Troubleshooting Rectifier Tubes & Power Tubes

How do you know if a rectifier tube is bad.

Since their purpose is to convert power, would it not be correct in assuming that if one is bad that the amp would blow a fuse or not function?

Would one then switch to silicon diode? Would the amp work if silicon diode was selected with bad rectifier tubes?

How do you know your power tubes are bad?

Would the sound level be effected?

Please let me know your experiences, thanks.

rectifier tubes either work or they dont and generally will blow the fuse when they dont,as the most common failure is a short.Most amps you can just switch to the solid state rectifier and the amp will work,but it is best to get the bad rectifier out of the amp in case you turn it on when the switch is accidentally turned to tube mode.Power tubes will get weak with age/use and the tone and volume will suffer.Power tubes can also short out and blow a fuse.As power tubes age you may experience excess hum as well.

Thanks Brother.

That sounds like what is happening to my power tubes.

Rectifier tubes are fine then.

This is good to know.