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.

immatthewj

I need to stop visiting ebay when I’ve been drinking; I just won a bid I placed on a Holland Amperex 5AR4. This one was not branded as a Bugle Boy.

4 notch mullards are the ones that sound best. 

no notch sound worst

metal base are very pricey.  

     Too bad eBay doesn't offer Frequent Flyer Miles.

                  Sounds like you're hooked!

     Give each tube some hours, before critically listening and take notes, per your impressions.       Then: post 'em.

                          Mostly: HAVE FUN!

You've got it, @rodman99999 ! You should see all the "audiophile quality" CDs I have bought on ebay after a hard night in my listening room with a bottle of wine. I think I only have one more bid placed in an ongoing auction--this one is for a NIB NOS Mullard.

I remember reading about a serial killer who left a note at a murder scene that read, "Stop me before I kill again!"