EML 5U4G rectifier exhibiting short tube life when used in a Modwright TP

morganc · « **Reply #20 on:** 7 Mar 2011, 02:30 am »

Hahahaha......thanks for the EBay heads-up....I just put in a bid.....

JG2 · « **Reply #21 on:** 7 Mar 2011, 03:58 am »

Did you snag the top getter Tung Sol?

If not here is another:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300532996868&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I promise..........I will NOT bid on this one!!!

dminches · « **Reply #22 on:** 7 Mar 2011, 01:06 pm »

Why would the position of the getter affect the sound? While the getter has a role in the vacuum, isn't involved in the production of the signal.

HumanMedia · « **Reply #23 on:** 7 Mar 2011, 01:22 pm »

Quote from: morganc on 6 Mar 2011, 07:18 pm

Can anyone confirm that the EML 5U4G is compatible with the Modwright 9.0 SE SWL?

Same issues with the 36.5 as with the TP, not sure about the 9.0SWL.

morganc · « **Reply #24 on:** 7 Mar 2011, 04:24 pm »

Quote from: JG2 on 7 Mar 2011, 03:58 am

Did you snag the top getter Tung Sol?

If not here is another:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300532996868&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

No I was outbid at the last second as I couldn't sit by the computer and I missed out.....I will get one though. Thanks for the heads up.

I promise..........I will NOT bid on this one!!!

morganc · « **Reply #25 on:** 7 Mar 2011, 04:28 pm »

Quote from: HumanMedia on 7 Mar 2011, 01:22 pm

Same issues with the 36.5 as with the TP, not sure about the 9.0SWL.

The EML seems like an expensive short term solution....I prefer the 90% solution at 1/4 of the cost!

I'm excited to try out a few of the recommended TS or the RCA NOS. The problem with the RCA is that there are so many to choose from all with different price points...... I found a few here:
https://www.tubeworld.com/5u4g.htm

JG2 · « **Reply #26 on:** 7 Mar 2011, 04:38 pm »

Quote from: dminches on 7 Mar 2011, 01:06 pm

Why would the position of the getter affect the sound? While the getter has a role in the vacuum, isn't involved in the production of the signal.

If anything, It is likely more to do with when the bottom getter or top getter was made. Perhaps the TS 5U4G construction, using the top getter, also used other materials (plates?) that had an influence on the 'sound' of this tube. There also are more bottom getter TS available so it could also be tube hype. I read a lot of opinions on various tubes and more than one author came to this conclusion, right or wrong. Hype and BS in audio......................say it isn't so!!!

This thread address the issue:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/tubes-valves/86068-why-d-getters.html

JG2 · « **Reply #27 on:** 7 Mar 2011, 05:02 pm »

morganc,

You may want to give Brent Jesse a call. He has TS 5U4G for $49.(top or bottom getter???) With this tube seller, you have a better chance of a good and well tested tube than using E-Bay. I personally have not dealt with him but can't say I have read anything negative about Brent.

http://www.audiotubes.com/

zybar · « **Reply #28 on:** 7 Mar 2011, 05:10 pm »

Quote from: JG2 on 7 Mar 2011, 05:02 pm

morganc,

You may want to give Brent Jesse a call. He has TS 5U4G for $49.(top or bottom getter???) With this tube seller, you have a better chance of a good and well tested tube than using E-Bay. I personally have not dealt with him but can't say I have read anything negative about Brent.

http://www.audiotubes.com/

Brent is top notch and really knows his stuff. Highly recommended.

George

dminches · « **Reply #29 on:** 8 Mar 2011, 01:56 am »

Quote from: JG2 on 7 Mar 2011, 05:02 pm

morganc,

You may want to give Brent Jesse a call. He has TS 5U4G for $49.(top or bottom getter???) With this tube seller, you have a better chance of a good and well tested tube than using E-Bay. I personally have not dealt with him but can't say I have read anything negative about Brent.

http://www.audiotubes.com/

I just bought a pair from him and I am using one in my MWTP.

JG2 · « **Reply #30 on:** 8 Mar 2011, 02:45 am »

Quote from: dminches on 8 Mar 2011, 01:56 am

I just bought a pair from him and I am using one in my MWTP.

OK......................inquiring minds want to know...................top or bottom...............getter that is!

One fellow (on AA) I use as a reference gives top billing to the TS top getter but the TS bottom getter is just a hair behind in 2nd place. YMMV as always.

dminches · « **Reply #31 on:** 8 Mar 2011, 03:05 am »

Honestly, I don't know, but my guess is bottom. What I like about it is how it makes my 6SN7s sound.

morganc · « **Reply #32 on:** 8 Mar 2011, 03:35 am »

Quote from: JG2 on 7 Mar 2011, 05:02 pm

morganc,

You may want to give Brent Jesse a call. He has TS 5U4G for $49.(top or bottom getter???) With this tube seller, you have a better chance of a good and well tested tube than using E-Bay. I personally have not dealt with him but can't say I have read anything negative about Brent

http://www.audiotubes.com/

Thanks guys. I will give him a call. I much prefer trusted sources over the anonymity of E Bay. (and i lost the bidding war last night)

morganc · « **Reply #33 on:** 13 Mar 2011, 05:41 am »

Hey guys....so an update...i just plugged in a Russian 5U3C variant from a kind forum member who gave me a great price and I am loving it. Thanks Rob

morganc · « **Reply #34 on:** 13 Mar 2011, 05:44 am »

I have a quick ? Can I use a CV378 Mullard as the rectifier in the 9.0 Pre? I have a great pair of NOS Mullards and Sophia Electric 274's that I am rolling into my amp. Would either of these work as the rectifier in the pre?

Thanks,
Morgan

Berto · « **Reply #35 on:** 13 Mar 2011, 03:04 pm »

Quote from: morganc on 13 Mar 2011, 05:41 am

Hey guys....so an update...i just plugged in a Russian 5U3C variant from a kind forum member who gave me a great price and I am loving it. Thanks Rob

Welcome Morgan. I will admit it's no EML but for 1/10 the price it is a awesome tube. I like it alot better then the old NOS fat bottle Mullards, as they were too soft up top for me.

Hear Clifford Brown · « **Reply #36 on:** 14 Mar 2011, 08:11 pm »

My EML 5U4G died after about a year, I'm having the plate voltage reduced at Dan's place right now, but for the time being I'll looking for a less expensive tube. Brent Jessee is out of TS 5U4G but has TS 5U4GB. Okay to use the 5U4GB?

JG2 · « **Reply #37 on:** 14 Mar 2011, 10:07 pm »

Yes, The TS 5U4GB is a very good tube!

dminches · « **Reply #38 on:** 15 Mar 2011, 12:07 am »

What's the difference between the 5U4G and 5U4GB?

JG2 · « **Reply #39 on:** 15 Mar 2011, 02:41 am »

The TS 5U4G you have is a 'coke bottle' (ST) shape and earlier production. 'G' denotes glass and the 'coke bottle' shape is also referred to as 'ST' bottle.

The 5U4GB is a thinner straight sided tube as well as later construction and perhaps a bit more rugged.

The TS are pretty good in either version.