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RCA

5R4GY INTERNATIONAL (RCA) – Black Plates Brown Base – Hanging Filaments – NOS NIB – Made in USA '50s

5R4GY INTERNATIONAL (RCA) – Black Plates Brown Base – Hanging Filaments – NOS NIB – Made in USA '50s

¥17,600 JPY
¥17,600 JPY
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5R4GY RCA for INTERNATIONAL – Black Plates Brown Base Hanging Filaments Double Square Bottom Getter – Made in USA '50s – NOS NIB

Description:

This 5R4GY , manufactured by RCA and rebranded as International Electronics , is a very high quality rectifier dating from the 1954–1957 period, when RCA production was at its technical peak.
The combination of thick black plates with rounded corners , double square bottom getter , hanging filaments and brown Bakelite base unmistakably identifies it as a mid-50s RCA origin.
Absent are the rivets or stitching characteristic of later versions, a distinctive sign of the fully industrial/military manufacturing typical of the period.

The International brand was not a manufacturer but a distributor active between the 60s and 70s, which purchased valves from RCA, Sylvania or GE , tested them and rebranded them.
Therefore, the commercial branding may be misleading, but the internal structure is 100% original RCA , belonging to the most valuable and robust generation of the 5R4GY.

Sound and Technical Characteristics

Bass: extended and controlled, with a full and authoritative impression; excellent sense of solidity and absence of bloat.
Mids: amber and natural, with typical RCA body and musicality; voices emerge warm and well-centered.
Highs: Smooth, airy, and velvety, with impeccable tonal balance; they deliver detail and spaciousness without straining the listener.
Dynamics: stable and balanced, with smooth energy release and excellent transient control.
Soundstage: Deep and realistic, with a cohesive, three-dimensional soundstage; the coherence between planes is typical of vintage RCA rectifiers.

🎧 Use in Hi-Fi Amplifiers

Ideal for vintage hi-fi and broadcast amplifiers (McIntosh, Fisher, Dynaco, RCA), where it provides a smooth, musical rectification rich in natural harmonics .
It contributes to a smoother sound, with a greater sense of depth and control in the low frequencies.

🎸 Use in Music Amplifiers

Excellent for guitar or studio-grade amplifiers using 5R4 rectifiers, it offers a smooth yet responsive response with natural attack and musical sustain, perfect for warm, dynamic tones.

🎯 Note for Audiophiles and Technicians

  • Real RCA production (1954–1957) , rebranded International Electronics in the 1960s.
  • Full-spec RCA construction with black plates , hanging filaments , double square bottom getter and brown Bakelite base .
  • NOS NIB , never used, kept in original International box.
  • Reliability and sound consistency typical of the best American grinders.

Test Results:

Valve tested on Funke W19 Tube Tester:

  • Test Conditions: Va = 100V ; Vf = 5.0V
  • Good from: Ia = 61 mA
  • Average 100%: Ia = 95 mA
  • Test Result: VERY STRONG

Valve:

  • Section 1: Ia = 105 mA
  • Section 2: Ia = 100 mA
Additional Tests Performed:
  • Microphonics: Standard. Tested and approved for use in hi-fi and guitar amplifiers.
  • Output Quality: Excellent – Very strong and stable output, no fluctuations.
  • Short circuits and GAS: Absent.

Conditions:

  • Condition: NOS - NIB - New Old Stock, New In Box - Tested and working - Supplied in original box.
  • Functionality: Fully functional.
  • Cosmetic condition: Excellent – Excellently preserved lettering, minimal signs of wear. See photos for details.
  • Manufacturing Code: absent – RCA USA production, identifiable by construction features period 1954–1957

Find out why our valves are different →

Terms of Sale & Safety

Sales Terms & Product Safety

Each vacuum tube is carefully selected, tested, and verified in our laboratory before shipment. Where stated in the listing, test results, matching data, and declared characteristics refer to measurements performed using the specified test equipment and operating conditions.

Sound descriptions are provided for guidance only and reflect the characteristics generally associated with that particular tube type. Personal sound preferences, tube rolling, or perceived differences between audio systems do not constitute a product defect.

Before installation, please verify the tube’s electrical and mechanical compatibility with your equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

New production and NOS tubes are shipped with a tamper-evident security seal and internal technical documentation to ensure traceability of the product’s condition at the time of shipment.

Product Safety (GPSR)

Vacuum tubes are electronic components intended exclusively for use in compatible equipment and must be installed in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

Due to their historical or vintage nature, certain technical specifications may be based on original datasheets or equivalent technical documentation when documentation from the specific manufacturer is unavailable.

Use only with suitable equipment. Keep out of reach of children.

Shipping & Returns

Shipping & Returns

We ship worldwide using carefully selected express carriers and protective packaging specifically designed for vacuum tubes.

If you change your mind, you may exercise your right of withdrawal within 14 days of delivery, where applicable under the relevant consumer protection laws. The product must be returned complete with its original packaging and accessories, in the same commercial condition in which it was received. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Every returned item undergoes a technical inspection. Installation, use, tube rolling, or any other handling may reduce the product’s commercial value and may affect the refund amount, in accordance with applicable law.

If you believe the product has a lack of conformity, our laboratory will carry out the necessary inspections and apply the remedies provided by the applicable consumer protection legislation.

For further details, Customers are invited to consult the “Terms and Conditions” and “Refund Policy” sections of our website, or to contact us before placing an order.

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  • ATTENTION PLEASE

    Please understand that the writing on the glass of vintage valves has become very delicate over the years and comes off easily. You must handle them with extreme care to avoid this. Wear and damage to the writing on the valves reduces their market value and causes damage. Please exercise extreme caution.

  • ATTENTION PLEASE

    We wish to inform you that any attempts to manipulate shipping destination information in order to obtain lower shipping rates may be considered fraudulent acts. Please provide accurate information and contact us if you have any concerns. We reserve the right to review and, if necessary, cancel orders that we deem to be in violation of our conditions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.