Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
- Thread starter Sune
- Start date
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
A rectifier, whether tube or solid state, performs the same function. Converts AC to DC.
A lot of folks prefer tube rectifiers for the sonic property known as sag. The way a tube rectifier reacts when pushed, it kinda sags, then catches up. It gives the amp a certain "feel", very hard to describe in words.
Most solid state rectifiers are a bit stiffer or more accurate in comparison.
Then there's the odd ball amps like my Two Rock that have a solid state rectifier, yet have a ton of sag in them. I've not taken the amp apart to figure out how they did it, but maybe one day.
A rectifier, whether tube or solid state, performs the same function. Converts AC to DC.
A lot of folks prefer tube rectifiers for the sonic property known as sag. The way a tube rectifier reacts when pushed, it kinda sags, then catches up. It gives the amp a certain "feel", very hard to describe in words.
Most solid state rectifiers are a bit stiffer or more accurate in comparison.
Then there's the odd ball amps like my Two Rock that have a solid state rectifier, yet have a ton of sag in them. I've not taken the amp apart to figure out how they did it, but maybe one day.
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
I guess there's some capacitors in the circuit that cause the voltage and current to be out of phase.Scott_F said:A rectifier, whether tube or solid state, performs the same function. Converts AC to DC.
A lot of folks prefer tube rectifiers for the sonic property known as sag. The way a tube rectifier reacts when pushed, it kinda sags, then catches up. It gives the amp a certain "feel", very hard to describe in words.
Most solid state rectifiers are a bit stiffer or more accurate in comparison.
Then there's the odd ball amps like my Two Rock that have a solid state rectifier, yet have a ton of sag in them. I've not taken the amp apart to figure out how they did it, but maybe one day.
Sune
New member
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
So either way can sound good? It's just because I've been talking about the crate vintage club 50 watt head, and I know it has a solid state rectifier, but it seems like it doesn't have to be a bad thing, and alot of people say it's one of the best amps they have, even better than some of the more expensive ones they have..So I hope I'll get it, if I do, I'll post something here of course, I also need your guidance to find a good matching cabinet if I get the head.
So either way can sound good? It's just because I've been talking about the crate vintage club 50 watt head, and I know it has a solid state rectifier, but it seems like it doesn't have to be a bad thing, and alot of people say it's one of the best amps they have, even better than some of the more expensive ones they have..So I hope I'll get it, if I do, I'll post something here of course, I also need your guidance to find a good matching cabinet if I get the head.
shredaholic
New member
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
doesn't a plexi have a solid state rectifier?
doesn't a plexi have a solid state rectifier?
tone4days
Heel Whacker
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
both ss and tube rectos can sound great in their given applications .. for example, there are some mesa boogie amps that have BOTH and the player can select which is best for their use .. a solid state recitifier is said to give a tighter, punchier bass .. given that bass frequencies require more energy to reproduce, the 'sag' is more pronounced in low frequency notes ... with a ss recto, the response is much more immediate in the bass
i honestly don't think i can tell the difference between the two
t4d
t4d
both ss and tube rectos can sound great in their given applications .. for example, there are some mesa boogie amps that have BOTH and the player can select which is best for their use .. a solid state recitifier is said to give a tighter, punchier bass .. given that bass frequencies require more energy to reproduce, the 'sag' is more pronounced in low frequency notes ... with a ss recto, the response is much more immediate in the bass
i honestly don't think i can tell the difference between the two
t4d
t4d
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
not a real pro, just a particular amp on this one.
Weber makes a copper rectifier plug that goes in place of a tube rect. You can hear the difference.
The Fender Custom shop Vibroverb 64 reissue has a switch that lets you choose. You can hear the difference on that amp as well. The solid state gives that amp a bit more power due to increased voltage.
If an amp sounds good to you, do not worry about which rectifier it has in it.
not a real pro, just a particular amp on this one.
Weber makes a copper rectifier plug that goes in place of a tube rect. You can hear the difference.
The Fender Custom shop Vibroverb 64 reissue has a switch that lets you choose. You can hear the difference on that amp as well. The solid state gives that amp a bit more power due to increased voltage.
If an amp sounds good to you, do not worry about which rectifier it has in it.
twoheadedboy
New member
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
It might be difficult to tell between different amps that have solid state and tube rectifiers, but if you take the same amp and try different rectifier tubes or a Weber Copper Cap, you will hear an immediate difference. I find the copper cap too harsh and tight, and like the organic response of a warm sounding rectifier tube much more.
It might be difficult to tell between different amps that have solid state and tube rectifiers, but if you take the same amp and try different rectifier tubes or a Weber Copper Cap, you will hear an immediate difference. I find the copper cap too harsh and tight, and like the organic response of a warm sounding rectifier tube much more.
Rich_S
HomeGrownToneBrewologist
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
Just putting a power resistor in series with the B+ will do it. You could probably figure out the value by looking at the V/I curve of your favorite tube recto, or just ask at AX84.
Scott_F said:...Then there's the odd ball amps like my Two Rock that have a solid state rectifier, yet have a ton of sag in them. I've not taken the amp apart to figure out how they did it, but maybe one day.
Just putting a power resistor in series with the B+ will do it. You could probably figure out the value by looking at the V/I curve of your favorite tube recto, or just ask at AX84.
L
Lewguitar
Guest
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
Yes.
My original 5F6-A '59 Fender Bassman has a tube rectifier.
When Fender reissued that amp they reissued it with a solid state rectifier and the reissue sounds louder and the bass is tighter. However, Fender made the reissue with a PLUG IN rectifier so you can unplug the solid state rectifier and plug in a 5AR4 rectifier tube instead.
I remember when Fender reissued that amp Richie Fleigler (who now works for Fender I believe) commented that he talked to a Fender designer/tech about that and the tech's quote was something like: "It doesn't really make much difference, but using a rectifier tube will make the amp sag a and compress a little more and make the bass response looser, etc." In other words, the tech listed a whole list of tonal qualities that would change...even though it didn't make much difference! Of course, we all know that such things make a whole lot of difference...
It was just a funny and somewhat ironic comment for the tech to have made!
Richie's response was something like: "So my suggestion is to unplug the solid state rectifier and install a 5AR4 tube in it's place. It won't make much difference - it'll just make the amp sag and compress a little more, loosen up the bass and make the amp a whole lot more fun to play through!"
Lew
shredaholic said:
Yes.
My original 5F6-A '59 Fender Bassman has a tube rectifier.
When Fender reissued that amp they reissued it with a solid state rectifier and the reissue sounds louder and the bass is tighter. However, Fender made the reissue with a PLUG IN rectifier so you can unplug the solid state rectifier and plug in a 5AR4 rectifier tube instead.
I remember when Fender reissued that amp Richie Fleigler (who now works for Fender I believe) commented that he talked to a Fender designer/tech about that and the tech's quote was something like: "It doesn't really make much difference, but using a rectifier tube will make the amp sag a and compress a little more and make the bass response looser, etc." In other words, the tech listed a whole list of tonal qualities that would change...even though it didn't make much difference! Of course, we all know that such things make a whole lot of difference...
It was just a funny and somewhat ironic comment for the tech to have made!
Richie's response was something like: "So my suggestion is to unplug the solid state rectifier and install a 5AR4 tube in it's place. It won't make much difference - it'll just make the amp sag and compress a little more, loosen up the bass and make the amp a whole lot more fun to play through!"
Lew
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kevlar3000
Bullet Proof Toneologist
Re: Tube amp with solid state rectifier ??
I put one in one of my old beasts and really liked it, this amp needed a bit more sparkle and the jump on the note change was real nice. I have a few others that sound great with the tube in there and am not inclined to try the copper cap in.
twoheadedboy said:
I put one in one of my old beasts and really liked it, this amp needed a bit more sparkle and the jump on the note change was real nice. I have a few others that sound great with the tube in there and am not inclined to try the copper cap in.
