Ray Tubes - SELECT 5U4
The 5U4 is a common full-wave rectifier tube used in power supplies to convert alternating current to direct current. Its twin-diode design uses a shared cathode and two anodes to convert both halves of the AC cycle. Rectifiers like the 5U4 are sometimes overlooked by audiophiles, but like power and signal tubes, they can greatly influence the sound of a tube amplifier.
Product Highlights
The Ray Tubes SELECT Collection offers the best tubes you’ll ever need. It goes above and beyond the baseline to bring out the best in all your favourites.
* Designed and manufactured by a team with decades of experience
* Hand-selected by engineers—only the top tubes make the cut
* Gold pins for durability and longevity
* Substantially more consistent performance than New Old Stock
* Unlike NOS and most other new production, covered by the Ray Tubes One Year Warranty
Sound Characteristics
The SELECT 5U4 helps create a sonic profile that is smooth on top, full through the midrange, and grounded in natural, unforced bass. Its contribution is subtle but essential, enhancing the musicality, depth, and coherence of any tube-based system.
* The bass is characterized by composure and textural integrity, with excellent rhythm stability integrating seamlessly into the soundstage.
* The midrange frequencies impart a sense of richness and organic flow. The SELECT 5U4ʼs inherent smoothness allows instruments like piano, guitar, and saxophone to show their warmth and clarity.
* The treble performance is smooth and refined, reducing the grain and edginess often associated with more aggressive rectifiers.
Technical Specifications
* Tube Type: 5U4
* Tube Socket: 4-pin
Filament (Heater) Ratings
* Filament Voltage: 5V
* Filament Current: 3A
Maximum Ratings
* Peak Inverse Plate Voltage: 1550 V
* Peak Plate Current: 800 mA
* Absolute Maximum Ratings
* Peak Reverse Plate Voltage: 1500 V
* Peak Plate Current: 750 mA
Recommended Operating Conditions With Capacitor Input Filter (for two typical ranges A, B)
* AC RMS Voltage per Plate: A: 300 V, B: 450 V
* Transformer Winding Resistance*: A: 35 Ω, B: 85 Ω
* Input Filter Capacitance (Max): A: 40 µF, B: 40 µF
* DC Output Current**: A: 245 mA, B: 220 mA
* DC Output Voltage**: A: 290 V, B: 470 V
* per plate winding resistance of the power transformer
** assumes capacitor input filter configured with stated load
Recommended Operating Conditions With Choke Input Filter
* AC RMS Voltage per Plate: 550 V
* Input Choke Inductance: 10 H
* DC Output Current: 225 mA
* DC Output Voltage: 440 V
Compatible Amps
Explore Ray Tubes' Tube Amp Compatibility List.