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Post by iggs on Oct 23, 2006 11:57:49 GMT -7
Which manufacturer makes the best and most reliable new ones?
Thanks.
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Post by mudskipper on Oct 23, 2006 14:58:24 GMT -7
as far as current production 5AR4s are concerned, i've used Chinese, JJ, Sovtek and Weber copper cap. the JJ version has an issue with the diameter of the pins from what i understand and there was something weird about the specs of the first couple of batches as i recall.
Sovteks seems to be OK now. i did have one that did the lightening storm inside of the glass before dying a couple of years ago and i heard back then that it wasn't unusual. the Sovtek 5AR4 i use now has been in the amp for about 2years, i think, and it's been solid.
Weber's coppercap has been great but you *might* notice a slight difference in feel of your amp. i think it's pretty close, though.
Chinese 5AR4s sag more and it's like between 5AR4 and 5U4. if you want early break up this would be the one to get.
hope this helps....
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Post by iggs on Oct 24, 2006 6:23:10 GMT -7
Thanks for the info!
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Post by Seńor Verde on Oct 24, 2006 22:11:27 GMT -7
Sovteks seem good to me. I did a swap a few years ago with Sovtek, JJ, Svetlana and a Phillips NOS and a Copper Cap. I liked the Sovtek in that amp, an Allen Old Flame. I do carry a Weber Copper along with a few extra tubes, just in case.
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Post by Don on Oct 25, 2006 20:17:15 GMT -7
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Post by iggs on Oct 26, 2006 6:39:11 GMT -7
Where do those GT rectos come from? They look like Sovtek to me ...
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Post by hdahs143 on Oct 26, 2006 6:46:56 GMT -7
They are Sovtek. They've just been through the Groove Tube gauntlet!
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Post by Seńor Verde on Oct 26, 2006 10:47:30 GMT -7
I like the stock rectifiers in my Maz's, whatever they are. Sovtek?
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Post by iggs on Oct 26, 2006 12:20:16 GMT -7
So I got some JJ GZ34S and one of them has a ragged edge base ... Would you return/exchange it? Anything else possibly wrong with it, other then it looking ugly?
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Post by mudskipper on Oct 26, 2006 16:16:20 GMT -7
So I got some JJ GZ34S and one of them has a ragged edge base ... Would you return/exchange it? Anything else possibly wrong with it, other then it looking ugly? you can always check it on a tester. also check the pin diameter (with a caliper) and make sure it fits properly. from what i've heard, JJ's pins are a little on the skinny side nowadays.
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Post by hdahs143 on Oct 26, 2006 21:14:54 GMT -7
So I got some JJ GZ34S and one of them has a ragged edge base ... Would you return/exchange it? Anything else possibly wrong with it, other then it looking ugly? you can always check it on a tester. also check the pin diameter (with a caliper) and make sure it fits properly. from what i've heard, JJ's pins are a little on the skinny side nowadays. I've heard that as well. Not really a good thing
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Post by garyh on Nov 3, 2006 19:44:08 GMT -7
I bought a JAN NOS Sylvania from KCA. There were a couple of great reviews from guys with Dr. Zs on the KCA site. Haven't been able to try it out yet since I pulled out a pin receptor removing the stock Sovtek. Hopefully will get the amp back on Sunday.
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Post by hollowman on Nov 7, 2006 13:46:22 GMT -7
I too just received a JAN NOS from Mike. I had a little heartburn about dropping $65 but I should never have to replace it again. I'll drop back in after I get it installed with my .02.....
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Post by dock66 on Nov 7, 2006 14:59:03 GMT -7
I too just received a JAN NOS from Mike. I had a little heartburn about dropping $65 but I should never have to replace it again. I'll drop back in after I get it installed with my .02..... That tube should last for years.
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Post by nitehawk55 on Nov 7, 2006 16:49:52 GMT -7
I've got a lifetime supply of NOS 5AR4/GZ34 tubes . I have 6 NOS big bottle Sylvania's and at least 12 NOS Mullards and Philips . I went on a buying spree the past couple years plus doing some trading with some German radio tubes I no longer needed and ended up with quite a few ! 5U4GB's are still a good buy and I just purchased 10 NOS Westinghouse for around $50 . I've got a bunch of current and some NOS preamp and output tubes as well so I guess "overkill " would describe my tube stash best . I have been looking to buy some NOS 12AY7's to try in my 57 Twin . NOS rectifier tubes ??.....can't beat em !! Just make sure you get from a reputable dealer/source and if you have an amp that needs biasing I recommend it when you switch because these NOS usually kick up the juice and change the bias reading a noticable amount sometimes .
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Post by iggs on Nov 9, 2006 7:58:08 GMT -7
I too just received a JAN NOS from Mike. I had a little heartburn about dropping $65 but I should never have to replace it again. I'll drop back in after I get it installed with my .02..... That tube should last for years. Good ... 'cuz I just ordered some from Mike ... ;D ... Thanks Mike!
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Post by backwardsman on Dec 8, 2006 18:49:14 GMT -7
I also pulled out a pin receptor while removing the stock Sovtek. Pin #1. Anybody else do this? What does Pin #1 control on that particular tube?? --my question has been answered by the good Dr. himself in the "ask the experts" forum. Pin #1 is indeed not connected to anything, and pulling out the pin receptor will have no effect on the tube operation!
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Post by hollowman on Dec 14, 2006 22:00:32 GMT -7
As promised my .o2 on the new rectifier... I finally got around to slipping in the new rectifier, pluss swapped out the GT #6's for some JJ #5's. really couldn't tell much of a difference at home in the basement, but last night at rehearsal got to crank up my maz jr Sounded awesome, smoother distortion, both with and without pedals. very happy with the purchase and results. now looking to experiment a little with the 12ax7s... happy holidays to all!!
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Post by myles on Dec 19, 2006 11:16:06 GMT -7
Which manufacturer makes the best and most reliable new ones? Thanks. Sovtek generally but JJ's can be even better at times. But ... if you are not an amp maker trying to get rectifiers for a lot of amps and are just a player you have to be sort of crazy not to grab any NOS rectifer. The are MUCH more reliable, last decades, and have much better specs when tested than ANY current production rectifier.
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Post by heynewguy (Ol’ Bill) on Dec 19, 2006 11:22:41 GMT -7
Which manufacturer makes the best and most reliable new ones? Thanks. Sovtek generally but JJ's can be even better at times. But ... if you are not an amp maker trying to get rectifiers for a lot of amps and are just a player you have to be sort of crazy not to grab any NOS rectifer. The are MUCH more reliable, last decades, and have much better specs when tested than ANY current production rectifier. Myles, Does that also apply to pre-amp and power tubes? Thanks new
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Post by myles on Dec 21, 2006 12:50:32 GMT -7
Sovtek generally but JJ's can be even better at times. But ... if you are not an amp maker trying to get rectifiers for a lot of amps and are just a player you have to be sort of crazy not to grab any NOS rectifer. The are MUCH more reliable, last decades, and have much better specs when tested than ANY current production rectifier. Myles, Does that also apply to pre-amp and power tubes? Thanks new I am not sure what you are asking but NOS preamp tubes generally last much longer than current production. The same is true for output tubes with the exception of a few. Current longest lasting output tubes are: E34LS EL84S KT88S or SV KT66HP but they are not longer made. The KT66C does not last as long. 6L6GE ............. The shortest life EL34 is the Electro Harmonix EL-34 as a side note. It has the least amount of internal vacuum or may have a very thin cathode coating.
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Post by heynewguy (Ol’ Bill) on Dec 21, 2006 13:34:12 GMT -7
Myles, Does that also apply to pre-amp and power tubes? Thanks
new[/quote]
I am not sure what you are asking but NOS preamp tubes generally last much longer than current production. The same is true for output tubes with the exception of a few.
Current longest lasting output tubes are:
E34LS
EL84S
KT88S or SV
KT66HP but they are not longer made. The KT66C does not last as long.
6L6GE
.............
The shortest life EL34 is the Electro Harmonix EL-34 as a side note. It has the least amount of internal vacuum or may have a very thin cathode coating.
[/quote]
Thanks Myles
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Post by Stylemaster on Sept 13, 2007 1:07:17 GMT -7
I had to replace the sparking, fuse blowing Sovtek 5AR4/ GZ34 in my MAZ Sr. head and grabbed the rectifier that's been in my '64 Tremolux. It's got the GE logo on it and it has "Made in Great Britain," printed on the glass. Hmmmm, it's from the '60's, made in Britain and looks just like a Mullard. Do you think........?
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Post by dixiechicken on Sept 13, 2007 1:49:08 GMT -7
First thing I bought from Mike at KCA NOS was the JAN Phillips GZ34/5AR4 rectifier tube.
As a spare/replacement for my Route66 (that shipped out yesterday ;D), took the the advice from Mike, Myles & Tas ( among others ) on that one.
Cheers: Dixiechicken
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Post by dock66 on Sept 13, 2007 14:30:03 GMT -7
First thing I bought from Mike at KCA NOS was the JAN Phillips GZ34/5AR4 rectifier tube. As a spare/replacement for my Route66 (that shipped out yesterday ;D), took the the advice from Mike, Myles & Tas ( among others ) on that one. Cheers: Dixiechicken Hey DC, That is a great rectifier tube. I've order a couple for Z amps a while back. Those tubes will last a long time. JB.
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Post by Stylemaster on Sept 14, 2007 15:28:59 GMT -7
First thing I bought from Mike at KCA NOS was the JAN Phillips GZ34/5AR4 rectifier tube. As a spare/replacement for my Route66 (that shipped out yesterday ;D), took the the advice from Mike, Myles & Tas ( among others ) on that one. Cheers: Dixiechicken Hey DC, That is a great rectifier tube. I've order a couple for Z amps a while back. Those tubes will last a long time. JB. Have you A/B'd the KCA NOS JAN Phillips GZ34/5AR4 (mislabeled) with a NOS Mullard GZ34? I'm still trying to make a decision as to what to get to replace the Sovtek disaster I removed from my MAZ Sr.
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Post by dixiechicken on Sept 15, 2007 4:41:14 GMT -7
DC here! According to Mike at KCA NOS the JAN Phillips 5AR4 "i s the best deal going". I haven't yet seen anyone contradicting him. Cheers: Dixiechicken
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Post by zdogma on Sept 15, 2007 5:59:31 GMT -7
Hey DC, That is a great rectifier tube. I've order a couple for Z amps a while back. Those tubes will last a long time. JB. Have you A/B'd the KCA NOS JAN Phillips GZ34/5AR4 (mislabeled) with a NOS Mullard GZ34? I'm still trying to make a decision as to what to get to replace the Sovtek disaster I removed from my MAZ Sr. Since the 80's i've had about 10 amps with various NOS GZ34'sand I've had two bad ones, but none that damaged any amp componants. Both of them developed noise (loud buzzing, even with the volume off). One was a Mullard, and one was a Sylvania. They seem to be very reliable. Right now i'm using mostly Mullards. As for sound, I really can't say I notice a huge difference between the NOS ones. They're all quite good.
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Post by nitehawk55 on Sept 15, 2007 6:22:30 GMT -7
The Sylvania fat bottle which is what the mislabled 5V4's are is an excellent tube as is the Mullards which are getting pricey Some say the Sylvania is not as firm as the Mullards but I can't say I've notived any difference . Both excellent tubes , just depends what you want to spend . Another option for EL84 amps is the NOS 5V4GA or 5V4G ( coke bottle ) rectifier , these have a tad less output and have a softer , smoother break up for blues. I like these in my Maz jr . Those are currently selling in the $15-25 price range.
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Post by Stylemaster on Oct 1, 2007 20:05:56 GMT -7
The Sylvania fat bottle which is what the mislabled 5V4's are is an excellent tube as is the Mullards which are getting pricey Some say the Sylvania is not as firm as the Mullards but I can't say I've notived any difference . Both excellent tubes , just depends what you want to spend . Another option for EL84 amps is the NOS 5V4GA or 5V4G ( coke bottle ) rectifier , these have a tad less output and have a softer , smoother break up for blues. I like these in my Maz jr . Those are currently selling in the $15-25 price range. I definitely noticed a difference between the NOS mislabeled JAN Philips and my gently used Mullard that's been sitting in my '64 Tremolux when it comes to a comparison in rectifiers in my MAZ Sr. The Mullard makes the MAZ's response tighter, more aggressive, more "alive" as someone in another thread put it. Guess the JAN Philips is going in the Tremolux.
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