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Post subject: 5U4 vs 5Y3 ?
Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 7:34 am
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Hi everyone, i think my amp may need soon new tubes, so the first one i may need ( because of the posibilities to find it ) is the rectifier 5Y3 :? .
I talked with a guy yesterday that sells NOS tubes and told me that i also can use a 5U4.
He also said that the 5U4 gives a more bass than the 5Y3.
can i use it ? :shock: any issue ?

( amp is my lovely '69 champ amp early SF. :wink: )


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Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 8:12 am
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A 5U4 takes 3 amps to light the filament, instead of 2 amps for a 5Y3. Unless the transformer was designed for it (unlikely), I wouldn't. Although the 5U4 can handle higher plate currents, a Champ isn't that powerful to begin with, so the improvement would probably not be that significant.

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Posted: Thu Mar 25, 2010 9:00 pm
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Yep, I agree with Dave, stick with the 5Y3. That extra current demand could cause overheating problems with your power transformer. Art

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Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 1:38 am
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I agree with the others......Leo knew best

In a pinch, I suppose you might get away with using a GZ34/5AR4 since it shares its 2-amp heater draw with the 5Y3. But no way would I try a 5U4 in any amp not so designated specifically for it.

HTH

Arjay


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Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 3:32 am
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5U4 also give more voltage to your amp so it' better to keep your 5Y3


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Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 1:15 pm
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I think a 5Y3 will drop about 2x the voltage of a 5U4, and not only that, it's way deeper into the curve if you are seriously drawing current so it'll have a lot more sag.

IMO, a 5U4 sounds a lot 'stiffer' than a 5Y3 in any amp that draws enough current to get their attention. A pair of 6V6's or EL84s will draw enough to show a marked difference in performance between a 5Y3 and a 5U4, not just in dynamic response (sag, punch) but also clean headroom and total power/volume.

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