Hello Gang.It seems most supratek owners have rolled out the stock tubes for various brands of nos tubes to "synergize" their systems. The older gt versions of the 6sn7's seem to be the tube of choice and rightly so.Phono tubes as well. A lot of people just do not realize that the voltage regulators and the rectifiers can have as much or more of an influence on the sound of their choice of tubes.One would think[by reputation and cost] the various nos mullard family of 5ar4/gz34's would be "the" choice for rectification. The lgendary mullards are great to be sure however.... there are a whole slew of nos rectifiers choices out there that can be had for a fraction of the cost of a nos mullard gz-34--- and many of them sound as good or even better! As far as the mullard family of rectifiers go...I personally think the Gz-33 sounds better than the GZ-34 in the syrah and is typically 1/2 the cost.I have an old 5v4g shoulder type rectifier [labelled Philco] that sounds better than all of the mullards...GZ32,gz33 and Gz34! I have 2 nos versions of the 5z4 that also sound terrific. These can typically be purchased for under $10 each.The best of the bunch in my system is the Bendex Redbank 6106. This tube is electrically equivalent to the 5y3g family of rectifier tubes but also indirectly heated with a slow power up to minimilize cathode stripping.Rectifiers "DO" make a difference!Especially in the depth department.When using the bendex.... the bass is better resolved,faster,more articulate and more extended than any of the mullards.The air between the instruments and performers on stage is also noticibly much more apparent.... lending itself to a better focus of each individual instrument or musician.The "tone" thing has more to do with the choice of the 6sn7 of course.However you can refine the "tone" of your nos Tung sol's,kenrads,and sylvanias with a good rectifier.Mullard's are great and will probably outlast you or the preamp... however, there are other nos choices out there that make great music with the supratek.Voltage Regulators??? Yes... they make a difference as well,just not to the extent of the rectifiers.The older 5881's and 6L6g's seem to sound a little more relaxed than the 6L6gb's or gc's,but can also sound a little soft when used with the ken-rad vt-231's or Rca grey glass vt-31's.The genelec Kt-66 as voltage regulators makes almost any 6sn7 sound wonderful[exclude the sovtek]. Of course ---the Western Electric 350b is the "King" of any of the 6L6 family of tubes and if you can afford them[or find them]they are "THE" tube of choice for voltage regulators and will outlive you and the rest of your equipment to boot!You really haven't heard the real tone of your tung-sol rounds until you regulate them with a pair of the Westrex 350b and a good rectifier! But start with the rectifier first.Hey!...wouldn't the world would be a very dull place without music???... enjoy! Cheers David.
