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https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> SE34I.5 >> Rectifiers https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1642659022 Message started by Deep Structure on 01/20/22 at 06:10:22 |
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Title: Rectifiers Post by Deep Structure on 01/20/22 at 06:10:22 My Rachel goes through rectifier tubes of any recommended type in 6-months or about 1000 hours. It will blow fuses at times. The meters read 60+, well above normal, but Steve thinks that is not a problem. The amp was purchased in 2016. Has anyone had this problem? Is it the norm? I would hope not. |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by s3steve on 01/21/22 at 14:20:30 I run a lot of different power tubes and generally the meters are around 40-44 depending on tube type. What power tubes are you running? If running a different set of power tube are you still seeing 60 on the meters? What rectifier tube are you running? As for the rectifier tubes I didn't like the 274B's, sometimes sparking on start up. The GE 5AR4 that I have in there now and NOS Raythone 5U4GB's as backup both work and sound great and can be found cheap! Also tried some Russian equivalents but liked the 5AR4 better. Never blown a fuse in my Rachel. That would indicate an issue to me... I'm no expert but 60 seems high. Might be time for a visit back to the Zen Master! Don't fret if you do have to send it back, repairs are handled very quickly. You do not go on the waiting list, thank goodness! |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by hdrider on 01/21/22 at 16:20:10 Deep - I would get a word with Steve at Decware. It will take time to make the connection, but talking to him will be the gospel. Our Rachael has blown one fuse in the 5 years we have had it due to a crappy 5U4 that I mistakenly put in. Now with all the rectifiers and power tubes ( I am not OCD on tube rolling) no problems. At present my 807's are running at 41ma. Reach out to Steve, be patient keep us posted on the outcome. Happy listening, Chris. |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by Tommy Freefall on 01/23/22 at 02:43:08 DS, very sorry to hear of your issues. My Rachael is very easy on tubes and fuses. I'm running the 5U4s rectifiers that Decware has sold me. On a related note, my Torii Mk IV was going thru output tubes like candy. I was experiencing a Tung Sol KT66 failure about every 3-4 months or 400 hours. This went on for about a year. It was so consistent I was almost convinced there was an issue with the amp. Finally decided to change things up a bit, and popped in four EL-34s, and the Torii has been running fine with those for several months. A few years ago back when I had a Torii Jr., it was popping fuses and having rectifier failures quite often. Steve had me bump up the fuse and that fixed the problem. |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by Deep Structure on 01/30/22 at 06:13:57 Thanks all for the input. I've run EL-34s, 6l6s and 807s as power tubes. The amp blows 5AR4s, 5u4gs and 274bs within 6-8 months. They will arc for a bit first. I do note that 5AR4s raise the meters to above 60. Others to the high 50s. I've talked to Steve several times and received emails from him. He repeatedly says it's no big deal, maybe the meters are calibrated a bit differently, and I should try some old stock rectifiers. So that's a deadend and there seems there is no solution other than to buy lots of rectifiers. Shipping the amp from Canada is a difficult option. I'd rather sell it and look for a good Chinese option such as Reisong or Willsenton : hand made, well finished, point to point wiring and excellently reviewed. It is becoming an attractive option. |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by Archie on 01/30/22 at 06:28:38 Weird and justifiably upsetting. I've never blown a rectifier in my ZP3 or CSP3 in 7+ years. I'd have sent the amp in for service by now. |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by Deep Structure on 02/02/22 at 06:34:26 Some people have suggested that the rectifier problem could be solved by replacing the 47mf cap with a 22mf cap. Any thoughts about this? It would void the warranty but given the design flaw in this amp I suppose it doesn't matter. |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by Geno on 02/03/22 at 02:03:56 Hi Deep. What rectifiers have you tried in your amp? A lot of new production tubes will prove unreliable - especially in longevity. Experiment with several different types of NOS 5U4G tubes - Sylvania and RCA are both nice. And a few of us here use NOS Russian 5U3C/5C3S(5U4G equivalent) rectifiers that are great. I’ve used these exclusively for several years now and like them a lot. Best, Geno |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by Archie on 02/03/22 at 02:17:45 Quote:
I've gone to NOS Svetlanas and they've been great. Built like a tank too. |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by CAJames on 02/03/22 at 02:35:31 Although I've never used one I'm sure the Russian tubes are very good, but if you want a rectifier that is built like a hammer I recommend going here: https://www.surplussales.com/Tubes-Sock-Acc/0-5/TubesListed-5.html And order a 5U4WG aka 5931. It is a milspec 5U4. I don't know what the military used it for but if I ever need to take a vacuum tube into combat this is the one I would reach for. |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by Geno on 02/03/22 at 02:37:01 Yep. They are the ones I’m referring to. Winged C’s. |
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Title: Re: Rectifiers Post by Geno on 02/03/22 at 02:39:29 Thanks for that CA. I’ve never heard of those. |
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