PSVANE - Let’s Talk All Things about Vacuum Tubes

[PSVANE]

Hello everyone, I'm Melody from PSVANE. I'm excited to be here again and chat with all of you. As a company specializing in audio accessories, we've traditionally spent most of our time working with the brands that use our products. It's been a rare opportunity to engage directly with you, our end users. During the promotion of our new HORIZON series, I found immense joy in connecting with you all and learned a lot in the process. I want to take this moment to thank you for your support and interest in our products.

The purpose of this post isn't to promote anything, but to create a space where we can freely discuss everything related to vacuum tubes. The discussion here isn't limited to just PSVANE products. If you have any questions or curiosities about vacuum tubes—whether it's about technology, products, sound quality, or anything else—feel free to leave a comment below. My team of engineers and I are here to engage with you and provide answers.

Looking forward to our conversation!

 

[Synaxis]

This is great. Thank you Melody.

Although I have an open mind toward all gear, in my heart I am a tube lover (and have more tube amps on the way for review) and look forward to learning more from the much-smarter-than-me people on this forum.

 

[PSVANE]

This is great. Thank you Melody.

Although I have an open mind toward all gear, in my heart I am a tube lover (and have more tube amps on the way for review) and look forward to learning more from the much-smarter-than-me people on this forum.

Thank you for your support! We also warmly welcome you to share your experience with using tube gear here.

 

[PSVANE]

 

[Bobvin]

Hi Psvane, can you comment on the burn-in recommendations for your tubes? I recently received a pair of Acme Series 2A3 tubes and want to be sure I condition them for longest life.

 

[Kingrex]

I feel we are left to guess and speculate what a Horizon tube is all about. It would be nice is Melody explaind the line and where it stands to the top of the line offering.

I tried a 845 ACME and was aftaid it was redplating and got rid of them. I didn't know much about 845 at the time. I think it sounded good. Never really heard it. I don't like the Linlai 845 I kept. I do like the Elrog.

I would like to find another option for KT120. I am using Shuguang 50 year anniversary treasure KT88. I like the tube a lot. But it has a little hum. Compared.to the JJ kt88, you could say the Shuguang is noisy. But the tone is better. My amp will handle the KT120. Instead of a new 88 I am considering trying a 120.

 

[JSA]

Hi Psvane,
Can you tell us what is the difference between new ART T3 series and ACME series?
Let’s take 274B as an example.
Some of your distributors market ART as new version of ACME. Is that true?

 

[PSVANE]

Hi Psvane,
Can you tell us what is the difference between new ART T3 series and ACME series?
Let’s take 274B as an example.
Some of your distributors market ART as new version of ACME. Is that true?

Hi.
The Art TIII is an upgraded version of our Art TII, and it is ranked below the Acme and WE series.

 

[PSVANE]

Hi Psvane, can you comment on the burn-in recommendations for your tubes? I recently received a pair of Acme Series 2A3 tubes and want to be sure I condition them for longest life.

Hello.
Our recommendation is to burn in the tubes for about 50 hours to allow them to stabilize.
During this burn-in period, if you notice that the sound remains consistent without significant changes, it indicates that the tubes have reached a stable state.
While we suggest 50 hours, it's not mandatory; some reviewers find that 4 hours are sufficient.

 

[PSVANE]

I feel we are left to guess and speculate what a Horizon tube is all about. It would be nice is Melody explaind the line and where it stands to the top of the line offering.

Hi, thank you for your question.

For audio vacuum tubes, the hierarchy of our product line is as follows:
Basic：HIFI、UK
Selected：HORIZON、ART
Premium：WE、ACME

The HORIZON Series is our latest line, featuring a more neutral sound compared to the Art Series and incorporating the latest technologies, such as HPC coating.
The WE Series pays homage to the classic Western Electric sound.
The ACME Series is our true flagship, offering a neutral and well-rounded sound profile.

Many users have shared their experiences with the Horizon series. You can search on YouTube for more objective reviews.

 

[Bobvin]

Hello.
Our recommendation is to burn in the tubes for about 50 hours to allow them to stabilize.
During this burn-in period, if you notice that the sound remains consistent without significant changes, it indicates that the tubes have reached a stable state.
While we suggest 50 hours, it's not mandatory; some reviewers find that 4 hours are sufficient.

Thanks. Another brand of premium tubes suggests burn-in be done initially in “normal” listening but limited to 4hrs at a time allowing time for the tubes to cool off. Also not to push the volume too much initially. Was curious to hear if PSVANE had any similar considerations?

 

[PSVANE]

Thanks. Another brand of premium tubes suggests burn-in be done initially in “normal” listening but limited to 4hrs at a time allowing time for the tubes to cool off. Also not to push the volume too much initially. Was curious to hear if PSVANE had any similar considerations?

We recommend just listening normally. For the first 50 hours, try not to crank up the volume too high. And, of course, don’t forget to turn it off when you’re done!

 

[Kingrex]

What about KT120. Any chance Psvane is working on a ACME version. I see there is, or were Hifi versions of the KT120 made. They do not review well.

And I don't see any for sale.

I don't see the Shuguang Hidden Treasure KT120 for sale either. Only Tungsol. I do like the Hidden Treasure KT88. I have not tried the ACME yet. I would prefer to try a KT120.

 

[PSVANE]

What about KT120. Any chance Psvane is working on a ACME version

I'm sorry, but PSVANE currently has no plans to develop a KT120 at this time.

 

[Kingrex]

How do I get well screened and matches ACME tubes. My amps are PP and very sensitive to matching. I hear it told by Kevin with Upscale Audio that matching from say the New Sensor plant is a joke. He ends up with close to 40% rejects. What does Psvane do to ensure only the very best ACME tubes are shipped and the rest destroyed. How does Psvane match the tubes. Are they burned in for 10 to 20 hours then tested under load. Not just the heaters lit. The whole tube under operation.
Thanks.

 

[PSVANE]

Our Acme tubes undergo 24 hours of burn-in, after which the anode current is precisely matched, so you can rest assured on this point.
If your equipment is particularly sensitive, we also offer additional parameter screening. Please feel free to contact us via email for that. （psvaneusa@gmail.com）

As for where the rejected tubes go, our factory produces 1.6 million tubes annually, supplying not only the HiFi field but also industrial, military, medical, and musical instrument amplifiers.
Tubes that do not meet the stringent parameters required for HiFi applications are downgraded and used in other areas where precision is not as critical.

How do I get well screened and matches ACME tubes. My amps are PP and very sensitive to matching. I hear it told by Kevin with Upscale Audio that matching from say the New Sensor plant is a joke. He ends up with close to 40% rejects. What does Psvane do to ensure only the very best ACME tubes are shipped and the rest destroyed. How does Psvane match the tubes. Are they burned in for 10 to 20 hours then tested under load. Not just the heaters lit. The whole tube under operation.
Thanks.

 

[K3RMIT]

Regarding burn in
I’ve read it’s best to start with a 1 hour on and let get cold and then 2 hours on
do this numerically until it’s 5 on then at this point tubes are safe and tend to be done changing.
I’ve felt the first turn should be at low volume due to possible clicks and other noises.
the time quoted of 50 hours can be needed on some to make them sound the same.
eml and Sophia electric had or has some alt coating. For me they had too much of an impact on tone.
but we all have our preferences
I read in the past a company named
Shaugaung ? Where do they fit in ?
Curious

 

[PSVANE]

Regarding burn in
I’ve read it’s best to start with a 1 hour on and let get cold and then 2 hours on
do this numerically until it’s 5 on then at this point tubes are safe and tend to be done changing.
I’ve felt the first turn should be at low volume due to possible clicks and other noises.
the time quoted of 50 hours can be needed on some to make them sound the same.
eml and Sophia electric had or has some alt coating. For me they had too much of an impact on tone.
but we all have our preferences
I read in the past a company named
Shaugaung ? Where do they fit in ?
Curious

I consulted our engineers, and they confirmed that all of our tubes undergo quality testing and pre-burn-in before leaving the factory. So during the first 50 hours of use, as long as the volume isn’t excessively high, the tubes will reach an optimal state after this burn-in period without the need for any additional special steps.

Shuguang is very well-known in China, being one of the earliest state-owned enterprises with a long history. Although they are a competitor, we have great respect for them, as they offer a full range of products from entry-level to high-end.

Yes, you're absolutely right—the coating does have a significant impact on the sound quality!

 

[PSVANE]

 

[chrispua]

@PSVANE

Hi, I just purchased a pair of Psvane Horizon 12au7-AT and a pair of 12ax7-AT from your Amazon store, now I'm waiting for the goods to arrive. I'm planning to change my front tubes on my Muzishare X7 Amp that is currently running on stock tubes for almost a year. After doing some research and watching quite a few reviews on YouTube, I've decided to make these purchases.

I'm also planning on changing my current power tubes with the Psvane Horizon KT88-AT tubes you are selling on Amazon. While doing my research, I found a very similar looking Psvane tube with model number KT88-PT tubes. May I know are these KT88-PT tubes similar to the Horizon KT88-AT tubes? If not, what are their differences in terms of quality and sound signature? Thanks you in advance for answering.