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5AR4 rectifier tube question

I am sort of shopping for one or more 5AR4s for a Cary SLP05 power supply because I’d like to have at least one spare and because I’d maybe like to roll two or three ad see if I can hear an improvement or vice versa. I make no claims of knowing much about the vacuum tube game; occasionally I get lucky & stumble on something that really works for me. As far as the 5AR4, I did a hit at Uncle Kevin’s site, and there were some that looked interesting (I am thinking of one in particular, it had a Japanese sounding name that started with a ’M’) but when I click on it, all I get is a picture of Uncle Kevin’s screaming face telling me "not to buy tubes" (later, when I finally took time to read, apparently his tube tester is down).

So I started doing hits on Ebay, and oh my gosh! I was inundated with choices and the variation in prices! Which do I stay away from and which should I be interested in? Would a 5AR4 from Bugera also be suitable for what I’d want to use it for? Could a rectifier tube provide a big sonic upgrade if I spent enough money on it? Can I make a sonic upgrade from what I believe (I haven’t opened up the power supply yet) is the stock EH 5AR4 without breaking the bank? I would be totally good with the $50.00 range and picking up 2 or 3 different ones to play with if those with experience thought I could improve the power supply in that range. If I had to I guess I could go more (the $100.00 range) but I probably wouldn’t be buying too many of them, and I was kind of HOPING not to go much over that.

Anyway, thanks in advance for the input; I always consider it part of my education.

immatthewj
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

There is NO music signal passing through a rectifier tube. Unlike an output tube! All a rectifier tube does is take a pulsing AC voltage and smooth it out before passing it over to some capacitors and/or a choke. Capesce?

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Or four diodes can be used in a bridge configuration to replace the rectifier tube. These have the advantage of greater current handling, unlimited life and zero voltage drop. Plus way cheaper!

rodman99999
6,097 posts
 

                                                      One more time:

     In SS, linear power supplies: upgraded rectifiers and regulators, often makes some of the most audible and dramatic improvement in presentation.     The same applies to tube components, BECAUSE (in every gain stage): what the signal does is modulate the power supply's DC, into a stronger signal, until it ultimately reaches your speakers and ears.

                                    iow: You're listening to your power supply!

                                                            Capiche?

                                                       (of course not!)

 

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immatthewj OP
1,794 posts
 

According to Cary Audio:

 

If you have not had it done to your favorite Cary Audio piece, the Hexfred option makes an awesome difference! Hexfreds are high speed low noise rectifiers and replace your existing standard rectifiers in the power supply. You will notice more speed, air, detail, imaging and tighter bass, yet a cleaner clearer sound quality. The Hexfreds help to provide a cleaner, faster DC voltage which shows up very noticeably in the sound quality. There is one more layer of hash and hardness (noise) that is removed so that you can just enjoy the music! Bass is faster with more details and the midrange and highs are cleaner and clearer. You will hear more detail with less bite.

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