Tube vs. Solid State Rectifier


How much does the rectifier stage effect the character of an amplifier. So far, on nearly every SS/Tube decision that's come down, I've gone with tubes. Now, I'm looking at two 300b push-pull integrated amps, the main difference between the two is that one puts out 18W/ch and uses tube rectifiers while the other puts out 25W/ch and uses SS rectification. The SS unit has a much greater bandwidth and just specs out better in general. I'm leaning toward the SS rectifier as long as the amp will still have that tube magic. Your opinions will be appreciated.
phaelon

Showing 1 response by mf2

My general preference from DIYing a few preamplifier and amplifier combinations has been to use a tube rectifier in the pre and ss in the amp. This has struck a nice balance between the warmth of tubes and the perceived speed and "snap" of ss.

Of course, the best alternative would be to have the opportunity for you to compare both in your system as there may be other attributes to each amplifier that would better suit your system.