2. amps-preamps
  3. 190729-187807

Looking for 5AR4 rectifier tube most like solid state

I have the Cary SLP-05 preamp (with the Ultimate Upgrade), which sounds exceedingly good in most respects. Unfortunately, it's sorely lacking in rhythmic excitement (what various British companies call Pace, Rhythm and Timing, or PRaT).

I suspect that the 5AR4 tube rectifier is at least partially to blame. In general, tube rectifiers exhibit "sag". This helps some aspects of the performance, but is likely dulling transients that are needed to create faster dynamics (e.g. percussive envelopes).

Cary has told me that I cannot insert an equivalent solid-state rectifier, as it would require a power supply redesign. Instead, I'm hoping to find a 5AR4 tube that mostly closely behaves like a solid state rectifier. I don't want it to be warm, or smooth, or anything like that. This preamp already has an overabundance of those qualities. Instead, I want it to be fast, dynamic, rhythmic, and exciting, with a real sense of "boogie".

Any suggestions?

boxsoft

Showing 2 responses by dogearedaudio

dogearedaudio's avatar
dogearedaudio
182 posts
 

First of all, I used a Cary SLP-98P for a couple of years but I got tired of the thick, sluggish sound. I now use a 6SN7 Aikido preamp of my own build, very similar to what Don Sachs was providing before he retired from that business and moved to Spatial Labs. That in turn was based on the Tubes4HiFi SP14 octal Aikido preamp. The Aikido circuit is much "faster" and more transparent than the Cary, plenty of rhythm and pace.

Secondly, I would NOT mess with solid state replacements or different types of tube rectifiers at the risk of voiding your Cary’s warrenty or worse, damaging it. IMHO the Cary sound is determined by the way they configure the 6SN7, and also the type of output caps they use. A lot of folks like that sound but like you, I found it unsatisfying, especially once I heard the Aikido-style preamp.

You COULD try a genuine Mullard GZ34. They tend to be "faster" and a bit more lively on top than most others. A current-manufacture Chinese or Russian 5AR4 will, IMO, NOT get you what you are looking for.

If you want to keep the naturalness and linearity of the 6SN7, I’d suggest a used Don Sachs SP14, or the Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL or the new Velo, if that’s more within your budget. Also look at the Icon Audio Pure Valve. Another option might be the Black Ice F360, which also uses the 6SN7. That’s my .02. ;-)

ETA: I forgot to mention that the Tubes4HiFi SP14 is still available, and at a very good price. It’s not as tricked out as the Don Sachs version, but it’s a VERY good preamp for the money, one of the great bargains in high-end audio IMO.

dogearedaudio's avatar
dogearedaudio
182 posts
 

@boxsoft If it's any help to you, I have yet to find a new-manufacture 6SN7 that sounds any good to me.  Some of them actually generate measurably more distortion than NOS versions.  And with the price of good new 6SN7s today nearing $50 a piece, and given the poor quality control and possible microphonics, you're really better off buying NOS.  Some NOS tubes are unconscionably expensive, of course, but even then they will last longer and give you more listening pleasure than most of the new ones.  The problem, of course, is that searching for your *favorite* NOS 6SN7 can really get expensive. ;-)  By all means, try some different varieties in the Cary, but at some point you may find that tracking down that *one* 6SN7 that makes it listenable to you isn't worth the trouble.  A preamp more to your liking will sound good *regardless* of what "flavor" of 6SN7 you choose.  I'll be interested to see what you discover.

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