Heresy? Replacing tube rectifier w/Weber Copper Cap

[Sam Odom]

Sorry if I offend some with this question. I've been told by a couple of tube-heads (one a guitar amp guy) by replacing the rectifier tube with a Weber Copper Cap an amp will run cooler and will have more reserve power. Any truth to this? If so, will this make a better sounding tube amp?

Thanks

Sam

[analog_sa]

Before i may or may not feel offended could you please explain what is a Weber Copper Cap?

[Sam Odom]

http://www.thetubestore.com/wb-wca4.html

[SY]

Assuming it's just some silicon rectifiers in a copper package, it will do all that's claimed. But... you have to be careful that there are no components in the amp which require a slow warmup time. And there really won't be that much more power, maybe not even enough to be noticeable. And it may change the amp's overload characteristics.

But, hey, it's $20, not $200. Give it a try.

[Sam Odom]

Originally posted by SY
you have to be careful that there are no components in the amp which require a slow warmup time.

Thanks, Sy

From Weber's website: "has linear in-rush current limiting to simulate the warm-up of a tube rectifier, however, it is in the 1 to 2 second range, rather than the 7 to 9 seconds of a typical rectifier tube"

http://www.webervst.com/ccap.html

[Trout]

Originally posted by SY
Assuming it's just some silicon rectifiers in a copper package, it will do all that's claimed. But... you have to be careful that there are no components in the amp which require a slow warmup time. And there really won't be that much more power, maybe not even enough to be noticeable. And it may change the amp's overload characteristics.

But, hey, it's $20, not $200. Give it a try.

Hey,, I think I saw a bin of hundreds of those in a local plumbers supply house when I was installing the gas dryer here.


Seems to me, years ago radio electronics had a "How To" on a near look alike. I think it was praised more for reliabilty back then. Long time ago so dont quote me on that lol
Gene

[EC8010]

Many years ago (when I was a mere stripling) I bodged an EL84 amplifier. I didn't have room on my chassis for the EZ81 that was supposed to be there, so I used 2 x BY127 (silicon). The amplifier had bags of power. When I was able to borrow a multimeter, I found out why. The HT was nearer to 430V than 300V. The (Mullard) EL84 finally expired in a firework display from my abuse...

[jlsem]

Sorry if I offend some with this question. I've been told by a couple of tube-heads (one a guitar amp guy) by replacing the rectifier tube with a Weber Copper Cap an amp will run cooler and will have more reserve power. Any truth to this? If so, will this make a better sounding tube amp?

If the filament winding for the rectifier shares the core with the plate supply, the B+ will likely go up, possibly above maximum recommended for the output tube. If you are using Chinese or Russian tubes, things are dicey enough. I'd stick with the 6CA4; they're cheaper and probably sound better.

careful that there are no components in the amp which require a slow warmup time.

...like output tubes.

John

[Sam Odom]

Originally posted by jlsem


If you are using Chinese or Russian tubes, things are dicey enough. I'd stick with the 6CA4; they're cheaper and probably sound better.

John

The more I search the internet I see where this mod. using Weber is used mostly with guitar amps. Not sure why.

I am going with a set of 4 Russian equivalent 6bm8, SVETLANA made 6f3pi. Your advice is welcomed.

Sam

[jlsem]

The more I search the internet I see where this mod. using Weber is used mostly with guitar amps. Not sure why.

Probably because the so-called "more reserve power" is really just more louder distortion.

Replacing tubes is a way of life with gui-tar players. So much so, they keep Russian tube manufacturers in business. Which is why we audio guys are stuck with EL34's, 6L6's, and the like to play with...yawn.

John