Solid State or Tube?

[thomas a]

solid state or tube rectifiers? any tonal differences on the power side of an amplifier?

[TheAmpNerd]

Originally posted by thomas a
solid state or tube rectifiers? any tonal differences on the power side of an amplifier? What do you mean
by 'the power side of the amp?'

Do you want sustain and power?

Do you want sag?

In what amp?

[thomas a]

I should have been more clear. I was wondering if using a solid state rectifier in my amp project would effect the over all tone of the amplifier,as compared to a tube rectifier.

[tonedaddy]

I think you could use words like "feel/response/sound/touch/sustain" instead of just "tone" when describing the effects of SS vs. tube rectifiers.

Here's some additional info that might help:
http://www.guitaramplifierblueprinting.com/rectifiers.html

"A solid state rectifier will give very fast rise time and response as the voltages are produced very quickly. A vacuum tube rectifier will yield more to the player's touch dynamics, sound warmer and less harsh by some folks feelings, and give the compression and sustain in a
much different way than its solid state brother.

"When one initially hits a loud note or chord, with a tube rectifier, there is voltage sag, in some cases, a LOT of sag. As the note or chord starts to decay, the voltage then builds, and what you have in essence, is a built in compressor / sustain device."


http://www.carramps.com/carr_faq3.html

"Is there a difference between tube and solid state rectifiers and which do you use in your amplifiers?
There is a difference in the way tube and solid state rectifiers respond to the current demands of an amplifier as you play. Tube rectifiers will tend to give a more compressed yet bouncy tone while solid state rectifiers are very quick and focused sounding. These are generalities. Amplifiers work as a whole, while individual components contribute to the final sound. Rarely does a single component dominate the final tone."


And a detailed review of sag in amplifiers:
http://www.aikenamps.com/Sag.html