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AUDIO FORUMS >> D.I.Y. >> Diode rectifier vs tube rectifier
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Message started by Steve Sullivan on 02/16/22 at 14:31:42

Title: Diode rectifier vs tube rectifier
Post by Steve Sullivan on 02/16/22 at 14:31:42

Hi, I am new to the forum. I am going to build a Zen triode amplifier from the ZKIT1 circuit board. I see the latest circuit drawing from 10/21 uses diodes for voltage rectification, and I also see an option drawing select_schematic.pdf that shows a 5u4 rectifying tube circuit. I am trying to understand the benefits of both options to decide which way to go with my implementation. Appreciate any guidance on this.

Title: Re: Diode rectifier vs tube rectifier
Post by JBzen on 02/16/22 at 23:33:09

Hi Steve and welcome!

Short answer the Zkit1 is the circuit board kit. Decware supplies the board and schematic/parts lists are avaiable online. It has solid state diodes. A hand made chassis would be needed.

The 5u4 schematic is from an old kit Decware offered years ago. It was a point to point assembly with no circuit board. The kit is no longer offered by Decware but with some research there is enough info online to build a clone using a hand made chassis.

As far as sound differences, the diodes work well and seem not to effect sound quailty. The 5u4 can create a bigger sound stage from most reports and my 20 minute window of listening to it.

Zkit1 is easier to complete. Point to point will take more leg work and a bit of a learning curve to understand how the circuits work. There is also a series of YouTube videos on the assembly process of the discontinued point to point kit.

John

Title: Re: Diode rectifier vs tube rectifier
Post by Steve Sullivan on 02/17/22 at 06:33:27

Thanks for the reply, that is very helpful. I think I will stick with the diode implementation for the first go around, although I do like the thought of the tube rectifier. I read on a guitar amplifier forum that the 5U4 rectifier provides a more "liquid" sound, which intrigued me.