Preamp Deal of the Century

I've had numerous rectifiers in my sauvignon and cabernet. They include the 6106, Sylvannia 5a45, Mullard GZ33, Mullard GZ37, and the Mullard/Amperex metal-base GZ34. The Mullard/Amperex metal-base GZ34 is by far the best in my preamp. The improvements have been in the areas of reduced noise, longer note sustain/decay and to a lesser degree better harmonics which has increased the timbre. I've had my GZ34 in the system for about 5 years and my system is always powered on and playing.

From what I recall about the GZ33 and GZ37 specs the heater current is a good deal more than the GZ34. I think that anyone rolling regulators or rectifiers in the suprateks should consider the impact of one upon the other. Some of the larger regulator tubes place their own demand upon the power supply.

Well, I think my GE 5AR4 with the copper sides on the plates sounds great, but I just bought a Mullard GZ33 on e-pay, and I'll try it out when it arrives. If it doesn't sound as good as the GE, I'll take it out. I'm not running 6SN7s anymore, I'm using the 2C22 single triode, so I've reduced the demand on the power supply already - I guess I'll find out what the GZ33 sounds like soon enough...

So, I tried the Mullard GZ33 tonight, and I like it a lot! I bought a pair, and both had good getter flashing, full lettering, and tested 100%+ on my tube tester (set to 5V4, 5U4 and 5AR4 settings). Compared to the GE 5AR4, the background is cleaner, the soundstage is more focused (I can tell more easily where the instruments are) and the bass is a bit tighter and deeper. Cymbals are cleaner and have more focus. I swapped the two tubes back and forth twice each (I didn't want to stress the preamp with too many rapid on/off cycles). It just sounded more powerful and focused with the GZ33 than the GE 5AR4 - I'm keeping it in.

So my current optimum combo is:

Mullard GZ33 rectifier
Sovtek KT-66 regulator
Ken-Rad 2C22/7193 output tube (sub for 6SN7)
Solen PP Caps (33uF and 100uF, 630V) for power supply

It sounds incredible, IMHO.

Those older late 50's,early 60's Mullard rectifier tubes have a certain magic to them that is truly musical. Legend has it that they were made by Elves in the Black Forest. Those same Elves today are making Keebler cookies. (O:

I had occasion to very recently e-mail Mick. My Chenin that I purchased direct from Down Under is still purring quite nicely. My question to Mick involved some machinations that I was doing for which I was seeking his advice. As when I was preparing to place my order, asking many questions, in as many e-mails, Mick responded to my most recent question quite promptly. Thanks Mick .!!!

For those folks that think it's risky to buy boutique equipment, I own three pieces, plus two others that are semi-boutique, and support for all, has been first rate. Moreover, performance to value has been far more than first rate.

Obviously, the phrases your mileage may vary, and let the buyer beware apply; however, for me, these purchases have been the most rewarding over the many years and purchases that I've made while being immersed in this crazy hobby!

More importantly, believe it or not, I’m probably more risk adverse than most; however, after beginning in this hobby well before the internet, my advice was from periodicals spouting all amps sounded the same etc The internet and sites such as this have changed all of that and thankfully so! I’ve found that a little risk has paid me back in a ratio that both the house wins and the buyer in my case, has never lost!

For all of those folks that want to keep their purchases coming from established company’s so be it. I wanted to continue working for General Motors 15 years ago, when my Division was sold. Today, well not so much !!

Cheers to all,

-Mike