[Early B.]

We audiophiles love to try new things. I stumbled across this device when I read a recent forum review from a Lampizator DAC owner. He swore by it, so I figured I'd give it a try. The best way to describe it is a "powered" rectifier tube replacement. You can use it in any component that has a tube rectifier by plugging in an adapter cable. According to the manufacturer, "you will experience an immediate boost in dynamics, depth/height/width of the sound stage, more natural in tonal quality, and much better instrumental and vocal separations."

The other benefit is you can use a bunch of different tubes. Check out the pic below and you can see my Space-Tech with a spare pair of Linlai 300B tubes compared to the single 6AX5 rectifier tube it replaces in my preamp. The image gives you an indication of the improvement in sound you can expect. I'm convinced that generally, bigger tubes sound better. Every time I've swapped out for bigger tubes, I get a bigger sound. The "Super" version comes with a switchable choke upgrade for a different flavor. Oh, these units are custom built and I received excellent, Canadian-quality customer service. These devices have been around for many years, but I haven't seen them before. More info can be found here:  https://www.thebestamp.com/Accessories/Super_Rectifiers.php

I initially tried it on my Lampizator DAC by replacing an EML 274B rectifier tube and the sound barely improved. Then I put it on the preamp and the power/dynamics shot up to another level. The choke option softens the sound a bit, but I like it better. The sound on some songs is much richer and fuller, and the bass thumps hard -- real hard. It's what bass should sound like. The Space-Tech Lab rectifier makes a huge difference on some songs. The sound is "meatier" -- it's like the difference between the singer performing in your living room vs. on a small stage, but there's no loss of detail, soundstage, or anything else. There's no downside sonically. Perhaps a simpler way to describe the sonic improvement is that music sounds more authoritative, and it's a substantial improvement on some songs.

I didn't know the long-term technical implications of using this device, so I checked with the designer of my preamp and he's OK with me using it. Likewise, the guy who reviewed it with his Lampizator DAC checked with the designer beforehand and he also received a thumbs-up.

For about the cost of upgrading to a nice pair of interconnects, this rectifier is definitely worth keeping. It looks cool, too. You'll pay more for a high-end pair of tubes than you will for this unit, so if you already have a stash of tubes, it's a no-brainer. Highly recommended.

[mresseguie]

Well, I think it’s pretty interesting. Thank you for sharing!

Michael

[FullRangeMan]

Interesting device, thanks for the heads-up.

[Nick B]

How interesting that you would post about Space-Tech Lab and this device. I have been aware of the company for a few months now and idea of this type of a device has intrigued me for a while. It seems the designer Albert has a very loyal group of customers with positive comments at Canuck Audiomart. He has a lot of other products on his website and it appears he alone runs the company and builds the products.

[fredgarvin]

I've heard a lot of positive comments about that unit over the last couple of years. I wish my tube gear was tube rectified but alas they are not.

[rodge827]

Hi EarlyB
Now that you’ve had more time with the Super Rectifier do you have any additional comments on the sound quality?
Thanks
Chris

[Early B.]

Hi EarlyB
Now that you’ve had more time with the Super Rectifier do you have any additional comments on the sound quality?

Nope -- still highly recommended. In fact, I want to buy another one for my amp, but it uses two rectifier tubes, so the cost for a special custom build would be prohibitive. I swapped out different tubes which can dramatically change the sound, but I prefer the Linlai tubes.   

[rodge827]

Thanks been thinking to purchase one for my preamp but holding off till my custom 300b is done.

[nature boy]

Just ordered a STR-1002 Super, with an upgraded power supply,  which offers full wave rectification. Plan to use it in conjunction with my Decware CSP3 preamp. Given the flexibility of using so many different tubes - 805A, 845, 300B, etc. this unit provides the ultimate solution to customizing your systems sound.

Several Decware forum members have purchased one of these Space-Tech Labs Super Tube Rectifier (STR) options. Several folks have commented that it's simply transformational - OMG x10. Looking forward to trying out some of the Linlai 805 TA and 845 DG tubes in the STR-1002 once I receive it next month.

Al the man behind Space-Tech has been a pleasure to work with and is very responsive to inquiries and questions.

NB

[Early B.]

Just ordered a STR-1002 Super, with an upgraded power supply,  which offers full wave rectification. Plan to use it in conjunction with my Decware CSP3 preamp. Given the flexibility of using so many different tubes - 805A, 845, 300B, etc. this unit provides the ultimate solution to customizing your systems sound.

Several Decware forum members have purchased one of these Space-Tech Labs Super Tube Rectifier (STR) options. Several folks have commented that it's simply transformational - OMG x10. Looking forward to trying out some of the Linlai 805 TA and 845 DG tubes in the STR-1002 once I receive it next month.

Awesome!!  I'm anxious to hear your impressions once you receive it. Yes, these super rectifiers are truly transformational. 

[adamaley]

I'm using an STR-1002 with my Lampizator Pacific. It beats using even the Valvo G2504 as rectifier. I've had my STR since September of last year but I'm just recently really getting back into audio and putting it through its paces.

[Early B.]

The "problem" with the Space Tech Lab rectifier is its sensitivity to tube rolling, and the differences are immediately noticeable. You can either use one tube or two (I have yet to experiment with single tube options). Plus, there are a zillion tubes to choose from. On top of that, the uber-expensive tubes don't appear to have any sonic advantage. I popped in some EML 300B tubes and the Linlai tubes sound better, even though the EMLs are far superior to Linlai in my amp.