Rectifier Question

[randalp3000]

I've been making schematics of a bunch of my amps and I keep seeing diodes on the tube rectifier socket. Wondering what this is all about. Does it give you higher B+ than the tube by itself and will it effect the feel of the amp?

Thought I would ask before I start re-soldering and measuring stuff.

thanks
rp

[Blackburn]

Those are part of R.G. Keen's immortal amp mods and are used to (hopefully) keep your amp going to the end of a gig, if your rect shorts, I believe. I forget if there are other reasons for having them.

[martin manning]

They are backing up the vacuum rectifier in case of a short, and also increase it's inverse voltage capability. The Valve Wizard's site has some discussion on it, I think.

[randalp3000]

thanks guys, I found the Keen articles and I'll look in my Wizard book also.

I wish I had more time for book readin'

[Blackburn]

Keen's mods are good, but horribly impractical. He would call for something like six or more fuses, a handful of MOVs and more diodes than anyone really uses. I, for one, don't have that kind of space available with my chassis!

Still a good read, though!