• WARNING: Tube/Valve amplifiers use potentially LETHAL HIGH VOLTAGES.
    Building, troubleshooting and testing of these amplifiers should only be
    performed by someone who is thoroughly familiar with
    the safety precautions around high voltages.

Diode selection / replacement for CJ MV55

Hello!

Could one or many of you extremely knowledgeable folk please help with determining the best alternative in regard to the now obsolete G1854 rectifier diode. I have looked at specs for the G1854;
  • If 3.0A
  • Vrrm 400V
  • trr 200ns
  • Vf 1.25v
Now I can match this up to a relatively close alternative however are there any advantages or disadvantages for selecting a faster recovery time? also most data sheets don't mention "soft" recovery is this something to look for? hoping someone could provide a simple explanation (lol) to better point me in the right direction!

Cheers!
 
Soft recovery minimized switching noises from the diode, which can be important in audio applications.
In your case I would select a diode that has at least the voltage and current rating as that 1854 and is a fast, soft recovery type.
Vf isn't that important.
The 1N5407 is less suited.

Jan
 
Awesome, thank you for the info. It’s one of those components that I don’t think requires that much thought however I’m not dismissing the importance of it and obviously it needs to function correctly. It’s great to hear what others have used and recommend.

Lastly are there any specific manufacturers you recommend?
 
I use the Vishay UF5408 for everything in the 3A range. The 1KV rating makes it suitable for most tube gear, the price is the same as for the lower voltage types and (most importantly) I only have to stock one part in inventory. Added bonus, it's a top quality product from a very reputable manufacturer.
 
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