5AR4/GZ34 Rectifier Tubes

The Create Audio 5AR4/GZ34 is "supposed" to be quite good. I've heard/read mixed reviews. I haven't tried one yet, but might.

Mark,
Please keep us posted. The reason you stated above,

"found them to sound less romantic and more neutral, detailed and dynamic than the Mullards".

is why I haven't tried one yet. I really like the warmer more romantic sound of the Mullard. I'm a little afraid of losing that with the Create. Anxious to hear your take on it.

Brownsfan,

Thanks for the comments. I guess the only way to know for sure is to try it. You're right, the Create tube isn't that much money compared to others.

I bought a lifetime supply of the Mullard 5AR4 tubes when I first got my preamp, (actually before I even got the unit), so I am set for awhile with them.

I'll wait to hear what Mark has to say about the Create, then maybe try one.

Mark...thanks for the comprehensive review. I guess I will have to try the Create 5AR4 in my LS100. I really like the Mullard, so it will be an interesting trial. Thanks again.

I'm pretty sure he got them on E-Bay. Here is the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genalex-Gold-Lion-NEW-NIB-U77-5AR4-GZ34-Rectifier-tube-Test-NEW-/181256766389?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item2a33bec3b5

I tried the Create 6SN7s in my Modwright LS100 and they sucked. One of the worst I tried. The 5AR4 (GZ34) from Create is excellent, but their 6SN7 was not a good choice...for me anyway.

It's actually Ken Rad, not Ked Rad. I have a few pairs of
these and they are indeed nice, however, in my system, the
Shuguang Black Treasure CV-181 "Z" (original
series), was better sounding.

I also like the Sophias a lot, very nice.

Like Wig stated, it really comes down to preferences...

A little clarification. The "Bugle Boy" was a series of tubes that were made by Amperex. There was no company named Bugle Boy.

http://vintagetubeservices.com/page9.html

Iso...nice catch on your part also! Wig is indeed thinking of the Bad Boys since he was using VT231s which are a 6SN7 substitute. I can't believe I missed that. I actually have several pairs of Sylvania Bad Boys. Great tube btw...