Good day to all,
I am currently experimenting with varying power supply topologies and have begun to employ the methodology stated by Mr.Williams employing the Jung precision regulators. In the heater section that is....(and tubed in the HV!!!...FUN). Thus far it most definitely has outperformed all traditional LM317 and like type 3pin chip regulators across the board...(in terms of noise etc) and I enjoy the sonic outcome. I will post definitive measurements when a final design has been achieved. I personally enjoy regulation of tube mic power supplies (not to say that other types aren't to be lauded, as some classic, beautiful sounding and legendary tube mics do not employ regulation).
I also have liked the fairchild 1N4934 fast recovery diodes in rectification applications. Try those too!...(i'm a bit of sucker for overbuilding and experimentation)
It is of course an entire circuit consideration and as far as I'm concerned one that can and does have sonic affects.
I rather enjoy this thread as it (indirectly) addresses a many times overlooked section in the industry (sometimes, in my opinion, expressed in the vein of "does it work?"..."yes."..."does it screw anything up?"..."no."..."GREAT, DONE!")...or in the sense of it meeting a perfunctory electrical standard...and no further. If there isn't already, one of us should start a thread dedicated to the design considerations and implementation of power supplies in total...(not just "modding" or "regulation" etc).
I have attached photos of the Bradley and Drefahl power supplies (the Bradley photo is from his site, it is a dual supply and appears to have a vertically oriented 3pin regulator chip heat sunk on the left hand side of the unit. The Drefahl I own and it is regulated - both HV and heater- by traditional 3pin chips, no opamp style regulation in either...in my opinion both are good supplies...(I have used the Bradley).
I don't think that "whats required" should be the ceiling. We as designers of tube microphones owe it to the giants of history to honor their progress and ingenuity.