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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> MINI TORII >> Rectifiers, Rectifiers
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Message started by Rivieraranch on 11/28/20 at 19:31:28

Title: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by Rivieraranch on 11/28/20 at 19:31:28

I began experiencing noises at idle with the amp. A faint popping sound, intermittent rush, etc. I swapped the inputs but they were not causing it. Ditto with the power tubes. Still did not take care of that. So I changed the rectifiers and evidently that was the problem. The amp came to me with some Mullard EZ81s that had come from Upscale Audio. I guess they were just spent. I placed some EZ80's in place and it is all quiet.

Title: Re: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by Rivieraranch on 11/29/20 at 14:27:01

These GE 6V4 EZ80 rectifiers are marked Gt. Britain but I don't see any seams on the glass or factory codes on the side of the bottle. The boxes scream early '60's.

Title: Re: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by chapsjon on 12/05/20 at 08:00:36

Thanks for posting this info. I haven't had any issues with noise, but it's good to know that can be symptomatic of rectifier. I would have assumed input tube as well.

Title: Re: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by Rivieraranch on 12/25/20 at 18:19:01

In the final analysis it was determined that the volume pots were the culprit.

Title: Re: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by chapsjon on 01/04/21 at 12:55:14

Interesting.... Did you end up putting the EZ81s back into the amp? I have Mullard EZ81s in mine and they sound fabulous.

Title: Re: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by Rivieraranch on 01/04/21 at 16:52:50

Yes, I reinstalled the Mullard EZ81's and all is good.

Title: Re: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by Rivieraranch on 01/08/21 at 23:27:48

Postscript: one of these Mullards is beginning to buzz. Is that mechanical noise? Out go the Mullards and in with some RFT EZ81s.

Title: Re: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by chapsjon on 01/09/21 at 11:11:24

I have never tried RFT's, but have heard good things. Your thoughts of Mullard vs RFT would be appreciated for the day I have to replace rectifiers.
Thanks, Jon.

Title: Re: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by Rivieraranch on 01/09/21 at 13:37:24

Frankly I hear little to no difference. The Mullard EZ81 on the right side began buzzing. I moved it around in the socket (using the tip) and the sound stopped. Then it began again. This does not happened with the RFTs.

Title: Re: Rectifiers, Rectifiers
Post by chapsjon on 01/10/21 at 08:15:23

I appreciate the forthrightness. Sometimes I think we feel the need to hear a difference where one may not exist. I have heard differences in other amps between rectifiers (5Y3 vs 5U4) but only have experience with the Mullard EZ81 in the Mini Torii, so no other point of reference. I have never had any problems with mine and think they sound great, but it's always good to know what other fine options exist.