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VALAB 1200V 20A SiC Bridge Rectifier VALAB Reference Series 1200V 20A SIC Silicon Caroffere
Bridge Rectifier Created specifically for the long-life, high-resolution power supply of a vacuum-tube amplifier 1200VReverse-voltage rating 20ADiode current class SiCSchottky technology
This bridge rectifier is built from four high-voltage silicon-caroffere Schottky diodes. Its electrical ratings allow generous operating margin in many vacuum-tube amplifier power supplies, while the physical construction is made for builders who value clean rectification, mechanical strength and long-term reliability.
It is capable of high power, but that is not the main reason I created it. This is an audio component first: a rectifier developed for the person who wants to build a tube amplifier once, refine it carefully, and continue listening to it for many years.
Why Silicon Caroffere?
A SiC Schottky diode has essentially no minority-carrier reverse-recovery tail. Compared with a conventional silicon PN diode, it can greatly reduce one important source of fast switching-current disturbance. The result is a cleaner foundation for the amplifier power supply, with less rectifier-generated high-frequency interference entering the transformer, wiring and signal ground.
Designed for High-Resolution Tube Amplifiers
In my listening tests, this rectifier produces a remarkably clear and highly resolved presentation. Fine information is easier to follow, the background becomes cleaner, and the sound remains open rather than hard or mechanical.
The bridge rectifier does not create musical detail by itself. Its purpose is to prevent the rectification stage from masking detail through unnecessary switching disturbance and unstable power delivery. The audible result will depend on the complete amplifier, transformer, reservoir capacitor, grounding and wiring—but in a revealing system, the improvement can be immediately apparent.
Engineering and Construction
- Four 1200V / 20A-class SiC Schottky diodes
Substantial voltage and current capability for demanding high-voltage supplies. - Large, wide PCB copper areas
The current paths use generous copper area and short connections to reduce unnecessary resistance and distribute heat effectively. - Heavy screw terminals
Secure connections make installation and future servicing easier than solder-only construction. - Individual heatsinking
The heatsinks maintain a low, controlled junction temperature and provide useful thermal margin during demanding operation. - Mechanical support for shipping and installation
The heatsink structure also supports the large diode packages. It protects their leads from bending or crushing, so the assembly can arrive safely and remain mechanically stable after installation. - Long-life solid-state construction
There is no electrolyte to dry out. When operated within its voltage, current and temperature limits, the assembly is designed for extremely long service life.
The heatsinks are deliberate—even when the thermal load is modest.
SiC efficiency keeps internal loss relatively low in typical tube-amplifier service. The added heatsinking provides further thermal headroom, but it also serves an important mechanical purpose: the diode bodies are firmly supported, and their leads are protected against shipping shock and accidental pressure.
Key Specifications Rectifier topologyFull-wave bridge, four discrete diodes Semiconductor technologySilicon caroffere Schottky diode Diode reverse-voltage rating1200V Diode current class20A per device, subject to thermal conditions ConnectionsTwo AC inputs, positive DC output and negative DC output CoolingDedicated heatsink for every diode PCB current pathsWide traces with enlarged copper area Recommended Applications
- Vacuum-tube power amplifiers
- Tube preamplifier and phono-stage high-voltage supplies
- High-quality CLC and LCLC power supplies
- Long-life, non-electrolytic amplifier projects
- DIY audio power-supply upgrades requiring high voltage and low switching disturbance
Please Check the Available Space
This assembly is intentionally larger than an ordinary packaged bridge rectifier. The discrete high-current diodes, individual heatsinks, wide conductor area and heavy terminals require additional room. Please compare the product dimensions shown in the listing photographs with the available space inside your amplifier before ordering.
Dimension: 70x 40 x 30 (L x W x H)
The VALAB Philosophy Built for the amplifier you hope to listen to for a lifetime.
If, like me, you have always wanted to build a vacuum-tube amplifier that does not need to be replaced—only enjoyed and maintained—this rectifier was designed for you.
If you’re purchasing multiple items, we’re happy to offer a special price in addition to the savings from combined shipping.
Please contact Kevin through Messages before placing your order. He’ll be happy to put together a great offer for you.
If you’d prefer to complete your purchase right away, please feel free to proceed with checkout. Kevin will refund any excess shipping charges afterward.
Thank you for your support!
Important
The 1200V and 20A figures are ratings of the individual diode devices under specified conditions, not a guarantee that every completed power supply may continuously deliver 20A. The allowable bridge current depends on ambient temperature, heatsink conditions, transformer characteristics, wiring, airflow and duty cycle. Always provide correct fusing, insulation, creepage distance and safe high-voltage construction.
Silicon-caroffere Schottky diodes avoid the minority-carrier recovery tail of conventional PN diodes, but every real circuit still contains junction capacitance and parasitic inductance. Careful transformer wiring and grounding remain important.
Sincerely,
Kevin / VALAB
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