Russian 5U4GB

[Eli Duttman]

Does anybody have hands on experience with the "recently" introduced Russian 5U4GB? Russian and Chinese 5U4Gs are GUANO. A decent alternative to increasingly scarce NOS is needed badly.

[markp]

I've also had bad experiences with the Russian and Chinese 5U4s. Voltage? What voltage? They are vastly overrated as far as specs go.

[cogsncogs]

Hello

I haven't had any experience with current production 5U4's but an excellent alternative would be a NOS 5AU4/5V3A. Much better rectifier (higher ratings), readily available and dirt cheap, about $4.70 USD at AES.

Cheers
Wayne

[Frazzled]

I just got lucky with this find.

[Eli Duttman]

Whoever won that auction got a GOOD tube at a nice price. Frazzled, if you won, your 300B project got a boost.

It's very easy to recommend TungSol, RCA, and GE 5U4GBs (in that pecking order). As is the case with many desireable NOS varieties, availability is not too good and prices are rising.

I want to hear from people who have used the Russian 5U4GB. Being able to honestly recommend a current production variety is of importance to me. Sadly, current production 5U4Gs are JUNK.

[fdegrove]

Hi,

Sadly, current production 5U4Gs are JUNK.

Unfortunately I can only confirm that....
From the two "guano" current production mutants the Chinese seems to be the better one.

For any new DIY project the 5U4GB is best avoided, untill the manufacturers get their act together that is.

Cheers,