Cary SLP-05 - rectifier tube questions


Hey All,

Several days ago, my 05 began to blow all the fuses (HiFi Tuning tweak ones too.. damn it!) and wouldn't power up. I found out that it was the rectifier tube that was blown and I swapped it out for a local 5AR4 tube that I found at my neighborhood Guitar Center.

Swapped it in and VOILA! Music again!

ONLY... this time, it sounded different - imaging wasn't as clear, there was a "dirty background" to it all, the voices didn't respond the way it used to from my memory when I turned the volume up, the stage was set further back behind speaker plane...

I am using Martin Logan Summits which are ruthlessly revealing of any upstream component.

So I began suspecting that there was a change and it might be because of the crappy rectifier tube that I just swapped in. A search on audiogon and many other forums seemed to validate my opinion and that rectifier tubes DO change the sound! I didn't know that! So I had NO bias going into this...

So now, I'm in search of the perfect 5AR4 rectifier tube.... a lot recommend the Mullards, but are there any other recommendation for tubes that are not so overly pricey?

The Cary 05 uses only 1 5AR4, so in that sense, I'm lucky I won't have to buy a pair...

Help me out, thanks!
joey_v
Joey_v - Check out the website I gave you. You can buy online. The WZ68 is basically a double GZ34(5AR4). Works great in my Bob Latino ST-70 and Fi monoblock 300B's.
Rgurney,

I checked that site out.... these are SS rectifiers? Doesn't this defeat the purpose of a tube rectifier? How does it sound?

Joey
Also, the mullard suggestions.... is it ANY mullard 5ar4 tube? Or is there a specific one?

Joey
The 5AR4 is the only Mullard tube I've ever appreciated. Long life and no negatives. Worth the $$.