Tung-Sol began as a manufacturer of electric lamps (building the first successful automobile headlamp) in 1907. In the 1920's, Tung-Sol had expanded into high quality vacuum tubes. Operating as a laboratory, Tung-Sol was able to create some of the most innovative and durable tubes ever constructed. As the original designer of the 5881 and 6550 power tubes (1950's), Tung-Sol was the preferred source for early musicians and audiophiles alike. Strongly committed to quality manufacturing, Tung-Sol tubes have always been known for their reliability and great tone. Today's new production Tung-Sol tubes are constructed with the same commitment to quality and reliability. Assembled by hand in the Reflektor factory in Saratov, Russia, new production Tung-Sol tubes reflect the best in vintage Tung-Sol construction with unsurpassed tone and reliability.