Good 5AR4 and 6BM8 tubes?

[mcgarick]

Hi
Anyone recommend a good 5AR4 and a 6BM8 tube that wont break the bank?
New or NOS
Thanks in advance.

[fsjonsey]

The 6F3P is the russian equivalent of the 6bm8. The version made by SED/ Winged C is a very good quality, low priced NOS tube. They are readily available on ebay. As for 5ar4's, I've had no problem with the chinese made version from the SINO factory.

[schwarcw]

Many 5AR4 lovers swear by the Mullards make at the UK Blackburn factory with manufactuing codes f31 or f32. Just look at the prices these things are selling for by the tube sellers.

The fat, brown metal base 5AR4 tube cost as much as a nice quad of premium vintage tubes.

Carl

[Rivieraranch]

These tubes are going for ridiculous prices.

[diamondsouled]

$35 plus shipping for one of these GZ34s is a real good deal:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...MEWA:IT&ih=002

[mhardy6647]

Jim McShane says the current Chinese 5AR4s are OK (despite older reports to the contrary)... I'll find out; I bought one from him (also a JJ 5AR4) for a new-to-me Scott 222C that I'll rehab... someday.

The old European GZ34 is probably the best way to go, but they're stupid expensive and not terribly easy to find, either.

[jaymanaa]

The 6BM8 was (and still is) a popular tube in Japan. I've found the Japanese made versions to be quite good and very affordable. Awai is a brand that comes to mind.

[Audible Nectar]

Originally Posted by diamondsouled

$35 plus shipping for one of these GZ34s is a real good deal:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...MEWA:IT&ih=002

I have a local tube geek who swears by these Matshushita/Japan GZ34s. He has always told me to consider these in lieu of the more expensive Mullards. There's a "Bel" (made in India around 1970) that's also supposed to be a nice GZ34 which he also recommends to me.

[audiodyssey]

You can buy a Mullard GZ34 labeled for Sylvania, RCA or some other company for about $40. To me, when compared to ALL contenders, it makes more sense to buy a tube that will outlast, outperform and certainly be much safer in your equipment. I like Matsu's too, but I have seen 2 of them short out in my days. Chinese??? I still wouldn't take my chances, though that stuff IS getter better every year. G.E. 5AR4's are great too, but will cost you about as much as a re-branded Mullard, and won't last as long. But they are certainly worth considering.

[FalconEddy]

Originally Posted by audiodyssey

You can buy a Mullard GZ34 labeled for Sylvania, RCA or some other company for about $40. To me, when compared to ALL contenders, it makes more sense to buy a tube that will outlast, outperform and certainly be much safer in your equipment.

Amen!

Based on my experience, I'd rather spend more $$$ on a 45 to 50 year old Mullard than any newly produced GZ34/5AR4.

Additional downstream issues stemming from faulty GZ34's can get expensive to repair, including vintage sets of drivers/speakers.

YMMV.

. . Falcon

[jaymanaa]

Originally Posted by Audible Nectar

I have a local tube geek who swears by these Matshushita/Japan GZ34s. .

Excellent tubes in general IMHO, as are Toshibas. Both of their 5AR4s are top notch.

[diamondsouled]

Originally Posted by jaymanaa

Excellent tubes in general IMHO, as are Toshibas. Both of their 5AR4s are top notch.

Exotic looking tube boxes as well, lol.

Cheers

Lar

[norelco]

try to look for DUMONT GZ34. before i use Sovtec 5AR4, it serve the purpose. but DUMONT is much better.

[currituckco]

I love the slow warmup of a GB amperex GZ34....I found one NOS in an estate sale basement, that was a nice surprise.

[Plink]

Originally Posted by audiodyssey

You can buy a Mullard GZ34 labeled for Sylvania, RCA or some other company for about $40. To me, when compared to ALL contenders, it makes more sense to buy a tube that will outlast, outperform and certainly be much safer in your equipment. I like Matsu's too, but I have seen 2 of them short out in my days. Chinese??? I still wouldn't take my chances, though that stuff IS getter better every year. G.E. 5AR4's are great too, but will cost you about as much as a re-branded Mullard, and won't last as long. But they are certainly worth considering.

You are absolutely right. The Mullard/Amperex/GE is worth the cost over the long term. These tubes are supposed to last a very long time. I say consider this useful life and make the proper investment.