Lampizator Valve / Tube Rolling Review Thread

[Zero000]

OK the JLSounds setup is installed and working.

The voltage adjust via meter test points is working.

But an extra Toroidy turned out to be necessary. Just waiting for that.

Really looking forward to trying these changes.

 

[Golum]

Pushed by few friends who are rolling tubes like no tmr in their TRPs (both output ones and rectifiers) i decided to try few NOS rectifiers and all three recommended by those guys are 5R4GY. I've got Telefunken, Brimar double mica and as a very nice gift Marconi one.
Using ACME as my rectifier of choice for over a year (OK i have better NOS expensive ones but not worth using them on a day to day basis) i have to say that all three of them perform absolutely exceptional by any means. Tried them with different output tubes RD27, 242 & 12/112A and they consistently deliver or bring the beauty out of them. I'm starting to think there is something special in this tube type. Highly recommended from my side.

 

[Zero000]

I have an RCA 5R4GY but it's nothing special.

However I didn't realise Telefunken made any rectifiers we could use. That's interesting information Goran. Might get one.

 

[Golum]

RCA is nothing special i had it - but seems like European ones have something in them and i really don’t know why is that so. All three of them are great great. And seems like Fivre is the king of them all but i don’t want to pay for it as the prices are kind of crazy (or I’m cheap)...

 

[dminches]

I have a pair of Philips 5R4GYS but I have never tried them in my Pacific.

Philips 5R4GYS Made in Holland

Philips 5R4GYS Made in Holland IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to diminishing quantities, this tube is now reserved for Verified PrimaLuna Owners only. To be verified, you must have purchased a new PrimaLuna Preamp from an Authorized Dealer. Submit a copy of your invoice by email and then call to place your...

upscaleaudio.com

 

[Golum]

Kick them in David - might be a surprise...

 

[highstream]

Telefunken and Marconi don’t seem to come cheap either. I have a handful of 5R4GY’s, including a Brimar single Mica version, an RCA and a Fivre, though apparently not the “right” version. The PrimaLuna pre I had for a short while came with a Philips, but I didn’t find it particularly warm or inviting as advertised. All have done better in a Supratek preamp than Lampi TRP, though none have the magic of a 596. One thing I’ve read is that 5AR rectis last longer than 5U4 versions because they are designed handle the initial turn-on surge better, but I’m not sue where the 5R4 fits in there. I also don’t know if there’s an SQ effect in the difference, at least theoretically (https://tubemaze.info/sound-of-rectifier/).

I’ve read that Fivre tubes after awhile were either made by RCA or with their design.

 

[Trab]

@Golum, you've had before so many rectis to try, that it is very nice for me to read you like those old ones too.

5R4GY from Fivre is still one of my favorite and I use it most of the time in my Lampi. However, it is also good to know Fivre made different 5R4GY versions. I have four types and among them there is, for me, this special one. It has grey anode, double D getter and dark brown base. https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/lampizator-valve-tube-rolling-review-thread.26478/post-560706

5R4GY from RCA I find nothing special too, but some RCA rectis can be interesting. It reflects to the oldest, first batch 5U4G, those produced until 1944. They have bottom foil getter, smooth-plate anodes with two supporting rods in the middle and black base. Their strong side is linearity combined with incredibly natural highs, best I’ve heard in my system so far.
What I mean by foil getter is marked in the photo below.

 

[Golum]

@Golum, you've had before so many rectis to try, that it is very nice for me to read you like those old ones too.

5R4GY from Fivre is still one of my favorite and I use it most of the time in my Lampi. However, it is also good to know Fivre made different 5R4GY versions. I have four types and among them there is, for me, this special one. It has grey anode, double D getter and dark brown base. https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/lampizator-valve-tube-rolling-review-thread.26478/post-560706

5R4GY from RCA I find nothing special too, but some RCA rectis can be interesting. It reflects to the oldest, first batch 5U4G (or 5Z3 and 5X4g used with adapter), those produced until 1944. They have bottom foil getter, smooth-plate anodes with two supporting rods in the middle and black base. Their strong side is linearity combined with incredibly natural highs, best I’ve heard in my system so far.
What I mean by foil getter is marked in the photo below.

Hello!

Yes I have them quite a few now and I moved a bit towards NOS ones to see the flavor of them and so far they don't let down honestly (quite contrary).
Issue I have is that there is sooooo many of them that it is difficult to make any distinction among them unless you're really well informed and know which one to chase. Actually I remembered you've been saying good things about that Fivre recti and the Zurich guys are in love with those (they I believe have several diff versions of it - I would say for sure also the one you've posted picture of).
Marconi I'm listening just now and Brimar double mica are indeed really great ones so in general there are fantastic options for Lampi owners in terms of NOS rectifiers paired with fantastic NOS output tubes and the entire set can cost cca 150$ so you don't need to sell one of the kidneys to have stellar performance.

 

[ronfint]

Hello!

Yes I have them quite a few now and I moved a bit towards NOS ones to see the flavor of them and so far they don't let down honestly (quite contrary).
Issue I have is that there is sooooo many of them that it is difficult to make any distinction among them unless you're really well informed and know which one to chase. Actually I remembered you've been saying good things about that Fivre recti and the Zurich guys are in love with those (they I believe have several diff versions of it - I would say for sure also the one you've posted picture of).
Marconi I'm listening just now and Brimar double mica are indeed really great ones so in general there are fantastic options for Lampi owners in terms of NOS rectifiers paired with fantastic NOS output tubes and the entire set can cost cca 150$ so you don't need to sell one of the kidneys to have stellar performance.

Thanks very much for this. The last few days I have been using a Brimar in my TRP. The result is fantastic. I think that I prefer this set-up to the EL 51s with a KR 5U4G. This is surprising to me because I did not like the Brimar in the original Atlantic or Golden Atlantic. The Brimar might be the inexpensive rectifier of choice for the EL51s.

In the mean time I await delivery of a GZ480 ordered from Ali Express in October. It has been 58 days and the item has yet to reach the USA.

 

[Sfox7076]

For those of you using 12 tubes, do any of you have actual 12 tubes and not 12As? 12s are hens teeth rare and vary from the 12A in regard to filament current only. I have always preferred the 01A to the 12A in all applications... To be clear, there are tradeoffs. The 01A has higher plate resistence and is lower current. But it just has this amazing sound. I use it in my preamp instead of my lampizator. I stick with a 46 in the Lampizator for casual listening.

 

[dminches]

All of mine are 12As.

Shawn, when are you going to sell some of your WE 300Bs????

 

[christoph]

I stick with a 46 in the Lampizator for casual listening.

Can the 46 tube be used in Lampi DACs without adapters?
Just like the 45 and the other DHTs?
What heater setting would a 46 tube require? the lowest 45 setting?

 

[christoph]

I have always preferred the 01A to the 12A in all applications... To be clear, there are tradeoffs. The 01A has higher plate resistence and is lower current.

Can the 01A and the 12A be used without adapters in the Lampi DACs?
And again, if yes, with which heater setting for each?

 

[Golum]

Can the 01A and the 12A be used without adapters in the Lampi DACs?
And again, if yes, with which heater setting for each?

- Yes
- 300b

 

[christoph]

- Yes
- 300b

Thanks.
Both of them on the 300b setting?

 

[Golum]

Both 5V, 0.25A

 

[christoph]

Both 5V, 0.25A

Thanks again

 

[dminches]

I have been listening with the WE 275A / 422A combination. Mighty fine.

I am curious how the 300Bs compare. Very hard to find a reliable pair.

 

[Sfox7076]

Can the 01A and the 12A be used without adapters in the Lampi DACs?
And again, if yes, with which heater setting for each?

The 46 needs a 5 to 4 pin adapter. Takes about 15 minutes to make. Parts are about $10-15. I use Western Electric/Bell Telephone wire because I am a lunatic. Do not do this if you don’t know how to do it. You won’t damage your lampi unless you tie the signal grid to the plate, but best to leave it to someone who knows how to make it. I always test each one I make by testing a 46 in it and testing it as a 45.

Dave, you have my email. We can talk as I am funding a speaker project. I looked to sell my quad of 1967, but the premium on a quad is too dear for most. I wanted more than what two single pairs cost because you won’t find another real quad anywhere. I did offer to throw in a 274B, if my ask was met, it wasn’t. Only ones I am not keen to sell are my 1947 US Army ones. The tube dealers are asking $20k a pair for the USN ones. Army are rarer, but I am not looking for that out of them if I ever sell them.