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?

128x128boxsoft

I think the current-issue Sovtek 5ar4 is not very tubey, but still pretty balanced. Compared to what I consider the best, Holland Amperex, they are a little cold and brittle. But once burned in they do not have the harshness of some Sino examples. And the Sovtek is cheap enough to try at no great loss if you dislike it. 

I have had good luck with Cryotone 5AR4 tubes. They match your description nicely - fast dynamic etc.  Unfortunately, they do not ship things out very rapidly and they are a little pricey. . 

EML 5U4G usually can be used in place of a 5AR4 and is very, very linear. You may want to look into that!

@boxsoft

That preamp should put nearly a constant load on that rectifier. So Voltage sag really isn't a concern unless the rectifier is shot.

If the power supply is properly designed (bypassed), the character of the rectifier will be very heard to discern!

If this is an older preamp it might simply be that some filter capacitors in the power supply have degraded.

The actual audio tubes in the signal path are far more important to how the preamp sounds!! What brands are in there right now?