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

[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.

[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.

[zingo]

Beautiful amp and tubes.

Thanks!

[george daniel]

sweet

[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.

[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.