TSE-II build and arcing rectifiers (mostly 5AR4 vacuum tubes, new issue)

[lavane]

yes, done this many times.....https://2img.net/h/tubes4hifi.com/TubeRectifier-DiodeMod.jpg
with this mod, the 3dg4 rectifier can be put to use..https://frank.pocnet.net/sheets/127/3/3DG4.pdf

There is another

Which reminds me…some Weber copper tops were also an option, but it would definitely require upgrading those capacitors and it would alter the balance of the power supply with regards to the rest of the circuit.
In essence, more a redesign than a repair.

I'm using the copper tops that sort of emulate a tube rectifier using a thermistor and a couple resistors. From pictures I've seen of the insides of these being produced now, they aren't built very well. The pictures I saw had some pretty sorry soldering. So far they've been holding up fine in a pair of 125w mono blocks, but they do get hot. I plan on buying another pair and replacing the CL-80 with a CL-90 along with drilling some holes near the bottom and top of the cover to get better cooling. As for new manufacturers 5AR4's, a couple JJ's I used several years ago failed in two different amps with low hours on the 5AR4's. The brown base TAD and Psvane rectifiers have been chugging along just fine. Both are Chinese made.
The Psvane is in the earlier version of the TSE-ll 300B I built.
I've used the yellow sheet mod on several of my amps.

 

[ElArte]

I found 2 early 80’s Sovtek 5AR4s in mint condition. I put one of them in.

Things have been going well so far.
Power-on is much smoother with those 2 65 ohm power resistors in series with the HV taps. And I still have my bias at 360V/60mA.

So, if it lasts a year, I’ll know limiting resistance is key to 5AR4 happiness.