Rectifier Tube Voltage Drop Chart

by: Billy Penn


This is a chart showing the specifications for 5 volt rectifier tubes that can be used in guitar amps. By having this information on a chart you can choose a rectifier tube that will best suit your playing style. The more of a voltage drop (DCV Drop) you have the more sag or compression you will have. The starting volatge is 425 volts from a diode rectifier and each tube’s specs drop from there. Also shown is the current available (DC mA) from the rectifier and the filament current draw (Fil Amps). It is important to pay attention to the filament current draw. Your power transformer may not have enough current supply on the 5 volt winding for the rectifier tube. All specifications were taken from the General Electric Essential Characteristcs book. Your actual voltages may vary.

Tube Type

DC mA

PIV

FIL AMPS

Max ACV

DCV

DCV DROP

Diode Rectifier

 

 

 

 

425

 

5AR4 / GZ-34

250

1500

1.9

450

415

10

5V4-GA

175

1400

2

375

400

25

GZ37

350

1000

2.8

450

388

37

5U4-GA

250

1550

3

450

381

44

5U4-G

225

1550

3

450

381

44

5U4-GB

275

1550

3

450

375

50

5Y3-G/GA

125

1400

2

350

365

60

5R4GYB

250

3100

2

900

362

63

5R4G/GY/GYA

250

3100

2

750

358

67

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