CARY SLP05 - tube configuration?

I gotta play with tubes again.  I wonder if there's a better combo in my arsenal than the dual popes in xlr and then a mix of 2 popes and 2 EH in the four left.

The best tube compliment/combination will vary based on the mode of operation.

If single ended from input to single ended output, you only need to concern yourself with tube positions #1 and #2.

If you are running single ended inputs to  balanced output, you need to concern yourself with tube position #1, 2, 4 and 5

If you are running balanced inputs to single ended output, you need to concern yourself with tube positions #1,2,3,6

Balanced in to Balanced output you need to concern yourself with tube positions #1,2,3,4,5,and 6

Tube positions 7 and 8 are for the headphones.

Put the inexpensive Electro-Harmonix tubes in the tube position that is NOT in your circuit based on the above configuration

The EH has an immediacy that I like... I need to find a better version of it but with the same sound characteristic

Hi- is this NOS rectifier a decent upgrade over the stock? Approx market value if condition is good?

Mullard (for Zenith) GZ34 5AR4 1969 UK


My SLP-05 had a problem with the left channel, but it was intermittent. Gave up for several months and put my back-up in. Came across the upgrade, which replaces 10 caps and 20 resistors and figured they’d find the problem. Sure enough, there was a resistor which had smoked. My SA-200.2 was also improved with the current inputs. Mine was an original model with noisy parts. So far so good! Can’t directly compare the sound since it was nearly a year since I heard it.

Appreciate any advice on the rectifier.