Posted on Monday, 1st November 2010 by Auw Jimmy

In the middle of the night, after finishing my tube rectifier dual socket modification, I prepare some tube rectifier to test the new socket. I think it’s gonna be nice to evaluate the sonic of some rectifiers to

Actually, I have known the winner, although I haven’t compared them one by one on same setup – like this time.

Let’s start with Telefunken RGN 1054 Mesh, the basic or entry level tube rectifier from Telefunken. With the price around US$ 100 or less, this tube is just fine to let you know the special of RGN families. It sounds musical, crisp, and detail. The vocal is nice, although slightly thin. The Mesh Anode version is better in terms of transparency and musicality than the Solid Anode one.

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Tags: rectifier, RGN, Telefunken, Valvo
Posted in DIY Audio, Measurement | Comments (20)

Posted on Sunday, 18th July 2010 by Auw Jimmy

I this world, there are lot of tubes, with different filament supply. In most of my tube rectification application, I stand with two choice of rectifier, the one with 5 Volt filament (most Octal and UX type) and the others with 4 Volt filament (RGN or AZ families).

The best way to use two type of rectifier with different filament voltage is to use dedicated switch to select the exact filament voltage. You can also use Resistor to drop the filament voltage (up to 1V drop and 1A), but this way is not recommended due to a lot of heat must be dissipated (also not too good in terms of sound quality to).

I just finish the switch installation this afternoon. Now I can choose to use 4 Volt or 5 Volt filamen voltage. You can see the picture below.

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Tags: Aikido, preamp, RGN, tube rectifier
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Posted on Sunday, 27th September 2009 by Auw Jimmy

It’s over midnight. After my previous mod on my Aikido Power Supply section here, it’s time to test it with RGN rectifier. I pick my Tefefunken RGN1054 Mesh Rectifier (before, I use Russian 5U4C, not a bad rectifier though).

The result? RGN offers even more transparency, even more detail, and the most important is, it gives the “musicality” there. I would translate the “musicality” here as the sweet harmonics delivered on every tone played.

But, it lacks the low register a little bit though… In a really small margin, but you could hear that the bass is not as punchy as before (with 5U4C Rectifier). I will try later with Telefunken RGN 2004 Mesh Rectifier, since I need to modify my converter socket first.

That’s all for now. It’s sleeping time!

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Tags: rectifier, RGN
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Posted on Thursday, 24th September 2009 by Auw Jimmy

Due to generosity of my friend, let’s call him “Mr. S”, I manage to secure two more RGN Rectifier and add it to my collection. Welcome the Telefunken RGN 2004 and Telefunken RGN 1054! Both are mesh version!

The RGN 2004 is the “short-fat globe” version. I suspect this is the older version. Usually, the newer version has taller/bigger globe.

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Tags: rectifier, RGN, RGN Rectifier
Posted in Collectible Stuff | Comments (0)

Posted on Saturday, 15th August 2009 by Auw Jimmy

Still remember my Aikido project? Until now, I’m still using Octal socket (since most of my rectifiers are Octal based, like 5U4, GZ37, etc).  Few weeks ago, I was poisoned with RGN Rectifier. Well, I knew this tube for long time, but just that time was poisoned badly. Have no choice, got to get one at eBay.

How do I use it on my Aikido? I’m too lazy to modify the socket, I decide to create a DIY Socket Converter, from B4 to Octal.

Most European tubes use this Socket. But in this project, I will specify the usage for RGN Rectifier tubes. Most of my RGN will use 4 Volt heater, while the standard Octal will use 5 Volt. What should I do? Piece of cake, just put 2 Resistors in both heaters line. Considering the RGN will consume around 1 A current, then 0.5R will do perfectly to drop from 5 Volt to around 4 Volt (I prefer to use 0.33R each to drop to 4.3 Volt, in case my main line drop a little bit at night).

Below is the necessary parts

An empty Octal socket, B4/B5 Socket, and two 0.33R resistors.

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Tags: Aikido, B4 Socket, DIY Audio, Octal Socket, RGN
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Posted on Thursday, 9th July 2009 by Auw Jimmy

After several weeks of waiting, today I receive my most awaited rectifier, the Telefunken RGN 1054. This rectifier rated at 75mA and 300Volt. More than enough to drive my Aikido. I love the mesh plate rectifier

Also, this is my first post with new layout of my blog (only a matter of the width). From maximum 600 pixels width, now expanded to 835 pixels width. More beautiful picture here!!!

For your reference only, the age of this tube probably over 60-70 years old!

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Tags: rectifier, RGN
Posted in Collectible Stuff | Comments (3)