The one man to explain this topic from an experieced view is ralph of atmosphere
there are pros and cons of each on sound. But both can be great. if he comes along it’s best
What about super rectifiers? I use a STR-1002-Super coupled with a Cary SLP-05. It's stone stock no upgrades. That was an upgrade for sure.
There has to be 100 plus options with tube rolls alone. I tried the same one on a MC30 vs not. I was pretty amazed at the change. I ordered a pair of STR-104-MK2-supers for use with (a few) tube rectified MBs I have. I'll see. I like both SS and valve. The difference with STRs they can sound VERY close to SS and soup to nuts with tube rolls.
Hexfred upgrades helped with a lot of my older SS (valve) equipment. The best 20.00 usd I spent a few times.
Agree totally, 2 of my integrated amps, as well as my Modwright preamp and DAC (latter is in my 2nd system) are tube rectified and rolling in NOS variants provided SQ benefits over supplied current production Sovtek and JJs.
What about super rectifiers? I use a STR-1002-Super coupled with a Cary SLP-05. It's stone stock no upgrades. That was an upgrade for sure.
There has to be 100 plus options with tube rolls alone. I tried the same one on a MC30 vs not. I was pretty amazed at the change. I ordered a pair of STR-104-MK2-supers for use with (a few) tube rectified MBs I have. I'll see. I like both SS and valve. The difference with STRs they can sound VERY close to SS and soup to nuts with tube rolls.
Hexfred upgrades helped with a lot of my older SS (valve) equipment. The best 20.00 usd I spent a few times.
Pull the (rectifier) valve and plug in the device. Run the complement of valves you have or like and have fun.
IC cables, PC, (select) tubes and a better umbilical is step one. Couple/decouple and filter caps is second and a STR is last. At any point adding the STR circuit will add all kinds of options, but icing on the cake, so to speak, when all the other upgrades are said and done.. They make for "one of a kind" sound no mater where the STR is used. The type and the options make a big difference.. The "choke option" is a biggie.
They also employ "BIG" valve tech with a huge options on valves.
I'm looking into their active valve XOs for a project involving planars/ribbons monitors.
They work with their customers too. I needed an active EQ for RtR recording and playback via direct head playback and balanced. They had a plan and a way to accommodate "lil ol me". They didn't break the bank either. BUT they CAN make a dent if you go all out.. They have options galore.
Pull the (rectifier) valve and plug in the device. Run the complement of valves you have or like and have fun.
IC cables, PC, (select) tubes and a better umbilical is step one. Couple/decouple and filter caps is second and a STR is last. At any point adding the STR circuit will add all kinds of options, but icing on the cake, so to speak, when all the other upgrades are said and done.. They make for "one of a kind" sound no mater where the STR is used. The type and the options make a big difference.. The "choke option" is a biggie.
They also employ "BIG" valve tech with a huge options on valves.
I'm looking into their active valve XOs for a project involving planars/ribbons monitors.
They work with their customers too. I needed an active EQ for RtR recording and playback via direct head playback and balanced. They had a plan and a way to accommodate "lil ol me". They didn't break the bank either. BUT they CAN make a dent if you go all out.. They have options galore.
A Diode/Tube switch can select diode, tube or tube + diode operations. This model can even let you mix up different tube types in one single unit for tonal blending effect. 5V /10V filament selectable.
(So it's either or BOTH. I'm guessing the diode side can be helped out with hexfreds for LF speed and reduced transient times. I prefer SS in valve power amps, but there is the exception. Early Mac being one type. I like big valve regulation like the 30s and 60s. Cary I prefer SS rectified with hexfreds in their power amps.)
Stand-by switch for regular or mercury vapor tube warm-up.
Default tubes : 805A or 211 . Alt tubes can be use : 872A, 845, 805, etc. and many other compatible tubes.
I'm a BIG vintage Mac fan. A C20 with "The Samra touch" is next on the list. I think it can use one. The only issue I have, is timing. It gets hot where I live. June-Sept are class Ds with a C2500. That set up is 1/4 the heat index of the valve units I prefer.
In Oct I can try out the new STRs. I really wanted a 1004 super. But I can't see a way to run IT without AC 1/2 the time.. When I was younger, 100 degree weather meant Ice tea. Now it means retreat to the basement and turn the AC on high. Pictures of snow helps too.