Yes it's bad and yes different tubes sound different. Maybe not as dramatic as changing input tubes but it does make a difference.
Many highly respected designers swear by tube rectifiers. One of the reasons is the slow warm up mentioned above, but they also consider them to be better sounding. Why would they use tubes if solid state sounded better, especially when doing it with tubes costs more?
Replacing a tube rectifier with solid state will also lead to a much higher B+ voltage unless steps are taken to reduce it. This can be detrimental to the sound and also lead to premature failure of tubes and other components.
I would steer clear of these amps. The $$ value has been compromised by these modifications and I would bet that the sound has been also.
Many highly respected designers swear by tube rectifiers. One of the reasons is the slow warm up mentioned above, but they also consider them to be better sounding. Why would they use tubes if solid state sounded better, especially when doing it with tubes costs more?
Replacing a tube rectifier with solid state will also lead to a much higher B+ voltage unless steps are taken to reduce it. This can be detrimental to the sound and also lead to premature failure of tubes and other components.
I would steer clear of these amps. The $$ value has been compromised by these modifications and I would bet that the sound has been also.