Ampeg B15 rectifier

[patpol44]

I noticed that the new Heritage B15 comes with a tube rectifier. Does it sound better than a modern solid state rectifier ? Which one is best?

Thanks in advance

[JimmyM]

Better? No. Different? Yes. A solid state rectifier will make a B-15 slightly less prone to breakup at higher volumes. That appeals to some since it's a 25 or 30w amp depending on the model (and in the Heritage, it's switchable), but it doesn't really appeal to me.

[BassmanPaul]

The tube rectifier has more voltage drop across it than silicon rectifiers have. This leads to more sag in the B+ on heavy loads with the tube. The tube also limits the maximum value of the primary filter.