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274B Tube Comparison

I am experimenting with replacing some 5U4G' rectifier's for modern 274B's in my system.  The traditional WE 274B's had a lower output current (150ma) and did not have the tolerance to substitute directly in the 5U4G slot.  But several models have evolved with a higher output (220-225ma) and can be used in place of the 5U4G--they even tout it.  Three such tubes are:

Takatsuki, Sophia Electric, Acme PSVANE.

It would be fun to try all three brands in a head's up comparison, but it begins to be an expensive proposition.  In my case, I would need three of each brand to do a full comparison in my chain: one in each of two 300B power amp monoblocks and one in an all-tube DAC.

Has anyone had good results with any of these? And has anyone compared the sound characteristics of these three tubes? 

gregjacob
dogberry
664 posts
 

Not all amps allow for a straight replacement of a 5U4G with a 274B. I asked Sophia Electric about it, and they asked for a circuit diagram of my amp and then said it would not be advisable.

On re-reading your post I see you are going in the other direction, 274B to 5U4G. If possible, I would ask the designer of your amplifier what he thinks about the swap.

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
629 posts
 

 Consider the Psvane 274b-z treasure  black glass if you can get past their crazy price - Around $60 on ebay or Aliexpress.  I was shocked how good these sounded after 100+ hours.  They were recommended on another forum as a more reliable and very close SQ compared to the Sophia 274B Aqua II.  I was a NOS only tuber until I tried these and these are my best sounding rectifier in my Supratek preamp.  Good luck with your search.

gregjacob OP
115 posts
 
dogberry  Sorry for the confusion.  I am going from 5U4G to 274B.  Yes, it is a concern to just jump from one to the other without proper research to confirm compatibility.  I'm taking baby steps. 
 
tksteingraber Thanks for the Psvane plug.  I already have one Sophia Electric 274B Aqua II that just arrived.  I have just replaced the Sophia Electric 5U4G in my tube-based DAC and the new 274B is just a few hours into burning in.  I can clearly hear differences between the two but still letting it settle.  I will be wondering how it compares to the others I listed. 
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