tesla: Tesla AZ12N tub in the Tesla KZ50 amplifier

I received this message from guest Jan Schmidt in Prague, Czech Republic:
 

E. Kottek: Czechoslowak Radio and TV Receivers III and Ampliifers, 
Prague, SNTL, 1973, in the chapter 6.103, Table amplifiers 513041
and 513042, "KZ50" (my translation):

"In the 513041 version, mostly an AX50 tube was used as the plate voltage rectifier 
for the power stage; in the 513042 version, an AZ12N (an AZ12 with pin base)
or a PV200/600 tube was used. If the protective resistors R45 and R46 
in anodes have  the value of 50 ohm, all three above mentioned rectifier tube 
types can be used".

Based on the KZ50 schematics, 4654 and AX50 data, I can estimate the output
of the rectifier as 560V at 160mA at full power output of the amplifier.
This is well within limits for PV200/600 and AX50, but outside of AZ12
ratings for 2x500V input (120mA, not 100mA as in the description of AZ12N
in RMorg pages).  If I understand the reasons for current downscaling of the AZ12,
the danger here is arcing, not shortened life of the tube. Moreover,
KZ50 is a B class amplifier, and the actual peak current is much less
than the estimated value in the case of usual audio signal.

The amplifier uses an AZ4 rectifier for the rest of the circuit. Using an AZ12N
we get a truly bizzare settng - two identical tubes, one with a P socket, the other
one pin-based.

All this probably indicates that, at least in this case, the AZ12N was intended
as an emergency replacement of more powerful (imported) rectifiers, not
for the RGN2004 series as suggested in the text and discussion at RMorg.

Best Regards
Jan Schmidt

Thank you for this information including translation.

Für diesen Post bedanken, weil hilfreich und/oder fachlich fundiert.