New spec calling for 5AR4 instead of initial 5Y3 rectifier in CA-906
Linestage is stereo dual 6SN7 (New Tung_Sol). Power stage is 5Y3 to dual 6V6 to 6SL7. I like the sound of the newly recommended 5AR4, except that with my NOS (Mullard, RCA, Ken-Rad, respectively) tubes it emits low (-60-70dB) scratchy sounds (noisy). Subbed the Mullard with a new Sovtek--same noise. Factory recently says use all JJ in power stage (just ordered, they're built sturdy I know, for guitar amps). If I use my CBS Hytron JAN 5Y3GT, no noise at all. (I tried another NOS JAN 5Y3 and it DID develop noise, so I'm guessing it's just bad.) Ugh! I wonder if the increased plate voltage and doubling of current from 5AR4 rectifier is creating noise somewhere else (6V6s? 6SL7?) Unit was totally re-capped last month, so I don't think caps are acting up. I can't find a schematic, so I'm asking for anyone who knows tube amp power sections... The 6SN7s aren't the culprit (I subbed them). The intermittent scratchy sounds that appear are independent of volume selection. Doesn't exist on mute of course, but appears on first notch up in volume, and stays the same at any level. I've asked the factory, no response yet.
I don’t take any notice of what is said on guitar forums - they are on another planet and do some things to their amps that horrify me. That the change in caps changed the specs - you are on your own with that. Assume nothing - I’m not even sure Canary will want to comment if it has altered things beyond what they designed. edit - having said that, some of those comments from that link may have come from guitar amp people. Dunno. Probably. |
On numerous guitar amp posts, I've noticed that inserting the lower voltage drop tubes, 5V4 up to 5AR4 'tightened up' the sound, or 'reduced sag', and 'increased headroom', so maybe that perception drove the change. I have not heard confirmation (after asking the factory, and having the factory upgrade and replace all electrolytics,) that my unit though, from ~2008 has had any (needed?) upgrades other than the re-cap (more than doubling the output cap voltage capacity.) in order to handle the 5AR4. I mean, I suspect it CAN, but it may go thru tubes faster, thus the noise. .. |
On a quick search I found some comments about new production 5y3 tubes. I’m not sure if you will be able to open this link coz it was a search, so I copy what one person says, in part -
What seems to be important is that even within the 5Y3 family there are differences. To jump to a 5AR4 seems rather odd, not something I’d do without quite some thought. It hadn’t been previously blowing smoke or busting fuses and associated tubes?
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https://canaryaudio.com/906.html yes, i see the spec for 5ar4 maybe they made an internal revision to the unit to run the stronger rectifier... best wait for their reply i don't have personal experience with canary gear, nor the 5y3 but i have a lot of gear running the gz34/5ar4, it is a great tube rectifier here is some add’l info on the differences https://ampgarage.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=14993#:~:text=The%205Y3%20has%20the%20most,to%20their%20indirectly%20heated%20cathodes. |
5AR4 recommended by whom, when the amp is designed for 5Y3? Ya can't just go and experiment with a new rectifier type, especially on an amp with quite some years on it. Works OK with 5Y3, stick with it. Brand doesn't matter as long as the tube itself is OK. JJ are perfectly fine for hi-fi (where high Ip is preferred in output tubes compared with guitar where lower IP is sometimes preferred, that's the only difference. But you knew that). |
