Eliminate the rectifier tube? Damping factor?

[Tube_Tone]

Hi, I am considering purchasing the Mark V. According to the manual, tube rectification is mandatory in 10 watt mode to keep the circuit stable. I don't understand this. I don't like tube rectifiers and wouldn't mind eliminating it in the Mark V if I buy one. Anyone know why this is this way, or what might happen if diodes were put in place of the rectifier tube?
I know it seems trivial, and it's hardly a deal-killer. But I am curious as to why it is this way.

Another question: I wonder if the power amp gets reconfigured for the different preamp modes. In other words, would the damping factor change for the british or fender voiced modes vs the traditional Mark modes? I like a looser feeling amp, and I've read that the Mark V is tight as opposed to the looser feeling Recto models.

I know it sounds like maybe I'm chasing after the wrong amp, but so many people keep reporting about how versatile this amp is, and how you can get virtually ANY sound. What do you think?

 

[Rkorn]

If you were to use EL34 instead of 6l6 you would get a looser tone... i believe...

 

[domct203]

Hi, I am considering purchasing the Mark V. According to the manual, tube rectification is mandatory in 10 watt mode to keep the circuit stable. I don't understand this. I don't like tube rectifiers and wouldn't mind eliminating it in the Mark V if I buy one. Anyone know why this is this way, or what might happen if diodes were put in place of the rectifier tube?
I know it seems trivial, and it's hardly a deal-killer. But I am curious as to why it is this way.

Another question: I wonder if the power amp gets reconfigured for the different preamp modes. In other words, would the damping factor change for the british or fender voiced modes vs the traditional Mark modes? I like a looser feeling amp, and I've read that the Mark V is tight as opposed to the looser feeling Recto models.

I know it sounds like maybe I'm chasing after the wrong amp, but so many people keep reporting about how versatile this amp is, and how you can get virtually ANY sound. What do you think?

Hello, and welcome to The Board.

I believe the cathode current (bias) of the 10W mode would be too hot without the voltage drop of the rectifier tube. Also, that voltage drop affects the preamp as well.

The power amp configurations are manually controlled using the 90W/45W/10W switches & Triode/Pentode switch.

I Highly Recommend you download and read the MKV manual. It will explain in depth all the features of the amp, including the questions asked here.

If you like a loose feeling amp, I would not recommend the MKV. The Roadster/Roadking amps are also very versatile, and have a looser feeling nature to them. I own both the Roadster and MKV, and find that although neither amp can be made to sound exactly like the other, both amps can fit into whatever style of music I throw at them .

Dom

 

[Scary]

Stay out of 10 watt mode and it's not a problem, in 10.. you're stuck in tube rectification. I feel the tube rectification is awesome in the Mark V, I pretty much only play in 10 watt mode to save my ears and I love it.

 

[Chester]

Stay out of 10 watt mode and it's not a problem, in 10.. you're stuck in tube rectification. I feel the tube rectification is awesome in the Mark V, I pretty much only play in 10 watt mode to save my ears and I love it.

+1 here. Awsome response, feel and dynamics in 10W mode

 

[Rkorn]

Stay out of 10 watt mode and it's not a problem, in 10.. you're stuck in tube rectification. I feel the tube rectification is awesome in the Mark V, I pretty much only play in 10 watt mode to save my ears and I love it.

+1 here. Awsome response, feel and dynamics in 10W mode

Onde day at rehearsal I was finding the amp funny because I needed to get the volume knob way higher than usual... at the end of 3 hours playing, i noticed it was in 10w instead of 45 or 90 (depends on the mood)... Still... great tone!
10w for me is house playing, I sold my vypyr to bring the V home... this thing really delivers!