Rectifier?

[AC/DC-rul3z]

Hey!
I just wanna know what exactly is the rectifier in an amp? Cause I was intrested in Fender Hot DeVille and then I looked and I saw "3 X 12AX7, 2 X 6L6, Solid State Rectifier so I'm not sure anymore... Does it affect the tone a lot? I would please like some info on it.
Thanks a lot!

[Animus Light]

Hey!
I just wanna know what exactly is the rectifier in an amp? Cause I was intrested in Fender Hot DeVille and then I looked and I saw "3 X 12AX7, 2 X 6L6, Solid State Rectifier so I'm not sure anymore... Does it affect the tone a lot? I would please like some info on it.
Thanks a lot!

A rectifier converts the AC current from your wall into a useable DC current for the amp. There is a slight tone difference between an all-tube rectifier and a solid state rectifier. Basically, tube rectifiers take up more power to keep the tube powered. And because it takes more power to push bass frequencies, a solid state rectifier is much more efficient in terms of power, and as a result, is more efficient at pushing those bass frequencies. What you end up with is a solid state rectifier having a much "tighter" bottom end whereas a tube rectifier has a much "looser" bottom end. Dual rectifiers can switch between the two. Blues and classic rock musicians tend to like the looser bottom end whereas most other types of music would prefer the tighter bass response. I don't think you'd very easily find an all-tube rectifier these days. They're either solid state or dual.