Tubes Asylum

Questions about tubes and gear that glows. FAQ

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Come to the light...

Posted by Jim Carlon on November 1, 2002 at 10:56:46:
Good to hear you're about to take the plunge! Now, as to the FP, are you going to build it, or is it coming to you already assembled? I ask, because the assembly can be a great learning opportunity.
Don't be overly concerned that you will do something to harm tube equipment. Just make sure to let it have plenty of fresh air, and you'll be surprised how rugged it can be. Properly designed tube gear can most often be handed down to the next generation with only a few tube replacements along the way.
Check out audoXpress.com. They have lots of books on the subject, as well as a free download of a series called "Audio Classroom". It consists of several articles writtten back in the day when tube audo was the only kind. Don't worry about understanding everything all at once, just keep reading and pondering, and let it sink in gradually. Same thing with Tube DIY Asylum, just spend some time reading questions and answers.
Check out bottlehead.com for Valve E-zine. Same deal. The Bottlehead Forum has a wealth of info to search through. My first suggestion would be to look for recommendations on different tube brands/types to try out in your FP. Then you can experience the subtle differences to be heard by simply trying different tubes.
Tubes are still in use for lots of applications today, and there is a concerted effort to perfect 'nano-tube' technology where tiny triodes are created on a substrate. You are probably looking at a cathode ray tube as you read this!
Have fun!
Jim