Interested in Members' Experiences with Rectifier Tube Rolling in Modwright PS 9.0 and 9.9


I switched several years back from a 5AR4 to the Phillips 5R4GYS in the PS 9.0 power supply feeding my Modwright-Sony 5400es. I prefer the midrange of the 5R4GYS over all of the 5AR4's I've tried including the metal base one. I find the 5AR4 tube to be a little lean in that application. This past week I tried both the Mullard GZ32 5V4, and a 1949 RCA 5U4G black plate in the PS 9.0 power supply. In a direct comparison, both were clearer and had better instrumental separation than the Phillips 5R4GYS in my system. The 5R4GYS was slightly superior in bass heft. On balance the Mullard GZ32 is what I've chosen to keep in my PS 9.0, at least until I'm able to try the Tung Sol 5U4G top getter black plate.
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Showing 1 response by ptrck887

Hi all,
Better late than never.  I've run all the above in my Modwright Oppo PS9.9 and recently have been using the GEC U52.  It is superb with great detail, great bass, layering, separation and a huge soundstage....it also adds some body and weight to the music that wasn't there with most others, similar to the Philips 5R4GY in that regard but more refined.  I was disappointed as well as a bit surprised that the "Holy Grail" Western Electric 422A seemed a bit bright and harsh.  Anybody else here find that?  Could be that it had tested new so not run in as yet.  I plan on running it for 100 hours starting this weekend and will see what transpires, but for now the U52 is going to be tough to top!
Thanks