Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

[Lewguitar]

When it comes to old Mullard GZ34/5AR4 tubes, which models are regarded as being the best?

I use them, but haven't formed an opinion as to which are best...every one I've used has sounded just fine!

Thanks, Lew

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

If I remember what Christian said properly ever GZ34 is of Mullard origin....so there wasn't a "best". He'll probably be by shortly.

Luke

 

[Curly]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

I'm not sure I get the question, Lew.
If it's a Mullard, it's good.

BTW, as you probably know, the Mullards came under other labels too.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

Im not sure about them all being Mullards...not sure that came out right.

I also don't know which ones are reguarded as the best, like you Lew I;ve never had a Mullard GZ34 that wasn't great!

I can tell you that the metal base versions always seem to sell for more...not sure if it's because they are older, more rare or if there is something to the tone...

I can't belive you didn't ask Bruce!

If you do, please share the answer...

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

Im not sure about them all being Mullards...not sure that came out right.

I also don't know which ones are reguarded as the best, like you Lew I;ve never had a Mullard GZ34 that wasn't great!

I can tell you that the metal base versions always seem to sell for more...not sure if it's because they are older, more rare or if there is something to the tone...

I can't belive you didn't ask Bruce!

If you do, please share the answer...

I'll see him on thursday...we'll be in the studio all day. It's just that when I look for old Mullards on Ebay there are some that go for more $$$ than others.

Maybe the diffs only apply to audiophiles and collectors, because every Mullard 5AR4 I've owned has sounded great and lasted for many years.

Lew

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

Not to be dense or ignorant, but how does a rectifier tube affect your tone? Do the older rectifier tubes have more sag, compression, mojo, or what?

I know that new Sovtek 5Y3GTs simply don't match vintage spec - the voltage drop is too low. Are there similar problems with GZ34 and 5AR4 rectifiers?

Thanks,

Chip

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

Lew I use the Mullard 5AR4 in my 66 Pro Reverb....A rectifier tube converts our wall current over to working dc voltages in our amps...The rectifier tube isn't really so much an effect on tone,but what we do want is reliabilty...The Mullard 5AR4 is a very reliable rectifier tube!

 

[ES350]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

All the Mullard GZ34 have a familiar sag characteristic for anyone who grew up with a Deluxe Reverb or similar amp; it's clean, but not sterile. The Amperex rebrands used to be a little cheaper, and if you can find them, the Realistic rebrands (Rat Shack sold them back in the day). I can't hear any difference between them...and I doubt they will ever make another GZ34 that good.

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

All the Mullard GZ34 have a familiar sag characteristic for anyone who grew up with a Deluxe Reverb or similar amp; it's clean, but not sterile. The Amperex rebrands used to be a little cheaper, and if you can find them, the Realistic rebrands (Rat Shack sold them back in the day). I can't hear any difference between them...and I doubt they will ever make another GZ34 that good.

I Get sag from a 5U4,but the 5AR4 doesn't really give it up as easy...

 

[ES350]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

Well yeah---5U4GB drops 35 v, 5AR4 drops 10. It's nice to be able to tailor the sag factor (if the PT and filtering can handle it)...

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

I think I have one in my box of tubes......it might be up for sale or trade, if anyone's interested.

 

[ES350]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

verify it works and give me some rough estimate of how long it was used...I'll take it at a 'used and untested' price.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

Joe, If ES350 passes drop me a PM...

 

[STRATDELUXER97]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

Well yeah---5U4GB drops 35 v, 5AR4 drops 10. It's nice to be able to tailor the sag factor (if the PT and filtering can handle it)...

I Like the GZ34 anyway as it takes longer to come on and it doesn't pull on the pt as much...

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

Let me see if I've got it, and I'll test it too.
I had bought a Matchless off a guy who'd just retubed the amp with NOS Mullard he got from a reputable tube dealer. I took all the Mullards out, put them aside, retubed it with JJ, and sold it. No need to pass those Mullards along!

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

I've tried a handful of different rectifier tubes in different amps & to be completely honest.........I've never noticed any tonal difference, at least not as noticeable as pre & power tubes. :dunno:

To me, it does come down to a reliability issue & Mike @ KCA NOS told me that a good NOS rectifier ala the Mullard, can last up to 30 years.

With that in mind, it was worth the extra dough to me to get a great rec tube for all my amps.

I wound up getting some of these: http://kcanostubes.com/products/149/NOS-JAN-Philips-Sylvania-5AR4-mislabeled-5V4GA.htm

And it looks like the prices have gone up

 

[Stratman]

Re: Question about Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tubes

I never thought of this being an issue.

But I also heard that there were Mullards also made in Holland.

Can anyone pass on more information on that?