Reflector 5V4GA / 5Z4GT / 5Ц4M / 5C4M
The NOS Russian-made Reflector 5Ц4M (5C4M) rectifier tube is an interesting vacuum tube. It seems there is no direct western substitute yet a few common rectifier tubes are similar enough that they are generally considered safe to use. The closest western tube is the 5V4GA and 5Z4GT, although specs are not identical. They seem to also work fine in place of 5Y3GT tubes, but lifespan is likely shorter.
In the 1980s and 1990s, these tubes were prevalent in the USA. The problem was they were typically labeled as American made tubes (counterfeits) of 5Y3GT and 5AR4. You might have been disappointed when you found General Electric 5AR4 or 5Y3GT boxes with these Russian tubes inside. Some recent Chinese hifi amps and preamps use these.
Our current stock is labeled in a few different ways as photographed above. Most of our stock is labeled GE 5Y3GT, International/Service Master 5AR4/GZ34, and National 5AR4/GZ34. All are relabeled 5Ц4M tubes.
Also note that the difference between 5Ц4M and 5Ц4S is the bottle shape. Electrically they are identical.
Other Russian tubesWarranty Information and Return Policy
Warranty Period: 3 monthsAll our tubes are guaranteed for 3 months from the date of purchase. (Any exceptions will be noted on that tube's Warranty tab)
If you receive a tube that does not perform to the manufacturer's specifications, please do the following:
- contact us to get a return authorization
- return it via regular mail within 90 days from when we shipped it, and we will provide an exchange or refund of the full purchase price of the tube.
Returns not related to warranty or defect will be considered at our discretion, and are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
We can not accept returns that don't have an authorization, are past 3 month, or are returned improperly.
These guidelines may be updated without notice.