Russian 5U4C (5Z4G) rectifier in 2 X 6L6 amp

[stephenhartley]

Hi - I'm just starting a 2X 6L6 build and I have a Russian 5Z4G rectifier

Can anyone tell me if this is suitable and how it compares to a GZ34?

Cheers

[Jazz P Bass]

Well, the 5Z4G is a half wave rectifier, if that is what you want.
The GZ34 is full wave.
http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/f...9/3/35Z4GT.pdf
http://www.wooaudio.com/docs/tube_data/5AR4.pdf

[stephenhartley]

Thanks - I presume that means that it's not suitable for a guitar tube amp?

[madkatb]

That's the datasheet for a 35z4 not a 5z4. 5z4 (gz32) is full wave. (It seems that the Chinese manufacturers are advertising the 5z4 as the same thing as a GZ34.)
5Z4G @ The National Valve Museum
GZ34 @ The National Valve Museum
Looks like the 5z4 is good for up to 40Watts while the gz34 has higher voltage and current capabilities. Depending on the wattage you are expecting the gz34 may be the better choice.

[Jazz P Bass]

[QUOTE=madkatb;320185]That's the datasheet for a 35z4 not a 5z4. 5z4 (gz32) is full wave.QUOTE]
And so it is.
Here is the 5Z4G: http://www.mif.pg.gda.pl/homepages/f...155/5/5Z4G.pdf
So it provides half the current of the GZ34.
375 compared to 750ma's.
Something to keep in mind if it is a NOS tube.

[loudthud]

5Z4 is not the same as 35Z4. From the data I have it looks like the 5Z4 is similar to 5Y3 but with lower voltage drop. It can only handle about half the current of a GZ34.

[stephenhartley]

Thanks - I'm building a 5E5 but with separate channel volumes as in a brownface deluxe with switchable fixed & cathode bias. I'm experimenting with getting a good clean sound for my double bass so may also sometimes switch out tube rectifier for solid state - I've heard that a solid state rectifier will give a few more watts so presume this means higher current than any tube rectifier? - probably best to use a GZ34 or even a higher current tube rectifier?