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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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Tubes Asylum Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ |
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In Reply to: What's better than a 5R4GY? posted by andy evans on May 26, 2011 at 13:52:32:
Hi Andy,
As Eli pointed out below, the 5R4 (negatively speaking) has a large voltage drop, meaning it is higher in Z than the 5U4 family and the 5V3, 5V3A rectifiers.
What people hear when they like the sound of a 5R4 (positively speaking) is that it is a DIRECTLY HEATED rectifier, with NO cathode, so it can be "immediate" like a 2A3 or a 45 tube. The 5V3 and 5U4GB you listened to are also directly heated. So is a (high Z) 5Z3, 4-pin.
Your next step is to borrow a PC, download PSUD, and carefully simulate rectifiers in YOUR specific amp circuit, using 10% current step tests. But, please do NOT rely on PSUD alone.
You should ALSO start listening experiments (with dual rectifier tubes), paralleling both plates of a dual rectifier tube, using two tubes, and treating each tube a single rectifier.
Doubling-up on rectifiers beneficially lowers the Z of the rectification, retains the basic sound character of a DHR (directly heated rectifier) and...depending on the lowness of Z of your entire filter chain.... (power transformer and chokes) MAY possibly become the best solution possible for you, both in PSUD and upon listening.
These days, (2011) I will only use about 8 Ohm DCR power transformers AND similar low DCR chokes, and either two 5U4GBs or two 5V3s, 5V3As. I like this approach a whole lot. It "works for me"... and some other builders I speak to.
Have FUN exploring.
Jeff Medwin
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Follow Ups
- Directly heated rectifiers you are hearing - drlowmu 05/27/1111:25:54 05/27/11 (2)
- Minimum PT secondary DCR - Palustris 13:14:48 05/27/11 (1)
- I don't give a hoot !! - drlowmu 13:49:16 05/27/11 (0)
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