Preferred Series 274B / 5U4G Rectifier Vacuum Tube
The Preferred Series 274B rectifier tube is a full-wave rectifier that is very similar to the classic 5U4G. This 274B vacuum tube's filament draws 2.5A of current. This current draw makes it acceptable for many amps originally designed for a 5AR4/GZ34 tube. Our PS-274B tube is a beautiful large coke bottle shaped rectifier tube with large black plates. The installed height is 5 inches. Its width is 2.5 inches at the widest point. Space may be an issued in some amps so be sure to check this.
This tube is produced for us in China by the Shuguang factory. A new evacuator is utilized for a much longer time period increasing vacuum over 100 times more than their current 5U4G tube. A new cathode coating process provides a much smoother finish improving electron flow and they are burned in at high voltages for a much longer time for improved stability. The end result of utilizing these new production materials, techniques, and equipment is a premium rectifier tube at a much lower cost than the NOS Western Electric 274B.
As a Preferred Series tube these are further tested on our digital high voltage equipment to make sure the tubes selected for you will provide outstanding tone and performance.
Warranty: The Preferred Series 274B tubes carry a 6 month extended warranty.
Other Preferred Series tubes
5U4 TypesWarranty Information and Return Policy
Warranty Period: 6 monthsPreferred Series tubes have a 6 month warranty from 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 180 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 6 months, or are returned improperly.
These guidelines may be updated without notice.
Ratings & Reviews
9 reviews
Preferred Series 274B / 5U4G | Quality tubes and service
by Brian Dempsey -
This tube is very nice. Compared to my 5u4g, 5u4gb and 5r4 tubes this one sounds better to me. I get better upper range extension than with my 5u’s. My 5r4 also has better upper range extension than the 5u’s but the 274b is smoother. I believe this tube is the overall winner in my Decware SE84UFO2.1.
If you’re thinking about a 274b tube I would recommend this one first, especially for the money and the warranty. My plan was to get this one and if I liked it I would buy one from a company that sells a blue one for $300. That’s not going to happen now.
Now, for the most important thing. I couldn’t ask for a better place to do business with than the tube store. Exquisite customer support, knowledge and more than willing to work with you if any issues.
Preferred Series 274B / 5U4G | Best deal and value on upgrade rectifiers 274b.
by Sylvain G -
Bought four of those nice PS-274B rectifiers, quite frankly I'm surprised of their performance, audio performance that is.
Used in coincident 300b mono-blocs and audio note kit DAC.
Thanks to tubestore for a super service and recommendations.
Preferred Series 12AX7 | Sounds great but keep an eye on them during start up for at least a few weeks.
by Robert
Got my first two PS-12AX7 in a couple of weeks ago. They still sound great, but one started to do things I've never seen a tube do. As though surge goes up and a small piece of burning filament falls back down. I have tried it on both my mono blocks and on my 2A3, does it on all 3 amps. The other 5U4 is working just fine. So happy to see such a great warranty so will be replacing and buying two extra.
Preferred Series 274B / 5U4G | Reliable and good looking
by Breanna
What can you say about a full wave vacuum tube rectifier? It's monstrously inefficient, oversized, and gets painfully hot during normal use. In other words it's exactly as it should be. The ST style looks excellent and the tube has been entirely reliable for a year so far.
Mine had a tiny piece of glass that rattles around inside. Amusing but harmless. Wholeheartedly recommended.
No, it doesn't affect the sound. It's a rectifier. Jeeze. Audiofools will believe anything.
Preferred Series 274B / 5U4G | Great rectifier tube for pre-amp, and at a reasonable price.
by Mark Ainsworth -
I replaced the stock 5U4G tube in my Aric Audio Transcend pre-amplifier with this one. While the preamp was wholly satisfactory with the stock rectifier, this tube seemed to give me a little more space and extend the bass a bit. Note: I was unable to do side by side comparison, since the original tube had burned out.