veryoldcat
Ex Member
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Actually, I'd say to try cheaper rectifiers of reasonable quality at first in the CSP before blowing major bucks on NOS tubes, so you know which flavor of rectifier your ears prefer (in the Taboo, I can't say, so this refers to the CSP). The Sovtek 5y3 that comes with the CSP is a good reference, and your ears have to become acclimated to the new equipment. Not only does the gear burn in and settle down, but so do your ears as they get used to different sounding stuff.
For example, it so happens my most fav rectifier in my SE84CS is a Mullard GZ32. I have two, so whoa, let's try it in the CSP. Well, for my ears the Mullard GZ32 (and also a 5V4 and various 5U4's) sound awful in my CSP. It certainly depends on one's particular system, so ymmv.
The 5R4's are worth trying in the CSP, but in my system, things run together a bit much (not enough separation between instruments and the image is not as good). So, the 5R4's are out for me.
I've also tried a good quality 5AR4 pulled from a little used ST-70. I believe it's a Sylvania that would be relatively pricey if you bought one NOS. I like it better than the 5R4, but still prefer the 5y3 family.
Right now, I'm using a Bendix Red Bank 6106 (military 5y3) which is extremely nice, but still second to a Mullard 5y3 I had that died. The Mullard is so far the best 5y3 in my rig. Neither too yin nor too yang, and very liquid/grainless sounding.
You could spend $60+ on a Mullard GZ32, but still possibly not like it. Beware of putting out huge bucks on Mullard rectifiers until you're pretty sure. You can use what is said by others as a point of departure, but then you have to experiment with your own ears.
Karl
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