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How much does tube brand REALLY affect sound in terms of rectifier tubes?

Just wondering if anyone has opinions on how much it really matters as far as sonic signature when it comes to the type of rectifier tubes you are using. There doesn't seem to be a lot of comparison info out there.

I haven't done any tube rolling yet, and was looking for advice before I start.

I have a preamp using one GZ34/5AR4, and a pair of monoblocks using one each of these same tubes.

The preamp came with a NOS Amperex Bugle Boy, and the monblocks came with new production JJ's in them.

I'm really enjoying the sound with the setup I have now, and if rectifier tubes are not going to change the sound much either way, then I will play with some other tubes instead.

hossfly10
rodman99999
3,557 posts
 
Another thought: Given you have monoblocks, you could try installing a GZ34 in one channel’s amp, running the system mono, and compare the sound of the amps, before buying a second. Everyone listens/hears/judges differently.
noromance's avatar
noromance
1,780 posts
 
My Sylvania GZ34s sound better in my EICO mono amps than Raytheon 5U4G. Close though.

schubert
4,867 posts
 
Rectifier tubes are the most important tubes in most amps .
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
2,651 posts
 
I agree. It was an important upgrade in my 300b.
brf
1,699 posts
 
Okay, I must be the exception.  I hear no difference when swapping out rectifiers in my pre-amp.  When talking to the manufacture, I was told that my preamp's DC requirements are conservative, therefore, the power will not sag when pushed. 
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