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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
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Message started by Sean on 08/23/24 at 03:44:59

Title: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Sean on 08/23/24 at 03:44:59

It happens, first time losing a rectifier for me. Powered everything up, cooked dinner, spent time with my son and when I took the trash out I saw everything off. SDFB saved the day. Reset everything not knowing what caused the trip and powered up one by one. Got to the UFO25 and a second or so after powering on the rectifier put on a light show and poof everything went off gracefully. Without the SDFB that would have likely been a pricy fuse up in smoke as well.

I put a cheap Raytheon 5U4GB in just to make sure all is well. For a $10 tube it sounds pretty good, very holographic but a bit on the brighter side for me. Looks like I’ll be on the rectifier rolling train or is it the rolling rectifier train? Either way, listening to Billy Strings live vol 1 Rueben’s Train and I’m already forgetting the blown tube.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Geno on 08/23/24 at 03:48:35

Sorry Sean. How old was the rectifier? It was a Cryotone?

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Sean on 08/23/24 at 16:42:23

Title should read 5ar4 v2

Not sure how old it was, I bought the full set of Cryotone's with the UFO25. I've been using it daily for about 3 months.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Geno on 08/23/24 at 16:50:58

Get in touch with Steve, and/or Wathen Audio.

Sounds like it is new enough, that they should honor replacement.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by charles hidalgo on 08/23/24 at 18:12:25

I would suggest getting one of these. I'd buy from you if you were not satisfied.

https://sophiaelectric.com/products/new-sophia-electric-aqua-ii-274b-rectifier-tube-with-live-like-sonic-performance

You are NOT the only one who this has happened to. Do a search and you will see more than a few with rectifier problems when it comes to the Cryotone rectifiers. They are great at taking care of things but after three in a row for me I came across the Aqua II (after trying every rectifier that would work in my Decware amps) and it is the finest sounding rectifier I have heard in any amp that it is comparable with.

Charlie

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Sean on 08/23/24 at 20:51:22

The Sophia has been on my radar for quite some time. I’ve got plenty of other rectifiers to play around with for now, even a couple I haven’t tried yet.

As the Cryotone came to me used I’m pretty much writing it off as “stuff happens”. I do plan to contact Don, perhaps he has interest in seeing it to help improve them going forward.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Kamran on 08/25/24 at 08:13:49

Both of my Cryotone 5AR4 v2 rectifiers arced. Don no longer recommends them for the Sarah 300B amp. That said, the Cryotone 5U4G has been rock solid. I’m due to receive a replacement 5U4 for my last 5AR4 soon.

You can’t go wrong with the Sophia Aqua 274B (v1 or v2 recommended for Sarah) Outstanding rectifier—been using for 2 years. As good as the Aqua I was, the II is a step above.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Tony on 08/25/24 at 15:32:18

Kamran, Sorry to hear about the 5AR4. I had set aside a Sophia 274B v1 for a future Sarah some time ago, and good to hear that it has worked for you in your 300B. Thanks for these updates.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Kamran on 08/28/24 at 02:00:47

Thx Tony. It is what it is. No grudges held against Wathen. For the most part, their tubes are pretty darn good.

The only thing I’d consider for the Sarah 300B amp is opting for the Aqua II vs the I. That said, I believe Lon has used the Aqua 1 on his amp successfully, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Lon on 08/28/24 at 08:04:19

Yes, I have used the original Aqua 274B successfully. And the Aqua II. Right now I am most enjoying using a Psvane Black Treasure 274B-Z.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by bloodlemons on 08/28/24 at 23:24:34

I hope this isn't inappropriate, but now that I've transitioned to the STRs I have a trio of very lightly-used Aqua IIs I no longer need. Feel free to message me if you want to try to work something out at a discount.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by Sean on 08/29/24 at 02:14:59

Just thought of something while powering up this evening. Once the power button goes on and the VR tubes are coming up, I would get a low level of static sound out of the speakers while the VR's flashed on and off. Once the VR's stabilize, no more noise. This occurred with the Cryotone 5ar4, this does not occur with other rectifiers. Perhaps that noise was warning me the end was near.

BL, I don't find it inappropriate. Sending you a PM shortly.

Title: Re: Cryotone 5ar4 v sizzled out
Post by CAJames on 08/29/24 at 03:27:33

FYI/FWIW I often get a low level popping sound as my VR tubes are powering up or down. I fell like whatever is happening before the VR tubes are stable doesn’t count, but JMO/YMMV and all that. Don’t let me talk you out of buying a new rectifier :-)