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In Reply to: Best Sounding NOS 5Y3GT? Let's hear your opinion, please..... posted by Winston Smith on September 6, 2015 at 03:58:55:
5Y3G or GT is a 5v/2A direct heated rectifier. It is the octal equivalent of an 80 ST or 280/380 GL (balloon type four pin rectifier from the early radio days). Because they are directly heated, as opposed to the indirectly heated 5V@2A 5AR4/GZ34 or 5V4/GZ32, they tend to sound sweeter in the mids. Another 5V@2A rectifier to consider, if it fits your chassis, is the much more rugged 5R4. If it fits the 5R4G looks way cool and should last a few lifetimes; possibly sounding better than the 5Y3...The indirectly heated varieties have lower voltage drop (thus higher B+ High Voltage) but also have two other benefits you may wish to consider. First, they take ten to 12 seconds to slowly come up to full voltage; the slow start that saves parts from inrush voltage/current.
Second, these types tend to yield a bit tighter bass than a standard 5Y3. So, tube rolling can be fun.You might want to reconsider your "new is better approach" as good, used Bendix 6106 and GZ32s might outlast NOS examples. Also, while used GZ32 or GZ34s can be had for under $100., used 5V4s can be obtained for $30. easily. The 5V4G, looking way cool, is a long lasting rect that will yield similar voltages than you got with the 5AR4. When a pricey NOS tube did not last for decades, good used ones should save you grief and keep you smiling.
Edits: 09/06/15
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Follow Ups
- 5Y3GT or 5Y3G or 5V4G or 5V4GA..... - Interstage Tranny 16:38:25 09/06/15 (7)
- Superb post! (And a follow up Q, please....) - Winston Smith 22:08:34 09/06/15 (2)
- And a follow up.... - Interstage Tranny 10:06:20 09/07/15 (1)
- Cool. Good deal. Thanks mucho! (Nt.) - Winston Smith 13:00:37 09/07/15 (0)
- RE: 5Y3GT or 5Y3G or 5V4G or 5V4GA..... - Eli Duttman 19:53:02 09/06/15 (3)
- Hi Eli! Got a Q..... - Winston Smith 21:55:33 09/06/15 (2)
- RE: Hi Eli! Got a Q..... - Eli Duttman 22:29:31 09/06/15 (1)
- Thanks again, Eli! - Winston Smith 02:16:33 09/07/15 (0)