degrees of value depending on the tube model.

[thsmith]

Yep, a quad of KT88s were not cheap but sure sound good.

I need 6 6sn7s input tubes on my amp. That may take a while.

[Jetmaker737]

I have psvane 12AX7's in my CDP and love them.

[miner]

I have them in my MC section of my McIntosh C2300 pre - replaced NOS Teles ribbed - and they sound wonderful; and quieter than the Teles. I have ordered 2 more pair for the MC line stages.

[Ricardo]

I ordered a quad of 12AU7's. Need to see (hear) what's all this noise about.

[CSM41]

My 12AT7 Psvanes are really opening up. They sound better with every hour I put on them. I like them so much that I just ordered a matched quad of the 6CA7 Treasures for my power amp to compliment them. By the time they get here I should have the Psvanes pretty much burned in. I will continue to post my findings.

[Ricardo]

Up to know, the word "beautiful" never crossed my mind when referring to tubes.


That changed today when my Psvane tubes arrived.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/tubes.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/tubes1.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/tubes2.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t123/garcimol/tubes3.jpg


Now I just need to get myself to install them and start breaking in....

[thsmith]

Can't wait to hear your initial and post burn in impressions Ricardo.

[engtaz]

Sweet

[Ricardo]

I got the Psvanes in my preamp. Replaced RCA Cleartops.

I immediately noticed higher gain. Other than that, I can't distinguish ANY difference in sound. Bass, highs, details, soundstage.....as if I had made no change at all.
This is pretty surprising. Different tubes usually have different signature sound, and new tubes usually sound like crap for at least a few hours..
I'll let them break in and see what happens.

[zingo]

They are a special tube for sure. I'm just disappointed that I can't get them in a 6922; I guess I'll be stuck with the Gold Lions until then... :tongue:

[thsmith]

I got the Psvanes in my preamp. Replaced RCA Cleartops.

I immediately noticed higher gain. Other than that, I can't distinguish ANY difference in sound. Bass, highs, details, soundstage.....as if I had made no change at all.
This is pretty surprising. Different tubes usually have different signature sound, and new tubes usually sound like crap for at least a few hours..
I'll let them break in and see what happens.

The cleartops are no slouch. I would take this as a positive sign that they will get better.

Please keep us updated. I am thinking of trying AU7s in my phono preamp. I currently have Amperex short plate D getter 7316s.

[miner]

They are a special tube for sure. I'm just disappointed that I can't get them in a 6922; I guess I'll be stuck with the Gold Lions until then... :tongue:

i HAVE BOTH THE pSVANES AND gOLD lIONS IN 12ax7 - both are very special tubes, especially for new. Being 'stuck' with the Gold Lions is a pleasure all should experience.

[Ricardo]

Run, don't walk. Get some of these before they run out. I am contemplating ordering a second quad...

24 hours in.

More bass? No.
Better extension? No.
Imaging/soundstage changes? No.
More details? No.

So why do I like these tubes?

I'm gonna use the word "texture". Or maybe it's the tone in the notes. Hard to explain, but they definitely add enjoyment to how the music sounds. I want to say "sparkling notes" for some reason.

I wonder if they will get better...or worse with 100 hours.

[Ricardo]

Forgot to mention. They are very, very quiet. Can't hear any hum, hiss, nothing.

[dragon1952]

Is there just the one source for the Psvanes?
http://psvanetube.com/wordpress/?page_id=148

Also, what is the diffrence in the 3 grades...does it just have to do with potential life span? i.e 80%+ emission, 60-79% emmision, below 60% emission.

[Mike Reeter]

Ricardo,those pics are makin' my nipples hard...if those babies are sounding as good as they look,I'm in.

[CSM41]

I am finding the same results with my Psvane 12AT7's. Fantastic tube. They are getting better as they burn in. Mine replaced a nice pair of old school Mullards.

[toucanet]

Quality question:

Which ones are you guys ordering?

Factory Tested, emission varies;
GF-Grade A, etc.

[Ricardo]

Quality question:

Which ones are you guys ordering?

Factory Tested, emission varies;
GF-Grade A, etc.



www.grantfidelity.com

Export tubes are supposed to be hand selected and only the best within tight specs.
If you buy from China you get different options.

Edit: Just saw that now from Grant Fidelity it takes you to this new page where you have those diffeent choices. It was not like that two weeks ago. I wonder which are the ones I bought...

[CSM41]

There have been some questions as to the validity of Ian Grant's claims on the "grading" of Shuguang tubes, but I will say that the service I have received from Grant Fidelity has been first rate. He is a business man and is in it to make a living, so I get it. I bought my Psvanes from them and will probably buy a second pair of 12AU7's from them for my power amp.

[toucanet]

I ended up ordering 6 sets of the 12AX7 and 6 sets of the 12AU7 (GF-Grade A). I'm guessing at the rate they are selling, they will be a good investment for me.

Thanks again to all for sharing the knowledge and experiences.

[Ricardo]

I emailed them and this is what they said:

"All previous sales were for the Grade A tubes as introductory (we kept lower grade until we introduced the step pricing) - if you wish to have same quality grade tubes, it will be the GF Grade A.."

And now they are $99 a pair.....

[dragon1952]

Anybody have a single 12AX7 they'd like to sell?

[madmax]

Thinking about re-tubing a pair of Manley Mahi Mahi EL-84 amps with these. $500 though, wow, gonna have to think pretty hard about it.
madmax

[Stew]

I bought a pair of the Psvane 12AX7's from Grant Fidelity in December for my Jolida JD-100. I listened to them for about 5 hours and they just didn't have synergy with my system. I know that's not enough time for proper burn in but I much prefer the sound of TJ Full Music 12AX7's in my system - even when the TJ's were brand new.

The Psvanes sounded warm and full while the TJ's sound tight and fast. Both have liquid mids. The TJ's have a little more energy in the top end and more air and detail. The Psvanes sound good but the TJ's are just right for my system and tastes.

What's a fair price for a slightly used set of Psvane 12AX7's? I have $76 plus S/H in them. I gather these are Grade A now selling for $99 from the above posts. I started to post them in the for sale section but really don't know what to ask for them.

[Stew]

Sold

[madmax]

OK, finally pulled the trigger on 8 EL-84's and a pair of 12AT7's for the Mahi monos. Had to think on that one for awhile. Maybe I'm getting cheap in my old age.
madmax

[jessie52]

Has anyone compared the Psvanes to similar-priced NOS like Radiotechnique or CBS-Hytron?