Tube vs. Solid State Rectifier

Tube rectifiers take a few seconds to come up to voltage so tend to offer a "soft start" to tube gear. They also run at a bit lower voltage than a solid state rectifier.

For example, I have a Dynaco ST-70 I rebuilt and have a plug-in solid state module I can use in place of the 5AR4.. The most immediately noticeable factor when I change rectifiers is I have to rebias the amp. The solid state rectifier gives 10% or 15% higher voltage.

That said I don't notice any difference in sonics between the two. I do run the unit with the 5AR4 simply because it is at the original design voltage and I happen to like the look of tubes.

The Dynaco is in my second system, but I have a Image 65i (with 6550 outputs) as my main amp. It was designed with solid state rectification and the amp sounds great.

I know many are in the "everything makes a difference" camp, but I don't attribute any big sonic differences to the type of rectifier used. The important thing is that rectifier being used was a consideration in the design of the amp from the beginning.

IMO, the tubed output stage of an amplifier contributes more to the "tube magic" than does the rectification. However, in my system, components with tube rectification have always sounded smoother and less grainy.

So, if was choice, I'd choose tube rectification.

Agree precisely with Tvad. I prefer having tubes in both places but there are products using both of these technologies that I love.

In the end it's about how that product delivers the music in your system. If ask to rate "the best" power amps my list would include VTL 750, Lamm ML 2.1 and Classe Omega mono's. All very different and all world class.

Thanks for your thoughts and advice guys. Based on the response I got from my "New Audio Frontiers thread" I didn't even try to get specific. I appreciate it.

Basically in a class a or b amp you are listening to the power supply modualited by an input signal. in other words the powersupply is the floor and its supposed to be flat and level. IMO filtering makes more differnce. RALPH.....RALPH!!!