ampage
Tube Amps / Music Electronics		 For current discussions, please visit Music Electronics Forum.

ampage archive

Vintage threads from the first ten years

Search for:  Mode:  

 

SS Rectifier vs tube Rectifier


 :
6/2/1999 6:49 PM
Tony R.
 SS Rectifier vs tube Rectifier
I've got a blackface Deluxe Reverb that has  
a solid state rectifier in it now but I was  
thinking of going back to the GZ34 tube rectifier. What advantages or disadvantages  
are their between the two rectifiers???  
Thanks  
Tony
  
6/2/1999 7:21 PM
Benjamin Fargen
Tony,  
The GZ34 is the most efficient tube rectifier. In other words.... it has the least sag out of any other tube rectifier. The GZ34 is therfore the closest to a SS rectification availible in a vacuum tube.  
If you choose to use a GZ34 you will reduce your overall B+ slightly (10-15VDC???)  
and pick up a little bit of sag when you push the amp real hard.(maybe this will be good  
for you?)  
The only real benefit of a SS rectifier (other than a higher plate voltage if you need it!) is the reliability of using a SS diodes vs. a Tube. In most cases.... the GZ34 will need to be replaced a lot sooner than a SS diode.  
 
Just my 1.5 cents worth  
Benjamin
  
6/2/1999 9:05 PM
Paul C
One problem with a SS rect in this amp is the plate voltage. It's very easy to go over the limit voltage wise for modern 6v6 tubes in this amp with a SS rect. I'd measure the voltage with the SS in there. If you're getting around 440vdc I'd go with the tube rect to drop it down some.
  
6/8/1999 7:26 AM
Trace
Hey gang;  
 
I've had great luck with using the 5V4's. the lowend is much tighter and the highs are very "silky" sounding. I was under the impression (lord knows I've been wrong before) that the 5V4 has less give than the 5Y3?  
 
It's hot here in upstate NY!!  
Trace
  

  Page 1 of 1