2. amps-preamps
  3. 140763-2206

Rectifier Tubes

Hi all, can anyone tell me why I hear so much of a change in my amplifier's sound (Coincident Frankensteins; 6em7 driver tube, 300b output tube) when I change the rectifier tube? 

I just got the following message from a tube vendor:

"Further, rectifier tubes (5U4) don't pass or amplify any sort of signal so our policy of no returns for tone especially applies to rectifiers. Changing a rectifier tube shouldn't change the tone of your amplifier at all, not even a little bit. This is why many high end amplifiers have solid state rectifiers. "

They actually did authorize a return (I was returning because the tubes were distorting, not because of tone), so I'm not gathering ammo for a fight.  I'd just like to understand why my experience is so different from this (presumably highly knowledgeable) individual's beliefs.

Thanks.
cal3713

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,733 posts
 
Ideally, a tube characteristics is less important than the filter that follows it.

The tube rectifier will determine the voltage, but ideally, the filter should eliminate noise, and is responsible for any supply sag, not the rectifier overall.
I guess this is quite variable.
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