2. amps-preamps
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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
mlsstl
1,436 posts
 
Lewhite, not sure that battery power is a practical alternative for tube amps. My two amps need B+ voltages in excess of 400 volts. Not too many readily available batteries meet that need.

Alternatively, what's the point of have a lower voltage battery if you have to run it through a converter to step up the voltage? That is typically done with an AC conversion or switching process that defeats the whole point of the battery's pure DC output.
phaelon OP
1,049 posts
 
Hello everyone and thanks again for sharing your thoughts. I'm giving the SS rectified version a whirl. I have no doubt that on an even playing field, the tube alternative would be the way to go for me. The power ratings are a big issue here and I've been informed that the 25W/ch rating of the SS rectified amp belies its true power. If there had been an outcry of "traitor" from the tube community I might have waffled LOL, but what I'm taking from this thread is that, if it's done right, an SS rectifier won't necessarily be a bad thing.
lewhite
156 posts
 
Mlsstl: I don't need an up converter or voltage multiplyer if I change my golf cart from parallel to series. OK.,OK. I'll go back in my room.
layniesdad83
28 posts
 
The general scuttle-butt is a line-stage -preamp needs tube rectification to keep the magic; not an issue in a power amp.  Just put a Weber WS-1 in my St-120.  runs cooler.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I'm no expert but on 4 tube amps I've owned the rectifier made the greatest
difference in sound of anything . All used 12x6 or 12x4 .
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