Metal-base and non metal-base 5AR4/GZ34?

Sonically, whats the difference between the Phillips and Mullard 5AR4/GZ34?

Anyone have any thoughts on the Mullard GZ34?

http://www.dougstubes.com/rectifiers/5ar4-gz34/mullard-gz-34.html

I think this one is the non-metal base one.

Metal base GZ-34's are really good and really expensive now.....

ET

Hi Electroid

You weren't kidding about the metal base GZ34 tubes. Pricing started around $300 all the way up to $799 for a single tube. I'll pass on those metal base GZ34s. They cost more than the SET amp I got. Those Mullard GZ34 re-issues look like quite the bargain compared to those metal base GZ34 tubes I saw. Thanks for chiming in.

None of the re-issues will compare with a true Mullard(Blackburn Plant) GZ34, either in sonics or lifespan(metal base, or not).

If you listened to the real deal for decades, very unlikely you will find any "re-issue" worthy of listening to.

Wow Schubert and Rodman. Thanks for the feedback. I guess ignorance will be bliss for me. All I have is the Tung Sol Re-issue 5AR4 as the rectifier in my Tom McNally 6BQ5 SET amp and I'm happy with the sound. I won't ever know what I'm missing as I can't justify spending at least $400 on a metal base GZ34 and no one I know as one they can lend me. Whew am I relieved.

I suppose you missed the, "METAL BASE, or NOT," in my post. There are lots of bakelite base Mullard/Blackburns out there, for MUCH LESS than $400, any of which will outperform the reissues. Someone else just might happen to read this thread, that would appreciate the info. But, hey- as long as you're satisfied, HAPPY LISTENING! (http://www.ebay.com/bhp/mullard-gz34)

Hi Rodman,

Yes. I missed that part of your post regarding the Metal Base or Not. I feel stupid. Thank you for including the link with those affordable. They are more within my budget and I can score one now and use the Tung Sol as a back up.

Thanks again

The ones with the 'B' in the date code(ie: F32/B6H4), are from the Blackburn Plant. Personally; I found the double gettered type to be some of the most reliable and best sounding. A couple examples: (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Mullard-Shield-GZ34-5AR4-2x-Halo-Getters-Stereo-Tube-f32-B2D2-2475-23-/181688527974) or (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mullard-Blackburn-GZ34-5AR4-Double-OO-Top-Round-Getter-Rectifier-f32-B5K1-Tube-/161600624492)

I just can tell that when I had Carry SLP-05 and replaced original rectifier with Philips Miniwatt GZ34/5AR4 metal base nos 1957 I could not believe the difference it made. Yes, it was expensive move, but with great result.

I just bought one of these for my Modwright SWL9.0 se
http://www.upscaleaudio.com/philips-5r4gys-made-in-holland/
had to cut a hole in the cover to accomadate the size,but Im very happy with it. Got mine from a guy in Holland thru ebay for less $.