Rectifiers for a 6V6 power stage?

[Cheebatone]

From what I've read, there are a number of rectifiers you cannot use with a 6V6 amp. What are the options? And what are the sonic differences between them?

Cheers!

Charly

P.S. I'm not talking about a replacement rectifier, btw. This is for a new-build.

[Blue Strat]

You can use ANY rectifier at all. The reason you can't use some rectifiers with certain amps is that you exceed the maximum voltage rating for the tubes. This depends mostly on what power transformer you use.

It's recommended to keep the plate voltage at 420V or less for 6V6s.

[Cheebatone]

Thanks Mike! I wish I'd known about your site a bit ealier. Very helpful, thanks.

So, now to the sonic properties of them. From what I understand (I'm a newbie at this) the rectifier has an effect on the compression/sag/whatever of the amp and different tubes produce different amounts of it. Can these responses be easily quantified and summed-up in words?

All help greatfully recieved.

Cheers,

Charly

[Blue Strat]

Check this link. The rectos are ordered from least to most sag, top to bottom.
http://www.kcanostubes.com/content/newsletter_details.asp?ArticleID=3

You should probably read some of these other articles that no one reads ;)
http://www.kcanostubes.com/content/newsletter_list.asp?Category=Resources

[Cheebatone]

Thanks again Mike.

Now, if you could just write a book entitled, "Hey! You! Dumb-ass! Wanna build an amp?", that would just about make my day. :D

[Blue Strat]

Thanks again Mike.

Now, if you could just write a book entitled, "Hey! You! Dumb-ass! Wanna build an amp?", that would just about make my day. :D

I'm pretty sure that's already been done. You might need more than one book though.

Since layout is as, or more, critical than circuit design, I highy recommend starting with a kit amp. Those are challenging enough for first time builders.

[vibroverbus]

It's recommended to keep the plate voltage at 420V or less for 6V6s.

Which itself is proof of the over-built nature of NOS tubes, since they are only officially rated to 350V, yet people have been running them for decades that way..

[vibroverbus]

Thanks again Mike.

Now, if you could just write a book entitled, "Hey! You! Dumb-ass! Wanna build an amp?", that would just about make my day. :D

I can see it now - rival to the "for Dummies" empire... the "Hey! You! Dumb-Ass!" series.

[Blue Strat]

I can see it now - rival to the "for Dummies" empire... the "Hey! You! Dumb-Ass!" series.

Vibro! You're a marketing genious!!!!:dude

[Cheebatone]

I can see it now - rival to the "for Dummies" empire... the "Hey! You! Dumb-Ass!" series.

I've written a book for the "...for Dummies" people, actually. But it didn't sell too well...

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b269/Cheebatone/sELFESTEEMFORDUMMIES.jpg

[RupertB]

Thanks again Mike.

Now, if you could just write a book entitled, "Hey! You! Dumb-ass! Wanna build an amp?", that would just about make my day. :D

Charly,
If you haven't been already, www.ax84.com (http://www.ax84.com) is the place to start for building amps. To your original question, duncanamps.com has a simulator that may help you decide on how to configure your rectifier & power filter: http://duncanamps.com/psud2/index.html

Good luck!

[Cheebatone]

Thanks Rupert!