OK, the rectifier was not the problem. I tested it stupidly (in circuit). Once I pulled it out, it was fine. After a long misguided route of testing all of the transistors (all good). I went "back to basics" looking for a dead short.
Since the resistance was ZERO from ground to the negative rail, all the transistors were likely good since they all had the big 0.5 ohm restors on the emitter.
I ultimately came back to the big capacitors which had "tested good" on the ESR meter. And sure enough, one was a dead short! Once pulled, there was no longer a short.
So, I ordered 4x SLP332M063E3P3 CDE brand capacitors which are slightly less diameter but same height, 3000 hours at 105C. Ordered from Digi Key (part number 338-1498-ND)
They work, and the amp lives again.
I also accidentally damaged some small transistors Q102 and Q103 which were the now-discontinued 2SC-2362. Another forum advised that KSC1845FTA (DigiKey KSC1845FTACT-ND)is an adequate substitute. They seem to all be working fine.
I leave this here for future seekers.
Thanks, Tassieviking, for the advice!
Since the resistance was ZERO from ground to the negative rail, all the transistors were likely good since they all had the big 0.5 ohm restors on the emitter.
I ultimately came back to the big capacitors which had "tested good" on the ESR meter. And sure enough, one was a dead short! Once pulled, there was no longer a short.
So, I ordered 4x SLP332M063E3P3 CDE brand capacitors which are slightly less diameter but same height, 3000 hours at 105C. Ordered from Digi Key (part number 338-1498-ND)
They work, and the amp lives again.
I also accidentally damaged some small transistors Q102 and Q103 which were the now-discontinued 2SC-2362. Another forum advised that KSC1845FTA (DigiKey KSC1845FTACT-ND)is an adequate substitute. They seem to all be working fine.
I leave this here for future seekers.
Thanks, Tassieviking, for the advice!