Decent modern 5AR4?

[Randall]

I can't believe the prices people are charging for NOS tubes, especially $200 - 300 for a rectifier. Is it really that much better at supplying voltage and current because it says Mullard on it? Any opinions on JJs? I need one for a 6L6 project with an OT with a B+ rated at 422v @ 200ma.

[randalp3000]

I've had 2 JJ's fail on me in the past. Been using Sovtecs or the Chinese ones. I have not done any voltage measurements between them all so I can't tell you the voltage drops.

Hopefully more will chime in.

[Leo_Gnardo]

Over at MEF Stan km6sz a couple years back mentioned Ruby's Chinese GZ34/5AR4 as being the best current available one. I had a streak of JJ's go bad on me a couple years ago and started using these instead. Only 1 bad in 3-4 years, that's about 50 tubes.

[martin manning]

Anybody used the TAD Mullard copy?

[Blackburn]

Good to know about the JJs. Been using one GZ34 as a guinea pig for testing, short playing, etc. Them Chinese are cheap and I think I'll switch to them after a few more uses with this JJ.

[Randall]

Over at MEF Stan km6sz a couple years back mentioned Ruby's Chinese GZ34/5AR4 as being the best current available one. I had a streak of JJ's go bad on me a couple years ago and started using these instead. Only 1 bad in 3-4 years, that's about 50 tubes.

Hmm.... Come to think of it, that is what came in my DRRI.

[Leo_Gnardo]

Ruby's Chinese GZ34/5AR4 being the best current available one.

Hmm.... Come to think of it, that is what came in my DRRI.

Did it go kaboom?

RUBY Chinese 5AR4/GZ34 AKA Magic Parts. What Stan says. If it's a Chinese and not Ruby then you're taking your chances.

Even if "the best on offer at the moment" they don't last forever. I've had Mullards, Amperexes & Telefunkens go bad on me too.

[Randall]

Nope, it's been fine. I didn't even realize it was a Ruby until looking today.

[tubeswell]

I've never had any problems with JJGZ34

[Cliff Schecht]

I've had a Sino GZ34 going strong for years in a Rocket build. They got it right. Pretty sure Ruby and Sino are synonymous.

[Firestorm]

Ruby sells two: one is JJ; one is Shuguang.

[Randall]

I just ordered a Ruby GZ34 and a pair of JJ 6L6s from Eurotubes. Not inexpensive, so hopefully they will be problem free.

[randalp3000]

Ha,
just got an e-mail from CE Dist. and the Ruby 5ar4's are on sale right now...
I think the reg chinese one is still cheaper tho.

[Smokebreak]

What about 5V4? Gets a little sag too!

[cbass]

So ruby selects and relables the best tubes.How can you select a rectifier? other than it works and gives the right voltage.