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Post subject: Rectifier tubes and tone
Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 7:09 pm
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How much do rectifier tubes affect the sound of the amp as compared to power tubes?

Ed


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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 8:03 pm
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It can effect the tone by potentially changing the voltage. If the voltage changes, then the current changes, which then effects the bias. I wouldn't replace it without checking the bias. The bias could change making your power tubes run hotter or colder effecting the tone. I notice more of a change in attack too.


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Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:08 pm
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Yeah ED, the rectifier tube has a subtle effect on the sound. As Supro said the power supply will decraese or sag when the amp is driven hard. The tube just can't keep up with the demand. Kind of like the water pressuse in your house when a number of taps are open at the same time. In the amp this can be heard as a slight loss of volume and/or compression in the power amp, thus the softened attack. The effect can be very pronounced in some amps and almost non-existent in others. In the case of a Deluxe Reverb with a 5AR4 I don't think you'll notice much sag, unless it's cranked way up, and at that point the power tubes and speaker will be overwhelming the sound stage. I advise you to keep a quality tube in this amp and carry a spare( maybe lower cost), if you are gigging. IMHO Power tubes can affect the sound of the amp to a greater extent, but the speakers are definitely the main part of the equation. ART

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Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:00 pm
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Fellas,
Thanks for the info. I intended to replace my power tubes (one is making noise) and get the amp rebiased.

Ed


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Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:04 pm
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Ed, just wanted to mention the Copper Cap made by Weber. It is a solid state replacement that reproduces the effect of the tube rectifier. When the Mullard in my '67 Band Master gives it up, I'll probably try one of those. Just an option. ART

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