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Genalex GL GZ-34 Rectifier...Did I just get a bad one? Five months seems

like a terribly short lifespan. I bought it in May and spent the extra money to get a "good" tube. It sounded good while it lived. But it went in a fiery inferno last weekend.  Fortunately it only took out a fuse.

It was running in a Bob Latino VTA ST-70 Dynaco amp. It's a great amp but runs the rectifier a bit hard from my understanding. However the original tube lasted at least 3-4 yrs IIRC. I tried a SS rectifier. YUK!! I put the tube (a spare Sovtek) back in place I've had good luck with the KT-66 Genalex GL's and they have a good reputation (I think). Is this just the luck of the draw. IOW, even a new tube can have a short life span? Or is this odd? Is there any way to avoid it? I'd buy another Gennalex GL if it will last. But I can buy 2 Sovteks for the price of one GL. Sovtek sounds good too.

FWIW, The tube that failed was cryo treated. Could that make a difference in a rectifier tube? As always, Thanks for your help.
artemus_5
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artemus_5 OP
1,992 posts
 
Hifiman
Do you leaveyour amp in standby mode? IOW, How do you keep from running through tubes quickly?

Jond

The Variac is an interesting idea. Thanks
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hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@artemus_5  I leave all of my components charged up 24/7.  I have tubes in my line stage, SACD player and SACD player power supply.
trelja
3,226 posts
 
@artemus_5, thank you for clarifying.

That's certainly disappointing news.  Given Genalex is the premium Russian tube, even more so.  Over time, I've gravitated away from the majority of new production European tubes, both for sonic and reliability reasons.  There certainly are Euro tubes I still prefer, but all things being equal, Chinese tubes tend to sound better, last longer, and cost less
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hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@artemus_5   In light of the fact that you only had the GL tube for 5 months, I think Ron at Cryoset would like to know about the tube's failure and may work with you on a replacement.  Can't hurt to call and see what he says!

Please update after you check in with him.  I would be interested in his reaction to a premature failure.
wolf_garcia
6,744 posts
 
I have a GL GZ34 rectifier in a Dennis Had SEP amp and of the 3 rectifiers I have, this one seems to sound the best (with KT88s anyway), and has performed perfectly under daily abuse, or use, or something. Non cryoed, from Tube Depot
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