Hey you all, just looking for perspective here. I'm collecting parts to monoblock SE 2A3's and understand full well that 83 rectification (800V/250mA max) is gross overkill. That said, I have a bunch in my stash, but wonder about what if any negative sonic impact might result. As info, years ago I had a pair of Loesch Triple (parallel) 2A3's outfitted with 83's that sounded, well, pretty damn good as you might expect from the designer. Appreciate any advice you might offer.
That depends entirely on how you build it. The traditional issues with MV rectifiers need to be addressed. That usually means a shielded rectifier and appropriate RF decoupling. Do that and there shouldn't be any negative impacts. Other than having to wait for the rectifier to warm up before you can listen to your amp. 😉
Thanks for the reminder in re shielding and otherwise dealing with RF issues. Hadn't gone down that path in a long time and resisting the temptation to do a 5AR4. Thumbs up. 👍
Remember that mercury vapor rectifiers emit copious amounts of UV radiation and need about 30min to heat properly.
Not sure if wearing sunglasses and sunscreen during use has much sonic effect, but it may...
Not sure if wearing sunglasses and sunscreen during use has much sonic effect, but it may...
Thanks! I should be safe. I always wear sunglasses while listening. 😎 I find that they improve bass performance by perhaps 20 - 25%. 30% on Saturdays. That said, thanks for the reminder about the pre-heating time. 15 to 30 minutes, as I understand it, before applying B+. Inconvenient, true. But I can always go back to a more conventional rectifier if it becomes too bothersome. Thanks for the response.
Mercury vapor rectifiers do indeed produce UV radiation.
Regular glass however, is opaque for the most harmful short wavelength UVB and UVC.
Glass is semi-transparent for UVA ('blacklight') so some of that will get through.
Would be nice to know if it is enough to light up white clothing like in nightclubs 😎.
Regular glass however, is opaque for the most harmful short wavelength UVB and UVC.
Glass is semi-transparent for UVA ('blacklight') so some of that will get through.
Would be nice to know if it is enough to light up white clothing like in nightclubs 😎.