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How much does tube brand REALLY affect sound in terms of rectifier tubes?

Just wondering if anyone has opinions on how much it really matters as far as sonic signature when it comes to the type of rectifier tubes you are using. There doesn't seem to be a lot of comparison info out there.

I haven't done any tube rolling yet, and was looking for advice before I start.

I have a preamp using one GZ34/5AR4, and a pair of monoblocks using one each of these same tubes.

The preamp came with a NOS Amperex Bugle Boy, and the monblocks came with new production JJ's in them.

I'm really enjoying the sound with the setup I have now, and if rectifier tubes are not going to change the sound much either way, then I will play with some other tubes instead.

hossfly10
rodman99999
6,107 posts
 
There’s some good info regarding 5AR4 and GZ34 tubes here: (http://www.audiotubes.com/audtube.htm)
jbrrp1
423 posts
 
Rectifier tubes absolutely change the sound of your gear as much as small signal tubes and power tubes, IME.  I have rolled 5AR4 types in my Lampizator Golden Gate, and it can have a big influence.  Whether you will like the change a given tube is always the question....but it is another lever to pull in dialing in a system.
rodman99999
6,107 posts
 
Another thought: Given you have monoblocks, you could try installing a GZ34 in one channel’s amp, running the system mono, and compare the sound of the amps, before buying a second. Everyone listens/hears/judges differently.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,714 posts
 
My Sylvania GZ34s sound better in my EICO mono amps than Raytheon 5U4G. Close though.

schubert
7,386 posts
 
Rectifier tubes are the most important tubes in most amps .
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