5AR4 rectifier tube question
I am sort of shopping for one or more 5AR4s for a Cary SLP05 power supply because I’d like to have at least one spare and because I’d maybe like to roll two or three ad see if I can hear an improvement or vice versa. I make no claims of knowing much about the vacuum tube game; occasionally I get lucky & stumble on something that really works for me. As far as the 5AR4, I did a hit at Uncle Kevin’s site, and there were some that looked interesting (I am thinking of one in particular, it had a Japanese sounding name that started with a ’M’) but when I click on it, all I get is a picture of Uncle Kevin’s screaming face telling me "not to buy tubes" (later, when I finally took time to read, apparently his tube tester is down).
So I started doing hits on Ebay, and oh my gosh! I was inundated with choices and the variation in prices! Which do I stay away from and which should I be interested in? Would a 5AR4 from Bugera also be suitable for what I’d want to use it for? Could a rectifier tube provide a big sonic upgrade if I spent enough money on it? Can I make a sonic upgrade from what I believe (I haven’t opened up the power supply yet) is the stock EH 5AR4 without breaking the bank? I would be totally good with the $50.00 range and picking up 2 or 3 different ones to play with if those with experience thought I could improve the power supply in that range. If I had to I guess I could go more (the $100.00 range) but I probably wouldn’t be buying too many of them, and I was kind of HOPING not to go much over that.
Anyway, thanks in advance for the input; I always consider it part of my education.
It also seems apparent: the genuine Rocket Scientist, at Balanced Audio Technology (Viktor Khomenko), understands that power supply/rectifier changes can and will make dramatic changes, in one's musical presentation. ie: https://www.audionexus.com/nl10_balanced_audio_technology.shtml |
For the blissfully unaware: In SS, linear power supplies: upgrading rectifiers and regulators often makes some of the most audible and dramatic improvement in presentation. The same applies to tube components (AND: tube rectifiers), BECAUSE (in every gain stage): what the signal does is modulate the power supply's DC, via whatever active gain device the designer has chosen, into a stronger signal, until it ultimately reaches your speakers and ears. iow: You're listening to your power supply! again: From those that I've spoken to, component designers/manufacturers are well aware, whatever active gain devices* they choose to incorporate in their components: the quality of presentation will be directly proportionate to the quality of the DC *they modulate, as controlled by the signal they're presented. Note the number of times, "power supply upgrades" and, "HEXFREDs" are mentioned, in the following upgrades/paths/offers. Bybee Rails are another power supply upgrade/tweak, btw. http://www.rogueaudio.com/The_Magnum_Series.htm https://www.jolida.com/upgrades/upgrading-your-equipment Odyssey used to offer HEXFREDs (ultra fast/ soft recovery) as an upgrade, but: now, just as a standard parts. https://odysseyaudio.com/candela-vacuum-tube-line-preamplifier/. and from Cary:
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I’d like to believe the OP capable of sorting through the (seemingly convoluted) preponderance of info and experience offered, once the tubes they’ve ordered are in hand. It appears they are disposed to trusting their own ears and don’t mind spending a few bucks, to experiment with their own equipment, in their own room. As long as they’re having fun/enjoying themselves, after the past 24 months of mandated misery: I say KUDOS! Worse case scenario: they’ll have a few good tubes to sell, once they’ve placated the Otic Nervosa beast.
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btw: That, "flashing" mentioned is the main component of a tube’s gettering system. Here’s some info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Getter
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Just relax and enjoy the music. Its a lot easier to obfuscate issues with a quick A/B comparison, than over the long term. That, "comfortable and relaxed...feeling", in YOUR listening room, over the long term, is ALL that's important. Keep in mind: valves typically take something like 50 hrs of use, before they sound their best. Some will claim such is a result of ones ears adjusting. This is a verbatim quote, from a letter Brent Jessee sends, whenever one buys valves from him: "CARE AND FEEDING OF NEW TUBES: BREAK-IN Enjoy your jams! |
It’s hard to go wrong with Amperex, regardless of the context. When you receive yours: look for date codes like: F32/B4J1 or: F32/B4H5, etched into the glass. Also: for a hole in the guide pin. Those would indicate that your Amperex was manufactured by Mullard and rebranded. Many of the better tube companies rebranded/sold Mullard’s wares.
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From those that I've spoken to, component designers/manufacturers are well aware, whatever active gain devices* they choose to incorporate in their components: the quality of presentation will be directly proportionate to the quality of the DC *they modulate, as controlled by the signal they're presented. Note the number of times, "power supply upgrades" and, "HEXFREDs" are mentioned, in the following upgrades/paths/offers. Bybee Rails are another power supply upgrade/tweak, btw. http://www.rogueaudio.com/The_Magnum_Series.htm https://www.jolida.com/upgrades/upgrading-your-equipment Odyssey used to offer HEXFREDs (ultra fast/ soft recovery) as an upgrade, but: now, just as a standard parts. https://odysseyaudio.com/candela-vacuum-tube-line-preamplifier/. Happy listening! |
One more time: In SS, linear power supplies: upgraded rectifiers and regulators, often makes some of the most audible and dramatic improvement in presentation. The same applies to tube components, BECAUSE (in every gain stage): what the signal does is modulate the power supply's DC, into a stronger signal, until it ultimately reaches your speakers and ears. iow: You're listening to your power supply! Capiche? (of course not!)
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Not certain about many of the NOS rectifiers, out there, but: a Mullard Blackburn, GZ34, in pristine condition, will always bring above $150, from what I've seen of late. One reason for the demand and price, is the presentation, which (of course) is a matter of the palate. Another huge one: typically, the tube will still be testing GOOD, long after the first purchaser has expired. |
Keep in mind: there's a plethora of variables, between that 5AR4/GZ34 and what you ultimately perceive (media/components/room/ears/brain/perspectives). OH, and: NEVER accept info, from a bogus* Intelligence Operative! *What they offer will typically be in character Happy experimenting and listening! |
+1s, for those that recommended NOS Mullards as the go-to, for tube rectifiers. Especially: look for those manufactured in the Blackburn plant. In SS, linear power supplies: upgraded rectifiers and regulators, often makes some of the most audible and dramatic improvement in presentation. The same applies to tube components, BECAUSE (in every gain stage):
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