Rectifier tubes?


I have an Air Tight HTM-300 amp which has tube rectification. I've rolled a number of NOS types over the last three years and am wondering two things: 1) How long a life do these tubes have, in general, and 2) Any suggestions for good rec. tubes (5U4GB) in this amp or in general? I'd especially be interested in new tubes as NOS are hard to get and are iffy.
tomryan
Good Evening,

Does GZ34 and GZ37 are the same?

Thank for any help provided

Best regards
Does GZ34 and GZ37 are the same?

According to the Tube Substitution Handbook the following tubes can be substituted for each other.

GZ34, 5AR4, 52KU, U54, GZ37, and U54.

5AR4 shows the following are also compatible, U77, 5U4GB, 5AS4, 5AU4 and 5V3A

There is also an antique tube, the CV378 (British) which is excellent. I have a couple of them myself.

Last, if you want something cheap but decent there is a Chinese rectifier called 5C3PJ that subs perfectly. I bought some on line for $3.00 each a couple of years ago.

Have fun experimenting, you never know what will sound best until you experiment.
Albert,

I just did search on the 5C3PJ and came up empty. Do you have a link to where you bought them? Thanks!

David
I just did search on the 5C3PJ and came up empty. Do you have a link to where you bought them? Thanks!

Correction, number is 5Z3PJ, keyboard fumble. Ebay has them at high price, maybe worth it to try one out and if you need quantity go elsewhere.

Most websites in English language look high, the one site that was close in price I have no experience with. Exercise common sense, post results if you test.

Chinese 5Z3PJ
I have use both GZ37's and GZ34's in my amp. With the GZ34's the B+ is 425v and the amp has a very taught, muscular robust sound. With the GZ37's the B+ is 400v and the sound is more relaxed with more breath and ease but also slightly softer around the edges.

Not sure what causes the difference in sound. Is it the difference in B+ or is it the different tube? I am guessing its the difference in B+.