WZ-68 rectifier vs. tube rectification

I recently replaced the Sovtek 5AR4 in my VTA ST-70 with a Weber solid-state WZ-68. I clearly heard a difference, better focus and more solid bass. The 5AR4 did sound more "tubelike," however, in the sense of a more vague and "warmer" presentation. The Weber looks a lot better, however.

See "Building a Bob Latino ST-70" in the photo section. Thanks for looking.

Gregg R.

Gregg R. wrote:I recently replaced the Sovtek 5AR4 in my VTA ST-70 with a Weber solid-state WZ-68. I clearly heard a difference, better focus and more solid bass. The 5AR4 did sound more "tubelike," however, in the sense of a more vague and "warmer" presentation.

The higher DC voltage and firmer regulation (from lower internal resistance) of the WZ-68 would explain both. Even in my amps, modified from the Mark II and with about six times the storage capacitance in the power supply, I can hear that.

The difference is apparently factual. Preference, however, is often a matter of opinion!

The WZ68 mimics two GZ34s in parallel so more readily available current and less voltage drop.  Plus you are saving about 20W of power not heating the rectifier cathode.  It is a matter of taste but I definitely prefer the WZ68 in unregulated power supplies for the qualities you mention.

I didn't even bother with tube rectifiers for my ST120. Just not worth the expense in my opinion.

corndog71 wrote:I didn't even bother with tube rectifiers for my ST120.  Just not worth the expense in my opinion.

I have switched to the Weber's on my ST70, will do so for my ST120 build and all future builds as well.
Can't beat the price and reliability. Sure, they don't glow, but I think they look ok.

MontanaWay wrote:

corndog71 wrote:I didn't even bother with tube rectifiers for my ST120.  Just not worth the expense in my opinion.

I have switched to the Weber's on my ST70, will do so for my ST120 build and all future builds as well.
Can't beat the price and reliability. Sure, they don't glow, but I think they look ok.

Montana, the Webers have been working fine in my M-125s for quite awhile now. It depends on your speaker load: if you're down below 4 ohms they can't take the strain but at 6 ohms they take it all in stride.
Just for giggles (after you've won the lottery) find a NOS pair of GZ-33 Mullards. They are b-a-a-a-a-d. Nil the bias out clockwise before you stick them in, just as you would new out puts. They're tough, light up like the Eiffel Tower, and they really impress chicks. Oh, and they sound good, too.
But what would I know? I'm just a Bozo on this Bus.

deepee99 wrote:

MontanaWay wrote:

corndog71 wrote:I didn't even bother with tube rectifiers for my ST120.  Just not worth the expense in my opinion.

I have switched to the Weber's on my ST70, will do so for my ST120 build and all future builds as well.
Can't beat the price and reliability. Sure, they don't glow, but I think they look ok.

Montana, the Webers have been working fine in my M-125s for quite awhile now. It depends on your speaker load: if you're down below 4 ohms they can't take the strain but at 6 ohms they take it all in stride.
Just for giggles (after you've won the lottery) find a NOS pair of GZ-33 Mullards. They are b-a-a-a-a-d. Nil the bias out clockwise before you stick them in, just as you would new out puts. They're tough, light up like the Eiffel Tower, and they really impress chicks. Oh, and they sound good, too.
But what would I know? I'm just a Bozo on this Bus.

well you better buy me a dozen or so lottery tickets then...I might even give you a NOS GZ-33 when I win it   

Gregg R. wrote:I recently replaced the Sovtek 5AR4 in my VTA ST-70 with a Weber solid-state WZ-68. I clearly heard a difference, better focus and more solid bass. The 5AR4 did sound more "tubelike," however, in the sense of a more vague and "warmer" presentation. The Weber looks a lot better, however.

See "Building a Bob Latino ST-70" in the photo section. Thanks for looking.

Gregg R.

I will second this. I had replaced a new 5AR4 with a weber copper cap and big difference. Things really tightened up and sounded 'solid'.
I think that the weber unit should be standard equipment.