What's your best 5U4GB rectifier tube and why?

I know very little about tubes but Peter Q of Audio Note UK told me to buy the coke bottle shaped 5U4GB tubes for best sound in my Meishu 300B amp.

Obviously there is much more to it but I am guessing on some level he is right...

fwiw

As Onhwy61 said, it depends on your circuit. If your amp will run OK with a 5U4G that opens the door to some nice black plate RCA's or perhaps some Mullard GZ32's which can be very nice. The Mullard GZ37 High Wycomb are wonderful in some applications. If you're stuck with 5U4GB, I think the Tung-Sols are about the best sounding in the various amps where I've used them. Currently, I'm using some Sylvania 5931's in my Pilot SA-360 amp and a Mullard GZ32 in my Modwright Transporter. But I didn't like either of them the other way around, that is, with the Sylvania's in the Transporter or the Mullards in the Pilot (altho they *were* pretty nice there).

In other words, try some varieties assuming they will meet the electrical requirements of your amp. Check with the maker, or check specs on Duncan Amps site.

Hope this helps!

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the EML (Emission Labs) 5U4g mesh. In my Modwright Transporter, and in my Woo headphone amp that rectifier was wonderful, and topped my list when rolling in both applications. YMMV according to the application/circuit that you are using it in though, but the EML is most definitely a contender for top billing.

I acquired a pair of NOS Tung-Sols to sample first. Frankly I'd be surprised to hear if swapping rectifier tubes will make a noticeable difference but I'm open minded.

Thanks to all who chimed in w/ suggestions!

they made a huge difference in my 300B SET

good luck