Quote:Currently I’m using a Cryotone 5ar4, out of what I have on hand it’s been the best overall and very smooth.
Second that. I've used both in my UFO's and ended up preferring the 5AR4-WC. Haven't tried the V2 yet.
The matter of preference is subjective but the following is not, so a word of caution if one is new to 5AR4's or any rectifier with an indirectly heated cathode...
These will have a time delay on start up, sometimes referred to as a soft start. That's great for the component but bad if one is impatient, one of the qualities that I need to improve on. So if one is rolling or turning on a component with an indirectly heated cathode, don't switch it on and off before it starts up and has time to "settle". If you do you risk the tube, any soft start tube, blowing and possibly taking out a fuse in the process.