GZ34 Rectifier tubes, which one would you buy and why?

I've been looking at these 3 different brands of GZ34's but can't seem to make up my mind...
Am I dwelling too much on this or is there that big of a difference between these brands?

JJ GZ34
http://thetubestore.com/teslagz34.html

Shuguang 5AR4/GZ34
http://thetubestore.com/5ar4.html

Sovetek 5AR4/GZ34
http://thetubestore.com/sovtek5ar4.html

I have tried the JJ's, they seem like a good rectifier but they kept blowing fuses in my Roadster (tried two sets).

Shuguang has been putting out some dependable tubes lately so if I was to try GZ34's again they would be my choice.

I don't care much for Sovtek tubes, with the exception on the 12AX7LPS, so I would not choose those.

It probably doesn't matter tone-wise comparing these. I would go with the Shuguang for dependability.

Dom

Very cool, thanks Dom.
It's funny, I had a gut feeling towards the Shuguang GZ34 and after reading more about it, it's seems that it's the most reliable GZ34, other than the NOS Mullard.

Now on to another question, can I just pop these in my triple, or is there a voltage/bias difference using this type of rectifier tube?
Hmm... :?

Just pop 'em in and rock out! No biasing needed as these tubes are just used to rectify (convert) AC voltage to DC voltage.

If you find that these are not "saggy" enough look for some NOS/VOS Tung-Sol or Raytheon 5U4GB's. I feel the vintage Tung-Sol falls in between the stock 5U4GB rectifier tubes and the JJ GZ34 in the saggy feel thing. I found my pair of NOS Tung-Sol's on eBay for $25.

Dom

Awesome, thanks again for your help!
I'm going to order 3 of the Shuguangs for now until my current 5U4G's fail.

The JJ GZ34 will stiffen up the amp. It used to be a common "mod" to install them if you wanted less sag when using the tube rectifier as it produced a result that put the amp somewhere between the stock Sovtek response and the diode response. JJ rectifier tubes took a **** in quality a few years ago and most people don't seem to trust them any more.

The Sovtek 5AR4 produces a looser feel than the JJ. It's the stock option for Mesas and I've never had a reliability issue with them.

I tried the JJs and went back to Sovtek. I like tube rectifiers for the increased sag and the JJ removes a fair bit of it.

I've never tried the Shuguang, so I have no opinion on it.

If your amp is still under warranty you should probably stick to the stock Mesa (Sovtek) 5AR4. Using a non-stock tube will void the warranty if it fails.

i run the sovteks in my triple. I like them, and they have been going for the better part of 2 years now and no issues.