2. amps-preamps
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How much does tube brand REALLY affect sound in terms of rectifier tubes?

Just wondering if anyone has opinions on how much it really matters as far as sonic signature when it comes to the type of rectifier tubes you are using. There doesn't seem to be a lot of comparison info out there.

I haven't done any tube rolling yet, and was looking for advice before I start.

I have a preamp using one GZ34/5AR4, and a pair of monoblocks using one each of these same tubes.

The preamp came with a NOS Amperex Bugle Boy, and the monblocks came with new production JJ's in them.

I'm really enjoying the sound with the setup I have now, and if rectifier tubes are not going to change the sound much either way, then I will play with some other tubes instead.

hossfly10

Showing 1 response by bigkidz

bigkidz
3,312 posts
 

brf
Okay, I must be the exception. I hear no difference when swapping out rectifiers in my pre-amp. When talking to the manufacture, I was told that my preamp's DC requirements are conservative, therefore, the power will not sag when pushed.

This could be correct.  But if you know how to play around with the voltage, that could change this.


rodman99999
There are a few companies now manufacturing tubes, that have tried to produce valves, copying the internal construction/design parameters of some of the most popular, from decades back. Mainly, what they’ve succeeded in duplicating(capitalizing on) is the marque only(ie: Telefunken/Mullard/Gold Lion/Tung Sol), as none genuinely perform like the originals.

General statement maybe true but when trying the copy cats, you may need to adjust the voltage as they may need some adjustment here.

For the GZ34, I have been using JJ's with great results over some of the NOS tubes.  Cheap to!

See Almarg's comments above mine.

Happy Listening.
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