Change my rectifier tubes?

[Jacko123]

Guys, I bought a used 3ch dual rec. a few weeks ago and I'm about to order some new tubes. It sounds great but I want to start messing around with tubes. I'm only starting to learn about them.

Can someone explain why I don't see too much (at all) talk about rectifier tubes? I was going to replace them as well, but maybe there is no need to. Do different rectifier tubes make a big difference?

I mean, just look at these sexy definitions:

http://thetubestore.com/5u4types.html

https://ssl.eurotubes.com/cart/index.php?page=view_submenu&category_id=4

:?: :?: :?: :? :? :?

Should I even bother changing them?

 

[MrMarkIII]

Page 14 of the manual has some decent info.

 

[Jacko123]

Thanks for the reply. I did read page 14, which gives a great overview of the rectifier option/switch.

I'm still wondering if it's worth changing the tubes all together or leaving the ones that are in it now (stock Mesa tubes).

I see people talking about playing with power tubes and pre-amp tubes all the time, but never see any mention of the rectifier tubes.

 

[MrMarkIII]

Thanks for the reply. I did read page 14, which gives a great overview of the rectifier option/switch.

I'm still wondering if it's worth changing the tubes all together or leaving the ones that are in it now (stock Mesa tubes).

I see people talking about playing with power tubes and pre-amp tubes all the time, but never see any mention of the rectifier tubes.

It's because rectifier tubes don't lie in the signal path.
The rectifier's job, be it tube or solid state, is to take the A/C current coming into the amp and convert it to the D/C current used by the amp.
Tube rectifiers give a softer, more compressed, "vintage" sound. Solid state rectifiers are more up-front, bolder, in your face.
That's about it.
This effect is much more noticeable at stage volume, rather than playing with yourself in your bedroom.
Here's a site I just Googled ("rectifier substitution") with more info:
http://acruhl.freeshell.org/mga/main/rectifiers.html
Hope this helps.

 

[Jacko123]

That's a great article on rectifiers. I really appreciate your help.