2. amps-preamps
  3. 190729-187807

Looking for 5AR4 rectifier tube most like solid state

I have the Cary SLP-05 preamp (with the Ultimate Upgrade), which sounds exceedingly good in most respects. Unfortunately, it's sorely lacking in rhythmic excitement (what various British companies call Pace, Rhythm and Timing, or PRaT).

I suspect that the 5AR4 tube rectifier is at least partially to blame. In general, tube rectifiers exhibit "sag". This helps some aspects of the performance, but is likely dulling transients that are needed to create faster dynamics (e.g. percussive envelopes).

Cary has told me that I cannot insert an equivalent solid-state rectifier, as it would require a power supply redesign. Instead, I'm hoping to find a 5AR4 tube that mostly closely behaves like a solid state rectifier. I don't want it to be warm, or smooth, or anything like that. This preamp already has an overabundance of those qualities. Instead, I want it to be fast, dynamic, rhythmic, and exciting, with a real sense of "boogie".

Any suggestions?

boxsoft

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,138 posts
 

@boxsoft

That preamp should put nearly a constant load on that rectifier. So Voltage sag really isn't a concern unless the rectifier is shot.

If the power supply is properly designed (bypassed), the character of the rectifier will be very heard to discern!

If this is an older preamp it might simply be that some filter capacitors in the power supply have degraded.

The actual audio tubes in the signal path are far more important to how the preamp sounds!! What brands are in there right now?

 

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