Hi Wolf, well yes, I was also worried by past reports of Shuguang tubes reliability problems, but read so glowing reviews about the new WEKT88s Plus (and at the same time found a very good offer from a U.S. seller) that just went for them...after two months and 100 hours plus, so far so good.
My Jolida 3502S is a touch on the “warmish” side of neutral in a nice way, and the GLKT88s sound splendid, no doubt, albeit a little bit “dark” on this amp. “All German” neutral drivers (Telefunken, RFT) improved things a lot, but still I was looking for something more lively sounding...and the Shuguang “big bottles” were just the ticket.
Very accurate power tubes: fast, open and nimble with the German drivers, they easily morphed into classic sweetness with, say, Mullard or Brimar drivers, but never falling into excessive warmth nor losing even a bit of tightness or control in the bass: a high point in this tube. Sound layering is another: over a solid, dynamic foundation, mids & highs just flow freely, open, relaxed, with a “classic” flair. This is not your “standard” KT88 and definitely does not sound like one. It belongs to Shuguang family of premium “big bottles” along with the 300Bs, 411s, 274s and the like...and yes, it is relatively expensive but so far worth every penny...if reliable in the long run.
