Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: Thisismyname on July 10, 2025, 06:27:23 am

Title: 6G3 to SS Rectifier
Post by: Thisismyname on July 10, 2025, 06:27:23 am

I have a 6G3 clone I built that I want to have stand out in a live band mix better, especially when competing with two 6L6 amps played by a jam session I sometimes go to. I know various other mods I could do to cut through more apart from going to SS rectification.

I know how to wire in the diodes. 2 diodes are enough for each phase, right? 4 total?

My B+ is about 380v, so voltage increase shouldn't be a concern. I may have to adjust the bias circuit of course.

Regarding rectifier heater wires, I would just be unwiring them and then taping them off, right?

Title: Re: 6G3 to SS Rectifier
Post by: pdf64 on July 10, 2025, 07:34:19 am

Yes, that should increase the HT voltage a bit and get a watt or 2 more output, perhaps 1dB more SPL.

Note that a more efficient speaker cab will have a far greater effect, eg 3dB more SPL, akin to doubling the amp's power.

There's no need to disconnect any wiring from the rectifier socket. Just remove the rectifier.
Or add a switch to select solid state or valve rectification.

Title: Re: 6G3 to SS Rectifier
Post by: Thisismyname on July 10, 2025, 08:08:59 am

Thanks for the info 👍

I just bought a Weber 12a125-C if I remember correctl. It's not terribly efficient, but I like it over others I tried. I'll change it as a last resort.

I doubled the reservoir filter cap during the initial build. I plan to drop some bass in the normal channel. The amp is perfect for the country band I regularly gig with, so I'm not too concerned if this amp can't do everything. I have a 6L6 project for when gigs slow down.

Thanks again 👍

Title: Re: 6G3 to SS Rectifier
Post by: pdf64 on July 10, 2025, 09:00:44 am

Quote from: Thisismyname on July 10, 2025, 08:08:59 am

Thanks for the info 👍

I just bought a Weber 12a125-C if I remember correctl. It's not terribly efficient, but I like it over others I tried. I'll change it as a last resort. ...

One option is to add a second Weber, eg an extension cab. Doubling the number of speakers is, over most of the bandwidth, equivalent to doubling the amp power.

Another option is to put a mic in front of the Weber and amplify it with a linear type solid state combo, eg intended for bass / PA / keyboard / clean guitar.

Such amps can be picked up really cheap, be really small light portable, and can easily make what you've got much louder.

It can also be used to add post amp fx like delay reverb cleanly and easily.

Title: Re: 6G3 to SS Rectifier
Post by: Thisismyname on July 10, 2025, 09:33:40 am

Quote from: pdf64 on July 10, 2025, 09:00:44 am

Quote from: Thisismyname on July 10, 2025, 08:08:59 am

Thanks for the info 👍

I just bought a Weber 12a125-C if I remember correctl. It's not terribly efficient, but I like it over others I tried. I'll change it as a last resort. ...

One option is to add a second Weber, eg an extension cab. Doubling the number of speakers is, over most of the bandwidth, equivalent to doubling the amp power.

Another option is to put a mic in front of the Weber and amplify it with a linear type solid state combo, eg intended for bass / PA / keyboard / clean guitar.

Such amps can be picked up really cheap, be really small light portable, and can easily make what you've got much louder.

It can also be used to add post amp fx like delay reverb cleanly and easily.

Wow, I didn't consider that! I look into it 👍 Thanks

Title: Re: 6G3 to SS Rectifier
Post by: tubeswell on July 11, 2025, 04:06:37 pm

Or build a second tube amp and run both of them at the same time with an ABY pedal