5u4G rectifier tube

The Boogie Board

Help Support The Boogie Board:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

jtb226

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 7, 2007
Messages
504
Reaction score
0
Location
Pennsylvania
how often should these be replaced? i keep my DR on the silicon diodes setting most of the time (if not all the time), so should i even worry about it? thanks.
 
Your rectifier tube should be changed about as often as your power tubes for ultimate reliability if you are using them all the time. If you are not then it is hard to say. I would change them at any sign of inconsistency. Your rectifier tube burning out can cause real issues. I know you can always switch to silicone diode but why risk it. The hardest part of gauging a tube's life is that all tubes are not created equal. Usually though you will get some sort of warning prior to tube failure though even if subtle. Just be aware of your sound and you should have no real problems.
 
so basically, if i have my amp set on the silicon diodes, i could take my rectifier tubes out and it wouldn't hurt a thing (just a hypothetical, not actually going to do it. lol)? just asking because when i'm playing modern rock and such, i need the extra power of the silicon diodes, so i usually just keep my amp set on that. in that respect, i guess i don't need to retube my rectifier yet. correct?
 
Correct. I would just be aware of the fact that your rectifier tubes are still being heated so they are slowly dying. I would take careful note of how your amp sounds under a rectifier setting and then check it from time to time. When your rectifier tubes begin to make your amp sound different than before under the same rectifier tubes you may want to change them before they become a problem. Again, inconsistency is usually the first sign of a problem.
 
All of this is a moot issue. NOS Rectifier tubes are very inexpensive and will last *way* longer than any currently made tube. I picked up a pair of NOS Sylvania black plate 5u4GBs for a grand total of $40. The 5U4G is a little more expensive depending on which brand. A NOS RCA might run you $40 a pop. Spend a tad more and get the good stuff. It is way more consistent, lasts way longer, and in the long run is much cheaper. Drop two good rec tubes in and they will last for several power tube changes and might even outlast the amp. LOL!!!

I can understand why people don't use NOS power or pre tubes, some of that stuff can get seriously expensive. RCA Blackplate 6L6s are going for around $350 a pair, and a single Mullard or Tele 12AX7 can set you back $200.

But the rec tubes are cheap and well worth the modest expense. The Chinese and Russian stuff isn't in the same league as the USA 5U4GBs.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top