Weber Copper Cap Rectifiers

[Jason P]

There's been a bit of a buzz over these tube replacements on the 'other forum', and in the true spirit of following the herd I thought I'd give one a go. Great things have been reported in various systems, and I was keen to see if it would follow in my setup.

First some history - those at Scalford a couple of years ago may have heard my modest system with the XTZ integrated doing it's class A loveliness. Shortly after I got a chance to return to valves with the Ming Da Piccolo (or the snappier MC368-902 if you prefer). I liked what I heard, and even though only 18 watts it drove the Dalis fine - save for a bit of woolliness in the bass, which I've been told can be a trait of SE amps.

The copper cap rectifier was ordered from Weber in the US. Not fully understanding what a rectifier does, I merely chose the correct replacement for the Ming's 274B valve and waited. $40 (inc post) and a week later, it arrived.

I removed the original valve and replaced with the Weber - the only thing giving me pause were the extra pins on the Weber, as the 274 only has 4 to the Weber's 8, but no worry - it slotted in first time, looking a bit diminutive compared to the previous occupant, being as it is a small copper tube about 3" long by 1.5" round.

Fired up - no pops, bangs or untoward noises. Good so far.

James Taylor's Hourglass was in the player, as good a demo as any - so I pressed play.

Wow. Wow.

Wow again.

It took all of 30 seconds to realise this is a real leap in SQ in my system. It's been a long time since I've had a real 'never realised that was on the record' moment, but I've had them in spades since fitting the Weber. Everything - detail, separation, clarity - all improved. Bass is much taughter, more tuneful - and this has had a knock-on effect of bringing everything else into sharp relief.

In terms of the much-vaunted SVPP, it's the outright best upgrade I've ever done.

So worth a try if you've a system using rectifier tubes in their many guises.

No affiliation other than being a very happy camper!

More details here (http://www.webervst.com/ccap.html)

J

[sq225917]

So they fit normal solid state diodes and power resistors into a copper tube that fits where the old glass tube used to fit, interesting.

[Ali Tait]

It will only be an improvement where the amp has not been properly designed to use them IMHO. Valve rectifiers are used because it's fashionable and an USP. Those I know who design their own amps prefer valve rectifiers generally.

[Jason P]

It will only be an improvement where the amp has not been properly designed to use them IMHO. Valve rectifiers are used because it's fashionable and an USP. Those I know who design their own amps prefer valve rectifiers generally.

Not knowing anything about valve amp design I only have my ears to go on! Maybe rolling the 274B for another would yield similar results - but it would cost me a lot more than 40 bucks to do it! I think from what I've read the Webers are designed to emulate a lot of tube qualities, but again I haven't the knowledge to comment - only what others have said. For the cost I think it's certainly worth trying and the Ming Da amps (which have a good rep generally) seem to particularly benefit. Others have had less outstanding results, but none have been worsened as far as I can tell.

[Ali Tait]

Yes, always worth experimenting if it's not costing too much. I've certainly heard obvious differences between different makes of the same valve.

[Jazid]

Yes, as a more regular denizen of the other forum I have watched this with interest. I don't know how it pans out in all amps but I would suggest with humility that it might be wise not to play with them in amps that either run close to the limits of the output valve's design due to their start up characteristics being rather different from tube rectifiers, or with marginally specified smoothing capacitors (read amps driven - rather than built - down to a price). For the former reason I would have thought for example that the Leak TL12+ would be an amp to be cautious with, for the latter there are some 'value' Chinese SETs around with a popping capacitor history (and often only 110/220V mains input) that might be better left valve rectified. YMMV of course, and it looks does like fun :)

[Jason P]

Yes James I was a bit concerned - the Ming Da's aren't el cheapo Chinese amps though, and the Webers are designed to emulate the soft start characteristics of a tube apparently. Nothing's gone bang yet! Time will tell I guess.

[Jazid]

Not suggesting they are! And super pleased they are doing the business for you :) All power to Mr Weber's creations!
Sadly my TL12+ probably aren't suitable though for reasons given, whilst the 5z3 replacement for the Tron is specified differently to what I would like, so for now no changes at jazid junction...

[jaym481]

I was thinking of them for my Leaks (pair of TL12+ and a Stereo 50), as Mullard GZ34s are coming in at a premium these days, and newer equivalents don't seem to have the durability. Most, if not all, of the positive comments seem to be related to Ming Da stuff, so clearly those will benefit.

[captains log]

I went for the WZ34 Copper Cap.... in my little Ming Da 18w single ended amp.... been in there for a few weeks now...

Excellent performance....

[Marco]

Yes, as a more regular denizen of the other forum I have watched this with interest.

Which “other forum” is it that’s being referred to here, and why not just name it? :scratch:

The Weber’s look interesting…..

Marco.

[YNWaN]

I was presuming the Wam but it could easily be plenty of others.

[Marco]

I’m presuming it’s the Wam, too, so don’t understand the reluctance towards naming it….

Btw, on a different matter, that’s some serious mutha shit you’ve received for posting that cable review of yours on pfm! :doh:

Have you also posted it here? I haven’t checked…

Marco.

[YNWaN]

Ha, yes - it was entertaining. It's like shacking the trees and seeing how many people with grudges and chips on their shoulders can fall out - nothing but trolls and sock puppets.

It was only a couple of people responsible for most of the bickering and name calling, pathetic really. Tony had to delete a load of posts - twice. I didn't post on the thread more than a couple of times but even at the end some numpty had the front to suggest I hadn't been sufficiently 'gracious' (only the previous day he had been posting snide comments implying I was dishonest); presumably he's some worthless hanger on from somewhere else.

I posted the review on three forums simultaneously - mine (AudioFlat Forum), this one and pfm. They only had the nerve to raise their heads on pfm - beneath contempt.

[Marco]

Yes I was shaking my head in disbelief at some of the crap being aimed at you for simply posting your honest thoughts on some cables… Tony handled it well. I thought he’d ejected most of the muppets from pfm, and the ‘vibe’ there had improved considerably as a result.

However, there are still some hard-core donkeys over there (present for no constructive purpose, and there simply to irritate) that need ’seeing to’! ;)

Marco.

[walpurgis]

Hmm. Just had a look on PFM. For the first time that I recall. There appears to be a distinct lack of normal polite banter, many comments seeming rather confrontational. Why?

I reckon I'd get banned pretty quickly on there, responding to some of the 'contributors' in the way they deserve.

[YNWaN]

It wasn't about me posting my thoughts Marco, it just about a few low-life's seeing an opportunity to have a pop at me - their opinion means less than nothing and their motivation is transparent. As you say, Tony and his team handled it well.

[Jazid]

'The other thread is the Wam. No surprises in naming or avoiding the subject. But as a low post count member of this forum I dont like to stick my head above the parapet too quickly. Nothing more, hope thats good etiquette?

[Marco]

Hi James,

Your consideration is much appreciated, but on this occasion unnecessary, as there are many members of AoS who are also members of Wigwam, and so of course the latter is mentioned here all the time :)

Marco.

[Jazid]

Indeed, I have found a few old friends hereabouts :) I think I will be spending a bit more time here in the future. Thank you Marco :door:

[Marco]

You’re welcome anytime :)

Marco.