Tubes Asylum

Modern-made 5AR4

71.92.195.90

FenderLover

Which brand of modern 5AR4 have the best reliability? Should a buyer still go for more $$$, "selected" ones?

Not including additional solid-state diodes on the plates.

Thanks!

Follow Ups:

RE: Modern-made 5AR4 - PFMaudio 10:48:48 06/04/16 (0)
I have used a Ruby 5Ar4 in my SRC ref2 mk II for ten years. About 2500 hours with no problems.
Replaced by a Nos Phillips GZ34. Better control on the bass, but less extension than the ruby. For sound cannot comment yet, because has less than 2 hours. But for reliability it was excellent. Replaced for being afraid of a problem due to the hours. No sign of wear.

pfmaudio
Thanks! Any of you notice if today's 5AR4 are more rugged - FenderLover 14:48:33 11/16/15 (3)
Than ones made 15-20 years ago? Many of those 1990s era rectifiers would shake apart in combo guitar amps. Or amps that were gigged and moved a lot.

Thanks! Again.

8^)
- RE: Thanks! Any of you notice if today's 5AR4 are more rugged - airtime 06:24:34 11/17/15 (2)
  Like Jim said the Genalex tubes are pretty sturdy and always a good bet. And like I said that Ruby is holding up very well in my amp with KT66's in 3-4 hours of daily use.
  
  What ever your choice I would take Jims advice seriously.
  
  charles
  - That and the inclusion of inline solid-state diodes onto plates. - FenderLover 06:40:08 11/17/15 (1)
    Cheap insurance against short.
    
    Thanks!
    - RE: That and the inclusion of inline solid-state diodes onto plates. - airtime 07:09:45 11/17/15 (0)
      Amen to that. One of the few tubes you want a good rugged one of!!!
RE: Modern-made 5AR4 - Alpha Al 13:01:27 11/16/15 (0)
I have good luck with the Ruby 5AR4. They're Chinese, but have proven dependable. I sell quite a few in my repair shop.
RE: Modern-made 5AR4 - Eli Duttman 10:51:28 11/16/15 (0)
If money is in short supply, wire UF4007s to the plates and install a Sovtek 5AR4. The low cost combo works quite well and is reliable. Everything, except PIV handling, about the Sovtek variant is good. SS diodes nicely shore the weak spot up.

If the "sand allergy" is intense and the cash needed is available, heed Jim McShane's advice.

The remaining desirable NOS carries ridiculously high prices. Leave that stuff to Gates and Buffet, if they are willing to buy.

Eli D.
RE: Modern-made 5AR4 - Jim McShane 09:06:42 11/16/15 (0)
The Genalex U77 and Tung-Sol 5AR4 reissues have been excellent. They are a cut above the Sovtek and Shuguang/Chinese tubes. I don't carry the Mullard reissue but I suspect it's fine as well.

For less stressful applications the Sovtek and Shuguang are fine - but... the Genalex and Tung-Sols are higher priced and worth it.
RE: Modern-made 5AR4 - Chip647 08:34:41 11/16/15 (0)
It depends on load. Trying to run one (pick your new production poison) at 200mA 450 volts will eventually spark over, for sure when you have an accidental rapid on/off/on cycle. Using an Inrush Limiter and 50% under the first cap limit help. I have had long lived chinese, Sovtek, JJ and I have had ones that sparked when I looked at them.
RE: Modern-made 5AR4 - airtime 08:10:53 11/16/15 (0)
I'm using a Ruby right now. And it seems tough and doing the job very well.

charles

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