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Rectifier Tubes 5AR4 : New production vs NOS

Hello,

I am currently using a 2005 Cary Audio SLI 80 signature integrated amp. I had been using a new Electro Harmonix 5U4 rectifier tube, but recently was able to try out a new SovTek 5AR4. I was amazed at the meaningful sound improvement a different rectifier tube type can have on my amp. Now, I am considering investing some $ in NOS 5AR4's in the hope that will improve the sound further. However, my assumption had always been that the biggest impact NOS tubes will have over new tubes are in my preamp & driver tubes (6922 and 6SN7), since for these tubes are in the path of the music signal & they were much better made back then than the current production tubes. Would love your thoughts/experience on whether there would be much of a difference between NOS vs New 5AR4 rectifier tubes?

If there is already an extensive thread on this topic - pls point me to it, i haven't found one yet or i might just have missed seeing it online somewhere.

Thanks for your help.
longinc
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
This is all a matter of perspective. The power is, ultimately, shaped into a larger analog of the incoming signal. To me, that means it is very much in the signal path though this is certainly debatable. Likewise, tube rectifiers, IMHO, have as big an impact on the sound that we hear, as small signal tubes.

That said, the new Russian Gold Lion U77/GZ34 is a very good sounding,and in my amps, durable tube. Do I prefer Mullards? You bet, and that's why the Gold Lions are in their boxes. But if that was all that was available to me, I could certainly live with it.

Another point to consider, in most conservatively run circuits, the Mullards will have a long, and happy life. I expect my current cache to outlast me by a few generations.

Good luck with the quest.
trelja
3,215 posts
 
I also agree the rectifier is important.

Mullard 5AR4 have set the standard for both sound quality and reliability. Look at how many are still in use, and the prices they command.

Based on Marty's recommendation, I may give the Gold Lion's a try. So far, for new production, I've tried Sovtek, JJ, and Shuguang. As usual, skip the Sovtek. JJs sound great, and a good choice if you don't want to pay for Mullard sound quality. I just wish they were more durable, as they easily arc over, then it's time for a new one. Shuguangs don't sound nearly as good, but have proven exceptionally rugged.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Joe, interesting that you brought up the JJ, as I really like it as well. I think that we share the minority opinion. Their E34ls are a great tube also and I have not had the issues of reliability reported elsewhere.
bigkidz
1,784 posts
 
I agree with the Gold Lion tube. Also Music Full Music 274B if you can swap that one?
longinc OP
3 posts
 
Thank you for all your responses to my question - very informative and helpful!

I have a follow up question - i've heard that the 5AR4's provide a higher supply voltage to the rest of the amp circuitry since the voltage drop across it is less than the 5U4's. Hence, I've been cautioned against using it since it *might* operate some of the downstream components at or higher than their ratings. Anyone had issues with the 5AR4's?
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