ashok wrote:I have been using a JJ/Tesla 5AR4 that I bought from Angela, in my ST35, and it seems to work quite well. The rectifier tube drops about 50V, so that should figure into your calculations. In my ST35, I was using the 270HX.
After fitting the tube rectifier, I left the 270HX in place, but jumpered one of the 3.3K resistors. That resulted in a B+ of about 335V, (30V less than stock). The power tubes are biased at 31mA. Hope this helps.
If I may, the 50 volt drop sounds a bit high. You should know that a number of early JJ 5AR4s were misbuilt, with the result that some drop much more voltage than a typical 5AR4. The tubes worked, but not to 5AR4 typical performance levels. If you ever change rectifiers (even to another JJ) be careful. You may see a big increase in B+ as a result if you get a proper tube. I dumped all my misbuilt JJs in the trash (ouch, big $$) but some vendors didn't - or didn't even know they were misbuilt. So excercise caution...
Also, FWIW, the Chinese 5AR4 built in the last few years is an excellent tube. Earlier ones were firecrackers, but the current stuff is very good. I have had ZERO failures of the Chinese tubes.
I'm sorry I haven't registered here long ago, but I'll be happy to help anyone I can now that I'm here. Thanks for the hospitality Shannon!