Any Preferences For a 5V4GA Tube?

[jgannon]

I need to replace the 5V4GA tube in my Fisher TA-500.

I'm thinking I should get a good vintage U.S. made tube.

Any preferences? I've heard they can have a bearing on the sound.

Thanks!!

 

[byoungman1]

Does your Fisher specify "5V4GA"? If you can run the earlier 5V4G type, these are the way to go (photo attached)...

 

[jgannon]

Does your Fisher specify "5V4GA"? If you can run the earlier 5V4G type, these are the way to go (photo attached)...

It does say 5V4GA next to tube socket.

 

[Lavane]

Does your Fisher specify "5V4GA"? If you can run the earlier 5V4G type, these are the way to go (photo attached)...

I'm using a Russian 5v4 right now but I want to get one of these RCA's. :yes:

 

[jaymanaa]

Man, do not hot switch these tubes, they will arc over nearly every time.

 

[Lavane]

Are the GA's a later version? Supposed to be less finiky?

 

[battradio]

Just get a good NOS US made , i have used several brands all are worth having . GA's will handle a bit more current the the G's

 

[byoungman1]

Are the GA's a later version? Supposed to be less finiky?

Correct, GA's are the "improved" version. Since your Fisher does call for the 5V4GA, the Sylvania 5V4GA black plates are the way to go, and are relatively cheap (about $20 NOS/NIB).

 

[kvflyer]

5V4GA, NOS available here,$9.0 plus shipping.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...VFCdUlndkE&usp=sharing&authkey=CN7S0foD#gid=0

 

[jgannon]

Correct, GA's are the "improved" version. Since your Fisher does call for the 5V4GA, the Sylvania 5V4GA black plates are the way to go, and are relatively cheap (about $20 NOS/NIB).

Ok, sounds good.

But what is it about the 5V4G - is it considered to have a better sound? And could one work in the Fisher?

BTW, I noticed that on the 5V4GA that I have, there are fewer tube pins than holes in the socket. And it seems to be the case with some of the ones I've already looked up on the auction site. I take it this normal.

 

[jgannon]

Man, do not hot switch these tubes, they will arc over nearly every time.

I'm pretty sure this is what happened with the Heathkit one I had in my 500. Didn't switch it in. I hadn't played the 500 in a couple of weeks though. I don't know if that had anything to do with it.

 

[jgannon]

Just fired away on a Sylvania Black Plate D getter.

Thanks for your help guys!!

 

[tubeampking]

Rectifier tubes should have no influence on the sound, unless you switch to a different type that has more/less voltage drop. Even then it's doubtful you would here much difference. Rectifiers are not in the signal path...

 

[cademan]

BTW, I noticed that on the 5V4GA that I have, there are fewer tube pins than holes in the socket. I take it this normal.

Yup, the rectifier only uses four pins so some have all the pins, and some don't.

 

[zandru]

I need to replace the 5V4GA tube in my Fisher TA-500.

I'm thinking I should get a good vintage U.S. made tube.

Any preferences? I've heard they can have a bearing on the sound.

Thanks!!

NOS RCA 5V4GA= $50

 

[Palustris]

NOS RCA 5V4GA= $50

I wish that were true: I could retire! Years ago when 5AR4s were getting expensive I bought a big stock of 5V4GA tubes to use in applications where the 5AR4 was not necessary. Unfortunatly, I don't see any 5V4GA tubes on epay for $50 except for someone in Italy. The cheapest is $10 with no bids.

 

[zandru]

I wish that were true: I could retire! Years ago when 5AR4s were getting expensive I bought a big stock of 5V4GA tubes to use in applications where the 5AR4 was not necessary. Unfortunatly, I don't see any 5V4GA tubes on epay for $50 except for someone in Italy. The cheapest is $10 with no bids.

Where talkin’ verifiably, undeniably legit NOS 5V4GA’s……….

A large portion of NOS tubes from wePay etc! just ain't the "Real Deal".

 

[ivan100000]

Old thread, yes, but I just picked this 5V4G off the popular auction site for $5.99 this past weekend; en route to me now. Is there any reason why I cannot use this boy in my Fisher TA-500 receiver that technically calls for a 5V4GA rectifier?

Thank you.

 

[Mr Boochie]

Old thread, yes, but I just picked this 5V4G off the popular auction site for $5.99 this past weekend; en route to me now. Is there any reason why I cannot use this boy in my Fisher TA-500 receiver that technically calls for a 5V4GA rectifier?

Thank you.

As long as it tests strongly and has no noise issues, no problems.

 

[ivan100000]

Thank you, Dr B--

Exactly the info I was looking for. It always makes me nervous when they put "tests strong" without even so much as an action photo of a flimsy Mighty-Mite tester as evidence to back up the assertion. For the $13 investment (with shipping factored in), I figure it isn't too big a risk.