Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: TerryD on June 16, 2014, 08:40:09 pm

Title: Deluxe Reverb copy Rectifier Screw up
Post by: TerryD on June 16, 2014, 08:40:09 pm
I have a real nice Deluxe Reverb Copy called the Stinger "Texas Tornado".  In any case I must have been swapping tubes and got a 5Y3 rectifier stuck in there.  I didn't use the amp much because it sounded- distorted -like crap.  I'll have to get the GZ34 back in there.
What should I do to make sure everything is Okay?
Would there be any advantage of putting a 5U4 rectifier in?  If so what would I need to do to make it right?
 
Thanks, Terry
Title: Re: Deluxe Reverb copy Rectifier Screw up
Post by: HotBluePlates on June 16, 2014, 09:33:33 pm
What should I do to make sure everything is Okay?

Plug in the correct rectifier. Play the amp.  :icon_biggrin:

There was probably no harm. If there was damage, the rectifier would've died first. That would probably have shorted plate to cathode, which would have popped your fuse (there's a chance this scenario could damage a filter cap, but the fuse would probably die in time).

You hadn't mentioned any of that, so there was probably no ill-effect from the 5Y3.
Title: Re: Deluxe Reverb copy Rectifier Screw up
Post by: Willabe on June 17, 2014, 08:20:15 am
Would there be any advantage of putting a 5U4 rectifier in? 

The PT for that amp probable doesn't have the extra heater current for a 5U4.

5U4 needs 3A heater current, GZ34, 5V4 and 5Y3 only need 2A heater current.


            Brad    :icon_biggrin: 
Title: Re: Deluxe Reverb copy Rectifier Screw up
Post by: TerryD on June 17, 2014, 11:25:17 am
Thanks again!
Title: Re: Deluxe Reverb copy Rectifier Screw up
Post by: eleventeen on June 17, 2014, 04:01:33 pm
No big deal at all. If I'm fixing an amp with a GZ34 rectifier, I generally throw a 5Y3 in there during the repairs. Basing wise, they are interchangeable for all practical purposes. I have loads of 5Y3s, some of them pretty old (WW2 vintage) and I would much rather blow up a 5Y3 than a GZ34. A 5Y3 should also reduce the B+ by say 25 volts or so during checkout.