Tube vs. Solid State Rectifier for Lampizator DAC
- Thread starter Bushikai
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All Lampi DACs are tube rectified and form what I recall, only some of the first generation Atlantics were ever solid state rectified.
So, the only way to determine how a Lampi DAC is to sound with a solid state rectifier in place would be through using something like this:
www.tubedepot.com
or this:
www.tubesandmore.com
The above are commonly used in guitar amps, since the phenomenon of rectifier sag (which they try to "cure") is more evident in these types of tube amps rather than audio tube amps, let alone tube preamps or tubed DAC output stages.
Despite the proliferation of solid state rectifiers and solid state rectifier modules (like the above) it is not at all uncommon for tube rectifiers to still be found in modern guitar amps for their special sound properties (they create more of an "ebb and flow" type of sound) by attempting instead to accentuate that phenomenon and make use of its specific application towards achieving distinct compression characteristics in the output stage when the amp is driven hard into overdrive.
However, this is a far cry from Lampi's application of tube rectification as the 5V (5U4's and the like) and 6V (6X5 in the case of the Amber) rectifiers used in Lampis are highly unlikely to ever cause any type of sag (or even more unlikely, overdrive) with the voltages and design objectives typically found within these DACs.
It never hurts to try of course but please, read the note from the first page cited above carefully and consult Lampi before giving any of these a try : Note: Please be advised that this replacement will increase overall B+ (plate voltage) by 10-20%. If your filter caps are older than 20-25 years, we suggest you replace them before installing this solid state rectifier.
So, the only way to determine how a Lampi DAC is to sound with a solid state rectifier in place would be through using something like this:
Solid State Rectifier
This octal based solid state rectifier is a cost effective replacement for any of the following tubes: 5AR4 / GZ34, 5Y3, 5U4G / 5U4GB, 5R4 / 5V4 / 5Z4 Not only is this an inexpensive alternative, but this solid state rectifier will firm up your low end. If you have too much sag in your low end, then
www.tubedepot.com
Solid State Rectifier - For 5AR4, 5U4, 5Y3 Tubes | Antique Electronic Supply
Solid State Rectifier Direct plug-in replacement for 5AR4, 5U4 and 5Y3 rectifier vacuum tubes in amplifiers with center tapped secondary power transformer. Use when less 'sag' is desired in the power supply; just switch back to the tube rectifier when 'sag' is desired.
www.tubesandmore.com
Despite the proliferation of solid state rectifiers and solid state rectifier modules (like the above) it is not at all uncommon for tube rectifiers to still be found in modern guitar amps for their special sound properties (they create more of an "ebb and flow" type of sound) by attempting instead to accentuate that phenomenon and make use of its specific application towards achieving distinct compression characteristics in the output stage when the amp is driven hard into overdrive.
However, this is a far cry from Lampi's application of tube rectification as the 5V (5U4's and the like) and 6V (6X5 in the case of the Amber) rectifiers used in Lampis are highly unlikely to ever cause any type of sag (or even more unlikely, overdrive) with the voltages and design objectives typically found within these DACs.
It never hurts to try of course but please, read the note from the first page cited above carefully and consult Lampi before giving any of these a try : Note: Please be advised that this replacement will increase overall B+ (plate voltage) by 10-20%. If your filter caps are older than 20-25 years, we suggest you replace them before installing this solid state rectifier.
See this post from @GroovySauce regarding the space tech labs product-
Post in thread 'LampizatOr Golden Atlantic + TRP'
https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/lampizator-golden-atlantic-trp.27809/post-961679
I don't remember if I tried just the SS rectifier of the STR-1002. I did try hybrid SS and tube. Pure tube was my preference. I didn't pay much attention either way, I was just checking that everything was working. Might have had it SS for one or two songs.
I have tried a few different 845s and 805s and they all change the sound in different ways. Haven't go enough time on most of the tubes to give a worth while report as the sound is still changing on the tube pairs.
Why are you looking at SS rectification? I played around with SS replacements similar to the ones linked above. I liked tubes more than any of the ones I tried.
I have tried a few different 845s and 805s and they all change the sound in different ways. Haven't go enough time on most of the tubes to give a worth while report as the sound is still changing on the tube pairs.
Why are you looking at SS rectification? I played around with SS replacements similar to the ones linked above. I liked tubes more than any of the ones I tried.
I’ve used SS recti over the years plenty of times
For one thing if not critical listening it don’t burn exp tube ones.
play audio or not if glowing recti is being used.
the various SS do have different sounds
stage size and position is not good like a tube recti
bass to me is best on par with best recti in details and decay
the rest varies depending on the rest of the chain
I would ask Lampi to ensure compatibility
For one thing if not critical listening it don’t burn exp tube ones.
play audio or not if glowing recti is being used.
the various SS do have different sounds
stage size and position is not good like a tube recti
bass to me is best on par with best recti in details and decay
the rest varies depending on the rest of the chain
I would ask Lampi to ensure compatibility
My DHT tube dac (2.5/4/5v heaters) uses solid state rectification via vicor DC to DC power modules. The designer states this is a superior way to implement a directly heated output stage in a dac Vs tube rectification.
I have no idea if that's true as I'm not an electrician engineer but that's what he claims.
I have no idea if that's true as I'm not an electrician engineer but that's what he claims.
ss recti is better by specs in Almost all ways , except it switches so this adds a whole different dimension to new issues
switching noise adds harmonics among other elements
whom ever makes the product must make the product to sound well.
Tubes are not holy grail but legendary in using them
Some LAMPI’s of the past used high freq sw psu devices
they worked very well and I’ve used them for many projects
switching noise adds harmonics among other elements
whom ever makes the product must make the product to sound well.
Tubes are not holy grail but legendary in using them
Some LAMPI’s of the past used high freq sw psu devices
they worked very well and I’ve used them for many projects
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