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Post subject: Cheap Ruby 5AR4 GZ34's in the DRRI
Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 5:32 pm
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Yet another buzzing 5AR4 and I'm sure its the original from the 1990's so just how long did the original owner put up with the buzz ?

So here is my choice without spending big $$$'s

JJ, TAD, Sovtek

I used a jj In the last one without any issues.

Any Suggestions ?

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Post subject: Re: Cheap Ruby 5AR4 GZ34's in the DRRI
Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 5:45 pm
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I'd go TAD GZ34. JJ has had some serious QA issues that last few years with their power and rectifier tubes.

http://www.tubeampdoctor.com/en/shop_TA ... LECTED_386

Or get the 5V4GA mislabeled US mil spec 5AR4. These are truly 5AR4/GZ34.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5AR4-Rectifier- ... 5889ea818b


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Post subject: Re: Cheap Ruby 5AR4 GZ34's in the DRRI
Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 5:46 pm
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I have a Sovtek in my Vibroverb, an original Mullard in my '65 Princeton Reverb, and (believe it or not), an OEM Groove Tube in my '93 DRRI which may very well be original to the amp.

If you're buying new I'd say you prolly won't go wrong with a TAD, EHX, or a Sovtek.

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Cheap Ruby 5AR4 GZ34's in the DRRI
Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 5:58 pm
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so are all 5V4GA's the same ?
if not how do you know which will work ?

Thanks !!!!

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Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive


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Post subject: Re: Cheap Ruby 5AR4 GZ34's in the DRRI
Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 6:21 pm
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No. Only these late 1980's "5V4GA" labeled Philips/Sylvania mil spec rectifiers are truly 5AR4. The "real" 5V4GA cannot handle the current demands RMS, nor the max current per plate of a real 5AR4.

Compare the structure of the mislabeled 5V4GA (= 5AR4) versus a real 5V4GA:

mislabeled 5V4GA on right, Sylvania 5AR4 in middle, Mullard GZ34 on left :

Image

real 5V4GA:

Image


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Post subject: Re: Cheap Ruby 5AR4 GZ34's in the DRRI
Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 10:41 am
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I did two things

First I replaced the GZ34 with a sovtek
second I replaced the coin base 6V6's I had (tension grippers didn't make contact with the base)
I just happened to have another sweet set of 6V6 RCA's that were a very close match.

No More Buzz !!!

Those Ruby GT 5AR4's have caused me trouble three times now in three different DRRI's

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Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive


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Profile
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