tube rectifiers, HexFreds, and the Big Deal

[Ingo Debus]

Bill Layer wrote:
> Very true for guitar amps - the signal's abilily to modulate the power
> supply plays an important role in the sound of some vintage designs.

But could't a resistor in series with a solid state rectifier be used
instead?

> In any event, as distortion of the powerline waveform increases, the out of
> phase harmonics begin to cancel (attenuate) the current of the fundamental,
> and thus the line loses it's abilty to deliver full power. Under the right
> conditions, it might be possible to measure nominal line voltages, yet not
> be able to draw productive power.

Yes, I once had a narrow-designed power supply that did not work
properly because the mains voltage was very non-sinoidal.
Vdc=sqrt(2)*Veff was no longer true.

> The implications of this are of course, massive. Using tube rect's or
> HexFreds not only improves the sound of the particular piece, but helps out
> the entire system by preserving the integrity of the power waveform, and
> reducing noise pollution. Computers are a serious offender here

But if it's a matter of mains voltage waveform, would it help very much
when only one device (the amp itself) has those "good" rectifiers? If I
got it right, all devices in the vicinity of the amplifier have to have
good power factor properties.

> Now, pull the plugs and give the prongs a quick wipe with light oil - like
> LPS or even WD-40.

I'll try that. What is LPS? Can I use some contact-cleaner spray?

Ingo