joeriz wrote:I have a question about the "diode mod". If this mod is done, does one get the same effect as moving to "pure" solid state rectification (i.e. a bit more power, "tighter" bass)? Also, once the diode mod is done, does one even need the rectifier tube anymore if one is not concerned about having a "soft" start?
Thanks,
Joe
The diode mod makes the rectifier a hybrid (solid state/tube). The ss diodes increase the voltage and current handling capacity of the rectifier, but the tube provides soft-start and the tube sound is retained (a hybrid should sound less harsh than with just ss diodes). Better current handling, soft-start and tube rectifier sound, all for the price of 2 ss diodes.
You can go with a pure ss diode rectifier at ~450Vdc without worrying about damage to the cathodes, but you need to make sure that your caps can handle the extra voltage, since there is less of a voltage drop with ss diodes than with a tube rectifier.
Below are examples of hybrid, Full Wave bridge rectifiers. Most think that soft-start is
needed for high(er) voltage (> ~800Vdc) applications:
http://www.lundahl.se/sidor/hybrid_power.htmlhttp://web.archive.org/web/200706121922 ... ifier.html