Steve Hoffman explores Audio Note UK Jinro integrated amplifier 211 tube rolling with some of the exotics and more affordable version…
211 Transmitter Tubes As Audiophile Output Tube Lovers: I did some testing again last night on my Audio Note UK Jinro integrated (pictured) with the most “common” 211 types on hand and without a doubt, the vintage RCA Radiotron 211 is King. The new Elrogs are next on the list (the key being that they sound wonderful, are stable now are easily found) and after that the inexpensive Psvane (I like to pronounce them “Piss-Vaughn”) which are totally the best deal out there. I find that my good old WWII Signal Corp. GE VT-4-C is just too midrange heavy, not enough bass and not extended enough on top. So there ya have it. I think a pair of Psvane T Series Mark II 211’s in a matched set are only US $249.00 a pair. The new German Elrogs are around US $1,500.00 a pair. What are the old RCA’s up to now, $5,000.00 or more for an unmatched pair? So heed the words…
I bought all of my 211s in the 1990s when they were $20.00 each. I still have 10 RCA Radiotrons and two GEs left. I have 6 Elrogs that Audio Note sent me and they are in constant use.
Elrog hand-made (in Germany) 211 tubes. About $1,500 a pair these days. If you can afford them, the best sounding made today!
