Testing a new Matched pair of PSVANE Horizon 5AR4-AT (GZ34) tubes
I thought I would share my initial reactions after testing a new matched pair of PSVANE Horizon 5AR4-AT (GZ34) rectifier tubes. I haven't run them in an amp to determine sound quality, just performed tube tests using my eTracer PC controlled vacuum tube curves tracer/tester.
1) I was very impressed with materials used and the internal structure (welding, mica anti-vibration spacers and support rod thickness). The bases appear to have gold plated pins and metal wrapped over PFTE (?) bases.
2) ETracer uses the Mullard datasheet to establish the "Ref" values (some call this the "bogey number") for the tube tests. Tube #1 tested very well and balanced between the diode sections: 106.0%/105.6%. Tube #2 tested good but not as balanced: 109.5%/101.1%. However, all I(mA) diode section tests are over 100% of a NOS Mullard.
3) These are visually pleasing to look at; they glow nice.
4) If these tubes establish a reputation for ruggedness and good sound I will rejoice because these are only $50 each shipped to my door. Vintage NOS 5AR4 / GZ34 rectifiers have risen in price to crazy numbers!
Thank you for your comment. These tubes test like NOS Mullard‘s, or some of the NOS Japanese tubes. The question I have is are they rugged like the NOS tubes? I don’t currently have an amplifier that would strain a 5AR4 tube, but I hope these are the current production rectifiers that we are all looking for.
As far as trying to buy these, I went to Amazon and looked for availability. These were sold as a matched pair and based on their testing results, they were very well matched at the factory.