Hi all,
I was surfing on the web trying to get an answer to my doubts and an I reached here. I was so happy to see so many discussions about tubes and amps that soon I started looking for a solution to my question.
Unfortunately I crossed a post here… that struck my mind definitely.
The post was talking about to use the 5Z4P tube in place of the 5AR4. I have read the explanations about different specs and I went to read a file that I downloaded elsewhere where I could check all more important Tube’ specs like min and max drop etc. etc. and I finally got what they were talking about.
I do some electronics repair and other stuff but I don’t go so further, I should study more, I am missing a lot of stuff, so I am here asking a tech help even if this for me concern also to the look of my amp…at least it is how it started!
Okay let’s start, but…
Before to read the above post, I started to solve my doubt with a simple math property: if A=B and B=C then A=C. 🙂
I have a Gemtune GS-01 Tube amp sold on the web like this: Hi-End Tube Amp with: EL34 * 2 + 6N8P * 2 + 5Z3P/5U4G (randomly distribute) * 1. Other specs that you can find: This amp uses a 5AR4 tube (or GZ34).
I am not here to talk about if it is or isn’t an Hi-End amp, but just about the rectifier tube.
Anyway, I got my amp with a not said rectifier tube, that on some sites is on the list of the randomly distribute or in the specs: the 5U4C (5Ц4C on tube). I really didn’t get any problems with this tube, but about 15 days ago, just because I had nothing more important to do, I decided to upgrade the look of my amp, so I decided to make it just like I loved it at first sight for the performances and look… I wanted to exchange that rectifier with that giant one on the pic that probably was a 5AR4.
I started comparing some tubes with my math property 🙂 and I found that I could change my tube with the 5Z4P, but this morning, after I received the new tube, I thought that something went wrong: the new one got the same look but… it is still little!!!
The situation today is :
- I have the 5U4C
- I bought the 5Z4P and after the post that I read I don’t know if I can use it.
- I’m still missing the big one tube.
All that I discovered and I am sure I am missing some, that not for specs, but all these tubes are compatible 5AR4, 274B, 5Z3P, 5U4G, 5Z4P, 5U4C,5U4M.
So my questions are
1- Can I use the 5Z4P or I should send it back?
2- Which big one tubes I should buy?
3- Give me an advice: not for the size, what is that best one between the rectifier tubes that my amp can mount?
Thanks a lot to all of you that will help me
See ya
I was surfing on the web trying to get an answer to my doubts and an I reached here. I was so happy to see so many discussions about tubes and amps that soon I started looking for a solution to my question.
Unfortunately I crossed a post here… that struck my mind definitely.
The post was talking about to use the 5Z4P tube in place of the 5AR4. I have read the explanations about different specs and I went to read a file that I downloaded elsewhere where I could check all more important Tube’ specs like min and max drop etc. etc. and I finally got what they were talking about.
I do some electronics repair and other stuff but I don’t go so further, I should study more, I am missing a lot of stuff, so I am here asking a tech help even if this for me concern also to the look of my amp…at least it is how it started!
Okay let’s start, but…
Before to read the above post, I started to solve my doubt with a simple math property: if A=B and B=C then A=C. 🙂
I have a Gemtune GS-01 Tube amp sold on the web like this: Hi-End Tube Amp with: EL34 * 2 + 6N8P * 2 + 5Z3P/5U4G (randomly distribute) * 1. Other specs that you can find: This amp uses a 5AR4 tube (or GZ34).
I am not here to talk about if it is or isn’t an Hi-End amp, but just about the rectifier tube.
Anyway, I got my amp with a not said rectifier tube, that on some sites is on the list of the randomly distribute or in the specs: the 5U4C (5Ц4C on tube). I really didn’t get any problems with this tube, but about 15 days ago, just because I had nothing more important to do, I decided to upgrade the look of my amp, so I decided to make it just like I loved it at first sight for the performances and look… I wanted to exchange that rectifier with that giant one on the pic that probably was a 5AR4.
I started comparing some tubes with my math property 🙂 and I found that I could change my tube with the 5Z4P, but this morning, after I received the new tube, I thought that something went wrong: the new one got the same look but… it is still little!!!
The situation today is :
- I have the 5U4C
- I bought the 5Z4P and after the post that I read I don’t know if I can use it.
- I’m still missing the big one tube.
All that I discovered and I am sure I am missing some, that not for specs, but all these tubes are compatible 5AR4, 274B, 5Z3P, 5U4G, 5Z4P, 5U4C,5U4M.
So my questions are
1- Can I use the 5Z4P or I should send it back?
2- Which big one tubes I should buy?
3- Give me an advice: not for the size, what is that best one between the rectifier tubes that my amp can mount?
Thanks a lot to all of you that will help me
See ya
I would be concern on two areas for the 5Z4P sub. Max current of 125ma. Near what 2 EL34 on your Gemtune coukd draw. First stage power supply capacitor. The Gemtune GS01 has a much larger capacitor than what 5Z4 recommended. This likely will lead to shorten operation life for the 5Z4P. I would consider geting a NOS US made 5U4 from ebay so you know what you are getting from the picture.
Just change C1 to 47uf, and run the stock rectifier. There is a recent thread on exactly this issue, just a slightly different amp.
Upgrade Douk 6p1
jeff
Upgrade Douk 6p1
jeff
Thank a lot Allen!
Then better to return the 5z4p...if i got the meaning.
About the 5U4... it is just that the full name or i can find also other name(usually four letter) i see that there are more than one 5U4. i dont want to buy again the wrong tube.
And if not NOS and other brand?
Thanks again
Hi, with stock you mean the one the i got with the amp? the 5u4c?... i would like to change it with a big one...just for the look like 5ar4
and where to get the gemtune wiring diagram?
thanks
and where to get the gemtune wiring diagram?
thanks
Have a look in this thread: Gemtune GS-01 blows second rectifier tube | Page 3 | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
jeff
jeff
Chinese and Russian built ST ("coke bottle") envelope 5U4 "equivalents" are utter garbage. When 5U4s are to be employed, install either OS U.S. made 5U4GBs or the current production ElectroHarmonix (EH) 5U4GB.
i am studying around...but to replace a rectifier isnt so easy as it seems.
For Eli.. i have the 5u4c sso i could change it with some of the "OS U.S. made 5U4GBs or the current production ElectroHarmonix (EH) 5U4GB" without any modification or o still have to change come component as said by Vinylkid
thanx to both
For Eli.. i have the 5u4c sso i could change it with some of the "OS U.S. made 5U4GBs or the current production ElectroHarmonix (EH) 5U4GB" without any modification or o still have to change come component as said by Vinylkid
thanx to both
Check the 5U4GB datasheet out.
Among U.S. manufactured NOS, GEs will cost you the least and they are eminently satisfactory. New Sensor's current production EH variant has a solid reputation and rates to be least costly.
A 5U4GB always directly substitutes for a ST envelope 5U4. Not so, the other way around.
Among U.S. manufactured NOS, GEs will cost you the least and they are eminently satisfactory. New Sensor's current production EH variant has a solid reputation and rates to be least costly.
A 5U4GB always directly substitutes for a ST envelope 5U4. Not so, the other way around.