Yet another "Does the rectifier tube affect my sound" question ...

[Kiwi]

Shortest possible version: In one of my amps, I found that replacing the older Ruby 5AR4 with a new JJ GZ34 rectifier tube firmed up the bottom end, and got rid of some buzzing distortion when cranked.

Okay, a 5AR4 is supposed to be the same as a GZ34... Isn't it?

I then swapped in a solid-state rectifer plug-in. Same thing: better bottom end, less buzz. Either way, it sure sounded better without the Ruby.

What's going on? Is the Ruby not supplying enough power or something? (It's a 2x KT66 amp)

=K

[SatelliteAmps]

All rectifiers are not created equal. Some are more efficient than others, even under the same model number. I find that JJ's do tend to be stiffer than Ruby's.

Or the Ruby could just be failing. Which would explain the buzzing.