Dubstep Girl's Massive 5AR4/5R4/5U4G Rectifier Review/Comparison! (Rectifer Tube Rolling thread)

[leftside]

Can anyone help me identify the manufacturer of these 5R4GY rectifiers? I think they are quite rare with the double spacers at the top, but can't remember who made them. I think Ultron and Haltron were rebranders.

 

[gibosi]

Can anyone help me identify the manufacturer of these 5R4GY rectifiers? I think they are quite rare with the double spacers at the top, but can't remember who made them. I think Ultron and Haltron were rebranders.

Every so often I see these and I picked up a pair some time ago. I don't know who made them but I have seen them carrying several different brands. And interestingly, to my ears, they sound identical to the old Brimar 5R4GY. So if you like the old Brimars anf the price is right, these are worth considering. However, my ears are old and worn out so you probably shouldn't quote me. lol

 

[leftside]

Every so often I see these and I picked up a pair some time ago. I don't know who made them but I have seen them carrying several different brands. And interestingly, to my ears, they sound identical to the old Brimar 5R4GY. So if you like the old Brimars anf the price is right, these are worth considering. However, my ears are old and worn out so you probably shouldn't quote me. lol

Hoping you might reply I do indeed think they are Brimars. That definitely rings a bell in the brain.

 

[jamato8]

Hoping you might reply I do indeed think they are Brimars. That definitely rings a bell in the brain.

You could also post the images and ask over on Audio Asylum in the Tube section. A lot of very knowledgeable people. I have been there since 2000.

 

[leftside]

And if I’m not mistaken, this “Osram” CV575 is actually a Mullard:

 

[gibosi]

And if I’m not mistaken, this “Osram” CV575 is actually a Mullard:

On paper, yes, it's a Mullard. However, when Philips acquired British Tungsram in the mid 1950's, it was placed under Mullard management. So that tube was manufactured at the British Tungsam factory in Tottenham. And the "T "in the CV factory code indicates Tottenham. And the Philips code, "J", also indicates the Tottenham factory. So yes, it is a Mullard rectifier manufactured in the old British Tungsram factory.


And it doesn't sound like a Mullard, but instead, it has what I would describe as a rather delicate sound typical of British Tungsram.

 

[leftside]

On paper, yes, it's a Mullard. However, when Philips acquired British Tungsram in the mid 1950's, it was placed under Mullard management. So that tube was manufactured at the British Tungsam factory in Tottenham. And the "T "in the CV factory code indicates Tottenham. And the Philips code, "J", also indicates the Tottenham factory. So yes, it is a Mullard rectifier manufactured in the old British Tungsram factory.


And it doesn't sound like a Mullard, but instead, it has what I would describe as a rather delicate sound typical of British Tungsram.

Interesting. Yeah the 'J' is for Mullard Tottenham (formerly Tungsram). '7C' = 5U4G. October 1955.

 

[leftside]

I have a friend who collects these types of tubes. These tubes were made to test out a future production line. Kind of like a vinyl record test pressing - where only a few are made to test the quality of the pressing before production begins. These records are highly desirable among collectors and often have obscene prices. I guess the same is true of these types of tubes, but this is one rabbit hole I'm not going down.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/123868461182

 

[leftside]

A few old Fivre rectifiers. From left to right:
5U4G black base, single D getter
5V4G brown base, single D getter
5U4GB black base, single D getter
5R4GY brown base, twin D getter
5R4GY black base, single D getter

 

[leftside]

Matching 5R4GY brown base, twin D getter with supporting spacer.

 

[gibosi]

A very nice collection of Fivre rectifiers!

And I have an old Fivre 5Z3 with a very narrow top mica, vertical support rods and foil getter:

 

[leftside]

A very nice collection of Fivre rectifiers!

And I have an old Fivre 5Z3 with a very narrow top mica, vertical support rods and foil getter:

That's a beauty. Got to be 1940's I'd guess?

 

[gibosi]

That's a beauty. Got to be 1940's I'd guess?

That's my guess too. I doubt it was made during WWII or earlier, so I'm guessing late 1940's.

 

[marty817]

The orig post named the WE 422A as arguably the greatest 5V rectifier. However, there is almost nothing on the legendary WE 274B. I haven't read all 2400+ posts but can some one direct me to any comparison of the two? Or offer an opinion as to how they are different? Thanks very much,

 

[lumdicks]

The orig post named the WE 422A as arguably the greatest 5V rectifier. However, there is almost nothing on the legendary WE 274B. I haven't read all 2400+ posts but can some one direct me to any comparison of the two? Or offer an opinion as to how they are different? Thanks very much,

WE422A is a powerful rectifier characterised with its dynamics and authority. On the other hand, WE274B is smoother but yet with excellent dynamics, but in a more balanced way with ease. To me the WE274B is playing at an upper league. Besides, as WE422A is indirect heated, it takes a bit longer time to run in optimal state, usually after 30 minutes.