WHAT! ! AD140 has no rectifier valve!!!!!!

[televox]

Actually, could someone explain to me why all the 30 wtts have a rectifier valve and not the AD 140?

That's what I noticed reading the Technical Specifications.

Sorry if it's a stupid question, but I need you, experts, on that...

[TheOrangeJuicer]

Because they designed it without one...


OK, actually not all of the 30w units have one either, or the 50w units. Using a SS rectifier set-up provides a tighter bass response and with a 140w, the voltage doesn't sag noticably anyway, so it is more cost effective and reliable. The amps that do use a rectifier tube are done so for a looser sound that has less attack to try and get a taste of a more vintage sound like a really low watt amp might have.

[screamingdaisy]

Because if you're buying a 140w amp you're probably not looking for sag....

[televox]

Thanks a lot Bill. It's really cool to have experts around!

[lvmuthearth]

so...again...just to clarify...my new rockerverb 50 head does not have a tube rectifier? and if not, what exactly does that do for me tone? (either way, this head KILLS!!!:twisted:

[TheOrangeJuicer]

No, none of the Rocker series amps have tube rectification. The rectifier is the part of the amp that is the AC power converter and it squeezes DC voltage from the AC voltage input. They can be solid state or vacuum tube. The vacuum tube types do not respond as quickly as the SS types and so, they have a looser "grip" on the power available to the amplifier. That is called "voltage sag" and sonically it results in a "smoother, warmer, more flowing" sort of sound with a rather "full" or "wooly" bass presence. It is sort of like compression and it is a neat effect but it is a one trick pony in that you can't really rid yourself of that distortion if it is not to your liking. The SS types deliver a "tighter, punchier" and more powerful bottom end. They don't suffer so much from voltage sag although their are various types of diodes, which is that actual component used to make up a SS rectifier. High speed diodes are also called "fast recovery" and they deliver very clear bass sound while still having a very "warm and smooth" top end response. You don't see those used very often in guitar amps. Probably because they don't have much effect in a guitar amp as the frequency range is limited up to about 7khz. That type of diode is also more expensive. Basically, the Rocker amps allow a more dynamic sound with hard hitting bass from a tubed amp that still has a really sweet top end. Most higher powered amps have had SS rectification since the late '50s.