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Phil,Be patient and you will find a tested metal base GZ34. Dan snagged his GZ34 recently as a 'Buy it Now' for less than $150 and I have found 7 for under $200. Search E-Bay Germany for the Valvo (Philips production) or E-Bay Netherlands. The Philips, Mullard, Miniwatt and Valvo branded GZ34 are are Philips production and the same tube. As these were made in Holland, you can find some pretty sweet deals if you search these sites.Good luck!
So, as for the metal base GZ34/5AR4 versus the HW GZ37... This is where I am convinced I am going to lose my mind. The 5AR4 has a bit more of a robust sound to it. It is slightly more holographic and warm/rich. The GZ37 is a little more refined and detailed. The GZ34 will be ever so slightly congested on larger passages compared to the GZ37. I would say the GZ34 has a bit more of an initially alluring sound but over time seems to give me a bit of listening fatigue. You cannot even begin to imagine the amount of agonizing and scrutinizing that has taken place over the last few days It is near impossible to pick a favorite here as they each do different things incredibly well and each have a different, yet equally addictive sound quality. Since my Dali's have a bit of a warm and live sound to them for the moment I am choosing to go with the GZ37, but that could easily change tomorrow Tough call between these two wonderful tubes...
John,I've had my metal base GZ34 in now for about 6 weeks and compared it with a NOS Bugle Boy 5AR4, the Bugle Boy being my favorite up to this point. I wanted to take time over the comparison and not jump to any immediate conclusions, but on this occasion the difference was significant from day 1. It's possible for me to hear that they both have a similar sound signature, but the metal base is significantly superior - it's smoother, more relaxed, more dimensional and overall more enjoyable to listen to. My system is now the best I've heard it, combined with the 6H30DR's my TP is now such a phenomenal source that even internet radio has become listenable and not just background music. So thanks for the heads up on this.Now I've got a bunch of rectifier tubes surplus to requirements - maybe I should get a 36.5 to stick them in? We can't leave David and Ted with all the multiple tube rolling fun!Phil
Quote from: Philistine on 26 Jul 2008, 05:37 pmJohn,I've had my metal base GZ34 in now for about 6 weeks and compared it with a NOS Bugle Boy 5AR4, the Bugle Boy being my favorite up to this point. I wanted to take time over the comparison and not jump to any immediate conclusions, but on this occasion the difference was significant from day 1. It's possible for me to hear that they both have a similar sound signature, but the metal base is significantly superior - it's smoother, more relaxed, more dimensional and overall more enjoyable to listen to. My system is now the best I've heard it, combined with the 6H30DR's my TP is now such a phenomenal source that even internet radio has become listenable and not just background music. So thanks for the heads up on this.Now I've got a bunch of rectifier tubes surplus to requirements - maybe I should get a 36.5 to stick them in? We can't leave David and Ted with all the multiple tube rolling fun!Phil Philly, I'm running precisely the same setup in the TP as you are. Sounds damn good, doesn't it?
Quote from: cAsE sEnSiTiVe on 27 Jul 2008, 12:09 amQuote from: Philistine on 26 Jul 2008, 05:37 pmJohn,I've had my metal base GZ34 in now for about 6 weeks and compared it with a NOS Bugle Boy 5AR4, the Bugle Boy being my favorite up to this point. I wanted to take time over the comparison and not jump to any immediate conclusions, but on this occasion the difference was significant from day 1. It's possible for me to hear that they both have a similar sound signature, but the metal base is significantly superior - it's smoother, more relaxed, more dimensional and overall more enjoyable to listen to. My system is now the best I've heard it, combined with the 6H30DR's my TP is now such a phenomenal source that even internet radio has become listenable and not just background music. So thanks for the heads up on this.Now I've got a bunch of rectifier tubes surplus to requirements - maybe I should get a 36.5 to stick them in? We can't leave David and Ted with all the multiple tube rolling fun!Phil Philly, I'm running precisely the same setup in the TP as you are. Sounds damn good, doesn't it?Yes, the combination in the TP is really something special, I've never heard music sound so good.All the reviewers that have given good reviews on the TP with the 'OEM' tubes that Dan supplies would be completely blown away by this combination.
However, with my 36.5 the dual DR's were too much (thanks David), and so the Raytheon 6Cg7 black plates have taken the DR's spot in the TP. That metal base is da bomb, though. David is sending me Rob's GZ37 HW to try, but I think the metal base is there to stay. We'll see.
OK all, you have sold this tube newbie... I have on their way a NOS Mullard Fat black base, and a pair of NOS 6H30 DR's... Won't be quite the same as the metal base, but prices for that tube seem insane to me (over $600?). Hopefully this combo approximates reasonably closely your experiences and I'm really psyched!
Quote from: jwes on 29 Jul 2008, 03:03 amOK all, you have sold this tube newbie... I have on their way a NOS Mullard Fat black base, and a pair of NOS 6H30 DR's... Won't be quite the same as the metal base, but prices for that tube seem insane to me (over $600?). Hopefully this combo approximates reasonably closely your experiences and I'm really psyched! Hopefully you go the DR's from Parts Connexion? You'll love 'em.
David,Thanks. Congrats on the HW. I'll listen to the Mazdas but the Raytheons are so much better than my dozen or so other 6CG7's. Once again...we'll see.
Ted,Is there a source for the Raytheons?
...Modwright Denon 3910 Platinum Sig universal (for hirez 2 channel only use right now). Tube rolling in that is a pain due to the nine screws in the cover...
Quote...Modwright Denon 3910 Platinum Sig universal (for hirez 2 channel only use right now). Tube rolling in that is a pain due to the nine screws in the cover...I'm curious, how many screws to remove the cover on the 36.5? The SWL 9.0 has TEN screws, so I've left the cover off until I decide on my final tube mix. Sure wish Dan (or somebody else) offered an after-market cover upgrade for the SWL to facilitate tube-rolling!!
Quote from: sleepysurf on 30 Jul 2008, 12:45 pmQuote...Modwright Denon 3910 Platinum Sig universal (for hirez 2 channel only use right now). Tube rolling in that is a pain due to the nine screws in the cover...I'm curious, how many screws to remove the cover on the 36.5? The SWL 9.0 has TEN screws, so I've left the cover off until I decide on my final tube mix. Sure wish Dan (or somebody else) offered an after-market cover upgrade for the SWL to facilitate tube-rolling!!The 36.5 is 4 very simple screws. It takes almost no time at all to remove the cover and replace it. I have a feeling Dan could have a top machined for you that would allow access to the rectifier it that is something you truly wanted.
