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.

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!

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