[turretslug]

A more desirable implementation of "standby" might be for a double-pole switch that simultaneously biases output valves to cut-off and applies compensatory dummy-loading to PSU. (Taking it as granted that heaters need to be left alight for quick resumption of play.) That would introduce a fair bit of extra complication and expense, not to mention switchery rated for keeping +500VDC and -100VDC apart without creepage. It seems that the standby is a "must have" feature in the market, so the rectifiers are stuck with the "oh cripes" hit every now and then, it's difficult to break the "we've always done it like this" syndrome.

I expect that the GZ34 underwent the same evolutionary improvements to reduce forward voltage that marked the contemporary PY32-PY33 development. I gave away quite a lot of NOS CV1377 to folk in years gone by. Oh well, hope they were appreciated.