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TUBE HELP with 5AR4 Rectifier

I just picked up a Tube Phono Preamp which uses a 5ar4 Rectifier tube...
I have (3) to choose from and would like to know which would work the best in the unit..

SOVTEK
RUBY
JJ

I know there are some really nice rectifier tubes out there but these are what I have to work with now...and I do wish I had some Phillips Miniwatts to try.
Your input is appreicated
dgordonl
bojack
539 posts
 
I may be wrong, but aren't rectifier tubes out of the signal path, i.e. they do not amplify? If so, how would they make a difference in sound?
rodman99999
3,557 posts
 
Whether you look at it that way or not: The power supply IS in the signal path. What do you think is providing the voltage gain? Thus: The cleaner/smoother the voltage- the cleaner/smoother the music. Swapping rectifier tubes will often affect the sound of your amp as much as outputs or drivers/phase splitters.
bdgregory
1,580 posts
 
Swapping rectifier tubes will often affect the sound of your amp as much as outputs or drivers/phase splitters.

this has been my experience too.

.
dgordonl OP
128 posts
 
Thanx for some of your suggestions....Right now I am using the RUBY(chinese) which sounds really nice..
I contacted Kevin at Upscale and ordered up a Japanese 5ar4/gz34 which is a copy of the Mullard.... Should be here on Thursday and will give it a try..Seems to be a likeable tube to some tastes according to user chats...
markus1299
245 posts
 
I happened on a Philips MiniWatt GZ34 and sceptically installed it in my Cary SLP05 and was really surprised at the difference it made. Quieter, sharper images and a tad warmer
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