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Message started by Cons on 07/01/25 at 12:44:00

Title: substitute a 5Y3GT for a 5U4 rectifier tube
Post by Cons on 07/01/25 at 12:44:00

Can to substitute a 5Y3GT for the 5U4 rectifier tube in a SE84UFO amp?
Thanks

Title: Re: substitute a 5Y3GT for a 5U4 rectifier tube
Post by Geno on 07/01/25 at 17:41:20

You can. But in my experience, the 5U4G varieties sound better.

Experiment for yourself though, and let your ears decide what is best for you.

Title: Re: substitute a 5Y3GT for a 5U4 rectifier tube
Post by Cons on 07/01/25 at 18:44:22

Thanks for the reply!

Title: Re: substitute a 5Y3GT for a 5U4 rectifier tube
Post by MikeinMontana on 07/01/25 at 22:23:08

I agree with Geno. We have several different rectifiers, NOS RCA brown base 1957 mil brown box 5r4gy. RCA 5y3g-(that one is an actual NOS in it's RCA, 1941 box! It was still sealed when we got it, and took my wife some time to get it open without messing up the box. Very rusty old staples. I am so careful with it. Beautiful box too, but so fragile. It's on display on shelf), the Russian 1959 black plate Svetlana. And a few 5U4G tubes~
My favorites are a 1951 NOS National Union 5U4G labeled ~Zenith~
A 1953 used but 'like new' RCA top getter 5U4G~ Very NICE 'chrome' that sits right in front when mounted. Fantastic sound and perty too.
The last one here is what we are listening to now and have been for a few months~ A 1940-1945 National Union, NOS in box ~US NAVY~ Bottom foil getter, smooth black plates. NICE!
I have no doubt that certain tubes, even the same manu/ years etc could sound a bit different. So YMMV. Our ears, but yours are what matter when looking around. You have to listen to them. All fun!! And hopefully not too expensive.... Have fun Cons ~ Mike

by the way, our 1941 RCA 5Y3G in its sealed original box was the most expensive. We agreed to 60 dollars on that one. The rest were under 50.The least expensive was the Zenith labeled National Union one at 25 dollars. And it is fantastic!

Title: Re: substitute a 5Y3GT for a 5U4 rectifier tube
Post by Cons on 07/01/25 at 22:28:08

WOW... What an awesome rundown. Looks like I'm on a hunt.
Thanks!!

Title: Re: substitute a 5Y3GT for a 5U4 rectifier tube
Post by MikeinMontana on 07/01/25 at 22:33:33

Make sure to check out feedback if on ebay etc, and ask questions!
I had help from folks here and they were on target! They always are!
Have a great day! Mike [smiley=beer.gif]

Title: Re: substitute a 5Y3GT for a 5U4 rectifier tube
Post by Lon on 07/01/25 at 23:48:45

Back in the early days of my Zen amp ownership, and earlier models, 5Y3 rectifiers gave me the best bass, and highs that were freer from "edge" than some others.

Another tube to consider, although it requires an adaptor base, is the Type 80. I found that the "coke bottle shape" and the one that I think was possibly the final development of the tube, the short straight ones, gave a really nice sound and texture to the Zen amp.

These observations were from use in my OG amp #27 (built before even Rev. A) and a "C" amp and my SE84UFO3 Monoblocks.