Apologies in advance for the noob question. Can I replace the Sino 5ar4 rectifier tube (pictured below) in my Friedman DS40 with any other brand 5ar4 rectifier tube (e.g., Sivtek, JJ, etc.)? Will I need to rebias the amp if I'm just replacing the rectifier tube?
Awesome. Thank you. Very much appreciated.
Thanks. I'd blown a fuse, which completely stopped the amp from powering on. I've since replaced the fuse, and now it seems like it's working fine again. However, when I spoke with Dave at Friedman and he said that when the fuses start to blow, it may mean that a rectifier tube is starting to die. So I figured I'd get myself a new one to have on hand in case I blow another fuse. So I'm definitely not looking to replace it just for the sake of replacing it. Just thought it made sense to have one on hand in case it craps out on me during a show or recording session or something.Personally I wouldn't worry about it and would buy a current JJ 5ar4, or a Groove Tubes Gold, which GC is selling for 23.00 on sale (that would either be a Russian or Chinese tube) . . They won't make much of a difference and they shouldn't rattle and should last just fine. The only thing I'd say about my older Rectifier tubes is like almost all tubes back then, they're built to last a lonnnng time, but I don't think you have to worry. I was absolutely neurotic about tubes for about 15 years or so and have a huge amount/collection of them, but this wouldn't concern me buying either of those 2 options! Good luck
EDIT, I just read that you wanted to replace it for the sake of replacing it.. I thought it had broken or stopped working. . I'm with RAG7890 in that I wouldn't replace it unless it stopped working or was rattling or blowing fuses, etc.
Eric
I've had 1 rectifier tube die ever, and yep it blew the fuse. I'd stick with those 2 choices mentioned above, but if you did buy a NOS rectifier from a reputable dealer, it wouldn't necessarily make your amp same better or different but should last a lifetime (as should the current ones mentioned, but no guarantees, huh!) Good luck, Eric
Thank you so much! This is so helpful. I really appreciate it.Gotcha! That was a vital piece of info.
I took your advice and picked up a Groove Tubes Gold 5AR4 from Guitar Center online. Less than $30 shipped, so I'm all good. Many thanks for all the helpful info.Personally I wouldn't worry about it and would buy a current JJ 5ar4, or a Groove Tubes Gold, which GC is selling for 23.00 on sale (that would either be a Russian or Chinese tube) . . They won't make much of a difference and they shouldn't rattle and should last just fine. The only thing I'd say about my older Rectifier tubes is like almost all tubes back then, they're built to last a lonnnng time, but I don't think you have to worry. I was absolutely neurotic about tubes for about 15 years or so and have a huge amount/collection of them, but this wouldn't concern me buying either of those 2 options! Good luck
EDIT, I just read that you wanted to replace it for the sake of replacing it.. I thought it had broken or stopped working. . I'm with RAG7890 in that I wouldn't replace it unless it stopped working or was rattling or blowing fuses, etc.
Eric
Since I posted this thread two months ago, the amp has been working fine with just a new fuse. Fast-forward to tonight, and I blow another fuse. I replace it with another, which then also promptly blows. So I swap out the 5ar4 rectifier tube with the Groove Tubes 5AR4 I got from Guitar Center last month as per your advice. Fired it up again and it's all good.
Perhaps. I kind of figured it was the rectifier tube that was causing the problems, as once I swapped it out that seemed to bring the amp back to normal. I'll certainly keep a close eye on it though, and if the problem persists, I'll bring it to my amp tech.
