Sovtek 5Y3GT--good tube?

[Rhodesplyr]

I've been a little suspicious of new-production rectifier tubes, so I'm wondering how the Sovtek 5Y3GT is turning out in terms of longevity/reliability.

I read one post that mentioned that using them resulted in a higher B+ voltage, but it was only +10V. With a 400V supply, that's only a 2.5% difference, and I've rarely seen any two rectifier tubes put out exactly the same B+ voltage.

[fyl]

The Sovtek is a good recto but it's not a 5Y3GT. It's a Russian 5Z4M, an indirectly heated recto with lower plate impedance quite close to the US 6106. B+ can be 30V or more higher depending on the amp.

[Rhodesplyr]

Thanks, fyl,

It just occurred to me that I may actually have one of these that came installed in an amp I bought.

A few years ago, I think some tube relabelers were trying to pass them off as GZ34s.

[fyl]

A few years ago, I think some tube relabelers were trying to pass them off as GZ34s.

Yep, a number of relabelers sold them as GZ34s. Some even tried to pass them as Mullard GZ34s...



From the Tubemonger web site.