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How much does tube brand REALLY affect sound in terms of rectifier tubes?

Just wondering if anyone has opinions on how much it really matters as far as sonic signature when it comes to the type of rectifier tubes you are using. There doesn't seem to be a lot of comparison info out there.

I haven't done any tube rolling yet, and was looking for advice before I start.

I have a preamp using one GZ34/5AR4, and a pair of monoblocks using one each of these same tubes.

The preamp came with a NOS Amperex Bugle Boy, and the monblocks came with new production JJ's in them.

I'm really enjoying the sound with the setup I have now, and if rectifier tubes are not going to change the sound much either way, then I will play with some other tubes instead.

hossfly10

Showing 3 responses by brf

brf
1,715 posts
 
Okay, I must be the exception.  I hear no difference when swapping out rectifiers in my pre-amp.  When talking to the manufacture, I was told that my preamp's DC requirements are conservative, therefore, the power will not sag when pushed. 
brf
1,715 posts
 
The tube rectifier's job is to convert AC into DC.  If the load is greater than the DC supply, this will cause a voltage sag which results in a compressed sound.  My question is, if the pre or amplifier's rectifier is properly designed to avoid voltage sags, will changing the tube rectifier to a different brand, not type, affect the sound? 
brf
1,715 posts
 
Thanks rodman9999.  Yes, very few new tube amplifiers are employing tube rectifiers in their circuit because of voltage demands.  I still see quite a few preamps that use tube rectifiers as the voltage demand is within the tube's capabilities.  I am just having a hard time understanding that if a rectifier is providing more than adequate DC current demand, how can a different brand of tube sound different if the DC electrical parameters are identical?  In any event, I going to try again, some different tube brands in my preamp. 
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