5AR4/GZ34 Rectifier Tubes

Mofimadness, The create tubes are reasonably priced compared to what I paid for my vintage Mullard. It is not an expensive experiment to try one out. Even if you don't like it as well as the Mullard, its probably worth having as a very good back up to have for when the Mullard gets weak.

I held on to my vintage Mullard because its not unlikely that at some point down the road, I'll find it has better synergy with my system than the Create, though I prefer the Create in my current set up. Also, the time draws near when the vintage mullards will be impossible to find, so I feel pretty good about having a good strong mullard sitting on the shelf.

The Create has its virtues. Very dynamic and a very low noise floor. Jet black background. Detailed, but not bright. It does not have that lushious, romantic, tubey sound, but surprisingly, I don't really miss that so much as you might expect. I encourage you to run the experiment and see for yourself.

Brownsfan,

Thanks for the comments. I guess the only way to know for sure is to try it. You're right, the Create tube isn't that much money compared to others.

I bought a lifetime supply of the Mullard 5AR4 tubes when I first got my preamp, (actually before I even got the unit), so I am set for awhile with them.

I'll wait to hear what Mark has to say about the Create, then maybe try one.

Create/Synergy 5AR4 just shipped so it will be a few weeks before I will be able to comment on the performance compared with the Mullard. I'll keep you posted on progress.

The create 5AR4 is a phenomenal tube. I like it better than the Mullard. It is so clear, clean, and natural. I never went back to new old stock. I am using a Modright tube modded Oppo 95. Soundstaging improved as well as speed. I think it is do the the quiet background.

As they appear to me to be the same tube, I'd be curious regarding someone comparing the Create 5AR4 to the Shuguang.