2. amps-preamps
  3. 176211-171531

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
immatthewj OP
1,874 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.

rodman99999
6,125 posts
 

     From those that I've spoken to, component designers/manufacturers are well aware, whatever active gain devices* they choose to incorporate in their components: the quality of presentation will be directly proportionate to the quality of the DC *they modulate, as controlled by the signal they're presented.

     Note the number of times, "power supply upgrades" and, "HEXFREDs" are mentioned, in the following upgrades/paths/offers.    Bybee Rails are another power supply upgrade/tweak, btw.

http://www.rogueaudio.com/The_Magnum_Series.htm

https://www.jolida.com/upgrades/upgrading-your-equipment

     Odyssey used to offer HEXFREDs (ultra fast/ soft recovery) as an upgrade, but: now, just as a standard parts.

https://odysseyaudio.com/candela-vacuum-tube-line-preamplifier/.

                                            Happy listening!

immatthewj OP
1,874 posts
 

Bah, humbug, snake-oil!

I went ahead & pulled the trigger on a couple of vintage 5AR4s (a UK Amperex and a Hitachi) on ebay. I bid on a couple of Mullards as well, but I am not planning on going any higher and there are still a bunch of days left until those bids close, so I completely expect to be outbid.

Post removed 
rodman99999
6,125 posts
 

@immatthewj -

     It’s hard to go wrong with Amperex, regardless of the context.

     When you receive yours: look for date codes like: F32/B4J1 or: F32/B4H5, etched into the glass.    Also: for a hole in the guide pin.

     Those would indicate that your Amperex was manufactured by Mullard and rebranded.

     Many of the better tube companies rebranded/sold Mullard’s wares.

 

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