Best current production GZ34?

[LarryLarry]

I need a recommendation on the best current production GZ34. Shugaung? JJ? ??

[renshen1957]

I need a recommendation on the best current production GZ34. Shugaung? JJ? ??

edit:

Hi,

Which every you decide on, I recommend adding UF4007 diodes between the B+ and the plates of the GZ34 to protect the amp if the new production GZ34 shorts.

No one seemed to audibly notice in the middle of a gig when half of new production tube rectifier shorted out. It wasn't a Shuguang or a JJ, as I recall. I was replacing the tube with a Hammond label Mullard, and before I put the replaced tube into spares "touch it, test it," revealed that half the tube had given up the ghost.

You might consider TAD (Shuguang)

Or Ruby (JJ)

as at least the tubes have been screened. I also purchase from someone a seller with a warranty.

Don't even consider Groove Tube for Sovteks version:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessor ... ube#review

GT rectifier tube
| Review By: Anonymous User | 5 years, 1 month ago

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I've ordered two of these...the first one went out on me 10 minutes after installation. I received a replacement and after taking it out of the box and looking at it, I noticed the glass had black areas (burn spots) on it.
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A good word for NOS, you will probably only need one Mullard for the life of your amp.


Best Regards,

Steve

PS Amazon Reviews of JJs:

http://www.amazon.com/JJ-GZ34-5AR4-Vacu ... B000UMJP04

Sovtek:

http://www.amazon.com/Sovtek-5AR4SOV-5A ... ewpoints=1

[tubeswell]

I've had pretty good run with JJ GZ34s

[C Moore]

I would say the "best" current production rectifier, of any type, is a Weber Copper Cap.
Other than tradition, I do not see a reason to use tube diodes anymore.
JMO
best

[LarryLarry]

I've got the amp wired with a switch for SS and GZ34, so I can always have a back up for a bad GZ34. But so far I like the sound of the tube rectifier, maybe it's just because the voltages are lower (right on spec) with the GZ34, who knows!

[LarryLarry]

Should there be much of a difference in the B+ voltage when using different GZ34s (same brand or different brand)?

I have 2 GZ34s; one JJ and one Shuguang and I notice a difference. I don't recall exactly how much difference there was, but I know the JJ was lower so Iused that one for my Rocket.

[C Moore]

Some (modern day) brands of tube are more "faithful" to the voltage drop of the original spec rectifier. That is to say, yes the modern GZ do drop more or less voltage, depending upon who made the tube. JJ and Sovtek are different for example.
best

[paddy]

I've had trouble with both Sovtek and JJ's. I switched to Shuguang's
and I'm very happy with them.

Cheers,
Paddy

[jon]

I've had trouble with both Sovtek and JJ's. I switched to Shuguang's
and I'm very happy with them.

Cheers,
Paddy

Plus one

The Shuguang's seem to be a little stiffer. I felt that under load the JJ seemed to sag to much.

[LarryLarry]

That's what I've got in there now (Ruby branded with the 'C' at the end) and I like it, better than the other one I have (which is a Sovtek, not a JJ).

Thanks!

[Milkmansound]

I like the Ruby. I put a few diodes in series with the HV windings just in case