Can you use 5ar4 rectifier tubes in the cary amp, they have less voltage drop than the 5U4G
Using solid state rectifiers on Cary SLI80 Amplifier
One might wonder why experimenting with such a high performing amplifier as this SLI80 Signature is but I would like to try this to see if doing so will tighten bass and/or percussive sounds from things like drums and piano. I’ve tried raising the bias above the Cary recommended 75mA and the sonic difference was significant but, because the higher resulting voltages to the tubes would be continuous while operating, Cary recommended against it primarily because of predicted shortened tube life. I’ve taken their advice and adjusted the amperage down to 80 from the 90mA that I was trying. Now, based partly on Cary’s having switched to solid state rectification in their newer amps, I thought it made sense to try it on this older amp and need advice concerning exchanging the tube diodes with solid state replacements. What I’ve learned from several sources is that the resulting instantaneous power to the tubes and power transformer could cause damage or, at least, blown fuses. Without adding circuit protection that delays the impact, does anyone have experience with this modification or insight otherwise. I do have a variac to lessen the initial impact of this experiment if I decide to do so. Thank you.
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Your willing to give stuff a shot, try a super rectifier. http://www.thebestamp.com/Accessories/Accessories.php I have a pair of MC60s and I’m doing case swaps to 24k gold and blue anodized cap cans. I’m going to use super rectifiers on them.. I haven’t settled on exactly which ones yet.. Regards |
I appreciate the comments and expressed concerns much of which have been part of my own thinking. And i realize that in the opinion of Cary staff they thought the voicing would would be a generalized most appropriate sound for the end users. The fact that they decided on solid state rectification, though, must be based on some reason of sonic improvement. In any case, it ultimately must result, good or bad, in change which can only be good or bad in the opinion of each individual. Most in this hobby seem, or at least claim, to believe that listening tastes are so individual, no single component or combination of pieces can be the most appropriate for everyone. As much as I appreciate the Cary I’m not convinced that it fits me perfectly so if there is some way to achieve that goal it makes sense to me to find it. To the extent that I understand it, changing to ss rectifiers will not result in anything more than faster response and not an increase in sustained power increases to the various internal components, trying the ss rectifier seems like a relatively safe experiment. To avoid the initial surge, use of the Variac that I discussed earlier should accommodate that concern. I’m not an expert in any sense of the word so much of this argument is based on assumptions. That being said, I invite any comments that may keep me from doing something likely to be regretted. |
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