Forums - Print Page

Forums
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl
EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> TORII MK IV >> How would a SS rectifier tube affect sound?
https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1587738617

Message started by roggae on 04/24/20 at 15:30:17

Title: How would a SS rectifier tube affect sound?
Post by roggae on 04/24/20 at 15:30:17

Does anyone use something like this? or have you? just wondering if the sound is affected much by the rectifier being SS. TIA!

https://www.tubedepot.com/products/solid-state-rectifier

Title: Re: How would a SS rectifier tube affect sound?
Post by Rivieraranch on 04/25/20 at 13:06:40

The only comments are from folks with musical instrument amps. The Decware amps that are designed with rectifier tubes would probably sound different with this solid state drop in. Not necessarily better, but different.

Title: Re: How would a SS rectifier tube affect sound?
Post by Lon on 04/25/20 at 15:12:31

Though it's not a drop in replacement, the ZTPRE has solid state recitfication. . . and man it sounds perfect. I confess I enjoy not having to worry about finding the right rectifier for it.

Title: Re: How would a SS rectifier tube affect sound?
Post by GroovySauce on 12/31/21 at 19:13:31

I just picked up 4 SS rectifiers for my Torii MKIV.

https://www.tedweber.com/gadgets/copper-cap-rectifiers/

I got a pair of WS1 and WU4GB

The WU4GB is designed to replicate a 5u4gb tube with 50v of voltage drop.

The WS1 is designed to have no voltage drop.

I put the WU4GB in this morning and have been letting it play.

I did email them as the WU4GB says it's not designed for hifi amps. The response was that the WU4GB might become too hot and fail, because the higher current in hifi amps vs guitar amps.

I figured I would give it a go and hope for the best, after 4 hours I can briefly touch the copper case. The inner transformers are much much cooler than with the tube rectifiers. The outer transformer is "barely warm"

How does it sound? I would like to get 50+ hours on them before making any real observations. At this point I say it sounds much better than expected.

If only I had a rig I could burn in both pairs without tubes.

I'll report back once I've racked up some hours.

Title: Re: How would a SS rectifier tube affect sound?
Post by GroovySauce on 01/22/22 at 14:24:52

WS1, has no voltage drop. I didn't like it. it sounded thin it really prevented me from getting into the music. I would have thought it would be closer to a 5AR4 and be a more dense sound.

WU4GB, 50v drop. I’ve enjoyed this pair. Has strong ZMA vibes.

Compared to RCA 5U4G 70's (ST shape) It has a stronger presentation, more powerful feeling, more control of bass. It does lose some subtlety and nuance.

Sound stage is wide and deep, however the RCA 5u4g bests the SS in every way in this area.

RCA 5u4g has better micro dynamics and detail.

The WU4GB does seem to play a touch louder.

I ordered another pair with more voltage drop 58v.

I didn’t try rolling any VR tubes. Someday the itch might get me and I’ll open up that avenue. I’m happy with the buy. They are another option when fine tuning the system.

I spend many nights not wanting to leave the system, one more song… over and over again. That to me is a winner.

Word of caution. They don't have a "soft start" they are instantly full power which might be hard on tubes.

Title: Re: How would a SS rectifier tube affect sound?
Post by JBzen on 01/23/22 at 13:13:16

I spent many nights with the ZKIT1 pumping out tunes while glued to my chair. Just want to add here that I just recently change the stock spec diodes to ultra fast ones in the board amp. The result is another layer of noise was shed revealing more detail. The comment of a larger sound stage with tube rectification makes sense and probably will lead to the next tweak or even a point-to-point build.

Thanks!

John