I have the Cary SLP05 with ultimate upgrade as well but don’t suffer what you are describing. I find that the Raytheon VT231’s in the gain stages gives the best sense of best solidity. To be honest, I have struggled with understanding this rhythm and pace issue outside of turntables. I have had a number of preamps over the years, tubed and solid state, and feel the Cary is not slow in comparison (recently have had Audio Research and Schiit preamps as well).
Looking for 5AR4 rectifier tube most like solid state
I have the Cary SLP-05 preamp (with the Ultimate Upgrade), which sounds exceedingly good in most respects. Unfortunately, it's sorely lacking in rhythmic excitement (what various British companies call Pace, Rhythm and Timing, or PRaT).
I suspect that the 5AR4 tube rectifier is at least partially to blame. In general, tube rectifiers exhibit "sag". This helps some aspects of the performance, but is likely dulling transients that are needed to create faster dynamics (e.g. percussive envelopes).
Cary has told me that I cannot insert an equivalent solid-state rectifier, as it would require a power supply redesign. Instead, I'm hoping to find a 5AR4 tube that mostly closely behaves like a solid state rectifier. I don't want it to be warm, or smooth, or anything like that. This preamp already has an overabundance of those qualities. Instead, I want it to be fast, dynamic, rhythmic, and exciting, with a real sense of "boogie".
Any suggestions?
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Encountered this while returning a ham radio to service: Solid State Rectifier - Tube Depot. According to the website: This octal based solid state rectifier is a cost effective replacement for any of the following tubes: 5AR4 / GZ34, 5Y3, 5U4G / 5U4GB, 5R4 / 5V4 / 5Z4 Not only is this an inexpensive alternative, but this solid state rectifier will firm up your low end. If you have too much sag in your low end, then this is the prescription for you. Note: Please be advised that this replacement will increase overall B+ (plate voltage) by 10-20%. If your filter caps are older than 20-25 years, we suggest you replace them before installing this solid state rectifier.
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Lot’s of interesting comments/theories. I have five 5AR4s and three different tube amps that they can run in. Also have a Cary 300SEI LX-20 that is SS rectified for a slight basis of comparison. IMO the cheap Sovtek 5AR4 is the “hottest” of the five. By that I mean the least warm tube-like, the Sovtek is clean, clear, transparent, perhaps a bit harsh, so I’m guessing the least V drop of all five. Try that, then try new stock New Sensor 6SN7s. I’ve found the New Sensor tubes to be clear, clean, and more transparent than NOS tubes. I have a collection of over 200 NOS pre-amp tubes to compare with. if that doesn’t work for you, swap out the Cary pre with a SS pre. I swapped in a vintage Crown IC 150A in my big 300b/845 integrated that has a pre-in. Made a bigger sonic difference than any tube rolling I’ve done. The amp became more transparent with a touch of brightness or tightness on the upper mids and treble. Don’t know if that is equivalent to PRaT. Still trying to figure out what that means!, but it was more British, as I understand the British sound. I know what iPRaT isn’t, my dad’s old HH Scott 222C playing Black Sabbath through 15 inch single source drivers of unknown origin at full volume in the 70’s! Trying to emulate the sound of my buddy’s HK Citation Sixteen through a pair of Dalquist DQ10s. Couldn’t get there. |
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