tube rectifiers, HexFreds, and the Big Deal

[Bill Layer]

Hi Ingo, All,

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

Yes, but it still doesn't follow that same current characteristic as the
vacuum diode (picky). Vacuum diodes are still a non-linear resistance.
 
>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.

Sounds like a good example.

>> 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.

Yes, that is right. Thus the suggestion of turing off all digital or
inductive loads. I should also point out that the high-end whole-house
power conditioners that some audiophiles spend $10,000.00 on are actually
high-power amplifiers, driven from a low-dirtotion sine oscillator. They
don't so much filter the power as re-generate it!
>
>> 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?

Oh, don't get me started :). Did you miss the lubricant war?

LPS-1 is a mil-spec greaseless lubricant. WD-40 is it's inferior, but any
light oil will work. Don't use contact spray, that's not an oil. Light
mineral oil would work too. 


Bill Layer, member

The International Brotherhood of Jazz Dancers, Pastry Chefs and Nuclear
Technicians