Shattersignal
Well-known member
Hi there! I'm hopefully nearing the end of my Drip Redd 47 Ultra build and due to a mistake along the way, and a burned out 6x4 rectifier tube, I contemplated for a moment using a SS rectifier. I've seen people build their units both ways and I'm curious which design I will actually prefer--each design seems to have its sonic merits.
Once my unit is up an running, I'm planning on testing it out both ways and sharing my thoughts. I figured there might be a few others out there who have tried the same, or are curious like I am--so please share your thoughts.
One technical questions that springs to mind: should I be concerned about compensating the higher DCV that SS rectification will provide? The Drip build uses a bank of three 47uf foil caps (rated at 350VDC)**** for filtering, and also a pair of OA2 regulator "glow tubes," which bring the B+ down to where it needs to be for the amp. Will the voltage rise with a SS rectifier be enough to cause worry about those parts? My rectifier plates will be seeing 309ACV, FWIW.
Anyway, I'd love to hear from anyone who has a strong opinion or who has tried it both ways in this build. Cheers!
****WRONG! Drip revised this info. Three 22uf 450V caps were spec'd in place of the 47uf 350V caps that are written on the PCB.
Once my unit is up an running, I'm planning on testing it out both ways and sharing my thoughts. I figured there might be a few others out there who have tried the same, or are curious like I am--so please share your thoughts.
One technical questions that springs to mind: should I be concerned about compensating the higher DCV that SS rectification will provide? The Drip build uses a bank of three 47uf foil caps (rated at 350VDC)**** for filtering, and also a pair of OA2 regulator "glow tubes," which bring the B+ down to where it needs to be for the amp. Will the voltage rise with a SS rectifier be enough to cause worry about those parts? My rectifier plates will be seeing 309ACV, FWIW.
Anyway, I'd love to hear from anyone who has a strong opinion or who has tried it both ways in this build. Cheers!
****WRONG! Drip revised this info. Three 22uf 450V caps were spec'd in place of the 47uf 350V caps that are written on the PCB.