Well won a auction on a'gon for $100. The only other 211 that competes is the NOS RCA 211. United are the Holy Grail if you can find them, circa $1500 per pair. Military 211s were designed to last over 10,000 hours. If one is lucky enough to find a pair your done for a long time.
Compared to the Shugang 211s that came with the amp [ 2 pairs] its no contest. The Shugangs are bright and shouty. The full music 211s when working were a tad smoother but still shouty. The Sophia 211 is similar to the RCA but darker. The NOS 211s have an edge in sonics.
In the intrum using Valve Art 211s, basically a low noise Shugang. Better than the supplied 211s but still shouty. Seems to be a trait of Shugang made 211s no matter what brand.
I have yet to hear the new Shugang series which is stated resembles the GE 211 in sonics. Maybe the Shugang house sound has changed with 211s Unless you try them you'll never know. An expensive experiment. Their treasure series has seen accolades so I'm hoping the 211s follow suit. Demo tubes would be a great idea or at least a trial period for return.
Oh oh just found some GE 242Cs a replacement for the 211 oh my, where is my checkbook ? At $600 a pair this is a steal. Two pairs $1200 and done for 20,000 hours.
charles