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5AR4/GZ34 Rectifier Tubes

Is anyone currently making a tube of this type that rivals the performance of the best NOS Mullard tubes? I'm surprised that Sophia, Psvane and others appear not to have offered this tube. Suggestions?
dodgealum

Showing 3 responses by trelja

trelja
3,226 posts
 
As they appear to me to be the same tube, I'd be curious regarding someone comparing the Create 5AR4 to the Shuguang.
trelja
3,226 posts
 
While I have a Mullard 5AR4/GZ34, I find the JJ sound very nice, better than Shuguang, and a good enough option for me. Unfortunately, the Shuguang have proved more rugged/reliable.
trelja
3,226 posts
 
I could be wrong, but the Create Audio 5AR4 looks like a relabeled Shuguang.

Whart, "I haven't tried any tubes that are currently manufactured, apart from the Chinese tube mentioned above."

If it's the standard Shuguang 5AR4, the Mullard provides a good step up in sonics. The JJ also will, and in most of the applications I've tried, sounds almost as good as the Mullard. Unfortunately, the Shuguang has proven much more rugged in comparison to. The JJ tend to arc over at conditions the Mullard and Shuguang do not.
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