Vacuum Tubes in 2025 – Not Made in America
As of 2025, the biggest suppliers of vacuum tubes (new production) are a small group of manufacturers β nearly all based in Russia, China, and Slovakia β with a few large retail distributors worldwide. Here’s a breakdown:
Top Vacuum Tube Manufacturers
π·πΊ Reflector (Saratov, Russia) β a.k.a. Sovtek / Electro-Harmonix
- Brands: Sovtek, Electro-Harmonix, Tung-Sol (modern), Mullard (modern), Genalex Gold Lion
- Parent Company: New Sensor Corp (U.S.-based, owns brand IP, manufacturing in Russia)
- Still the largest single tube factory before 2022; geopolitical issues may affect exports
- Major supplier of audio, guitar amp, and hi-fi tubes
- Status: Exports have fluctuated due to sanctions and global instability
π¨π³ Shuguang (Changsha, China)
- Brand: Shuguang
- Government-backed, formerly massive output
- Makes 12AX7, 6L6, EL34, KT88, etc.
- Status: Factory was reportedly shut down for βreorganizationβ in ~2019 and has not returned to previous output levels
π¨π³ PSVANE (China)
- Brand: PSVANE (and TII, Treasure)
- High-end tubes, mostly aimed at audiophile hi-fi
- Spin-off of Shuguang engineers
- Still active and widely available
- Focus on premium replicas of Western Electric, Mullard, Telefunken tubes
πΈπ° JJ Electronic (Slovakia)
- One of the most reliable Western-aligned tube producers
- Wide selection: 12AX7, EL84, EL34, KT88, 6V6, 6L6, etc.
- Stable output and strong reputation for guitar and hi-fi
- Factory based in Δadca, Slovakia
- Increasingly dominant as Russian and Chinese supply is volatile
Major Global Distributors & Retailers
| Distributor | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TubeDepot | USA | Large online retailer of new and NOS tubes |
| The Tube Store | Canada | North America’s other major tube dealer |
| Amplified Parts | USA | Also sells capacitors, sockets, resistors for amps |
| Eurotubes | USA (JJ-only) | Exclusive JJ supplier in U.S. β excellent matching and testing |
| Watford Valves | UK | Longstanding UK tube specialist, stocks multiple brands |
| Langrex | UK | Large inventory of NOS and new production tubes |
| Banana Music | China | Direct source for PSVANE and Shuguang tubes |
Supply Chain Note:
- NOS (New Old Stock) is finite and rising in cost.
- JJ is the most stable and available source for regular production tubes now.
- Russian-made tubes (via Electro-Harmonix/New Sensor) are still top performers, but export restrictions and bans have made supply spotty in the West.
Summary: Who is the biggest?
π― New Sensor Corp / Reflector (Russia) was historically the biggest producer, but due to sanctions:
- JJ Electronic (Slovakia) is currently the most stable large-scale producer
- PSVANE (China) is the leading high-end audiophile brand
It’s unfortunate because some years ago, JJ Electronic is known to have sold an entire lot of faulty tubes that failed within only a few hours runtime.
Sourcing Guide
Here’s a detailed sourcing guide for vacuum tubes in 2025 β focused on both new production and NOS (New Old Stock), with specifics for common audio tubes like 6JN6, EL34, KT88, 12AX7, and others:
Sourcing Guide: Vacuum Tubes (2025)
1. General-Purpose Audio/Guitar Tubes
These are regularly used in hi-fi, guitar amps, and general audio gear.
| Tube Type | Notes | Best Sources |
|---|---|---|
| 12AX7 | Preamp; multiple variants | JJ, EH, Tung-Sol, Sovtek, PSVANE |
| EL34 | Power tube (Marshall style) | JJ, EH, Mullard (New Sensor), PSVANE |
| 6L6GC | Fender amps, hi-fi | JJ, Tung-Sol, Sovtek, EH |
| KT88 | Hi-fi, large amps | JJ, Gold Lion, PSVANE, Shuguang |
| 6V6GT | Lower power guitar amps | JJ, EH, Tung-Sol |
β Where to buy:
- www.tubedepot.com
- www.thetubestore.com
- www.amplifiedparts.com
- www.eurotubes.com β JJ specialist
- www.watfordvalves.com (UK)
- www.langrex.co.uk (UK NOS-heavy)
- bananamusic.cn β Direct PSVANE source
2. Audiophile-Grade Premium Tubes
If you’re building high-end gear or SET amps, these brands offer modern premium versions:
| Brand | Country | Quality Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PSVANE | China | High-end boutique, good for 300B, KT88 |
| TJ Full Music | China | Premium 300B, 845 tubes; expensive |
| Genalex Gold Lion | Russia | Excellent KT88, EL34 clones |
| EAT | Slovakia | Extremely high-end, low production volume |
Buy from:
- bananamusic.cn β Official PSVANE dealer
- www.hificollective.co.uk β Boutique audio
- www.partsconnexion.com β Audiophile electronics
Caution When Buying
- Watch out for fake Gold Lion / Mullard / Telefunken β verify the seller reputation
- Check testing/matching services β especially for output tubes
- For NOS: Ask for emission test results (mutual conductance or curve-tracer)
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