Tube vs. Solid State Rectifier


How much does the rectifier stage effect the character of an amplifier. So far, on nearly every SS/Tube decision that's come down, I've gone with tubes. Now, I'm looking at two 300b push-pull integrated amps, the main difference between the two is that one puts out 18W/ch and uses tube rectifiers while the other puts out 25W/ch and uses SS rectification. The SS unit has a much greater bandwidth and just specs out better in general. I'm leaning toward the SS rectifier as long as the amp will still have that tube magic. Your opinions will be appreciated.
phaelon

Showing 3 responses by hifitime

If your looking for punch and impact in the bass,solid state rectifiers may do.But if you like all the excellent highs,mid range and good bass that you could listen to all day,it usually takes tube rectification. Tube rectifiers give you all the pluses that most tube amplifier people look for.Tube rectification is my preferred way to go.
Also if you are new to tube amps,you may get by with solid state on a 300B,although I thought they leaned toward tube rectification.Mostly when you spend a lot of time with triode amps,you may end up with a tube rectifier in the long run to get more of that tube magic.The tube ones just see to get it all better.
Be careful trying out of those SS adapters. It will give a higher B+ voltage on the tubes,transformers,and caps/etc. These parts can be damaged.Those adapters don't have any voltage correction for different rectifier tube types.It can be risky.