3/24/2021 0 Comments Amplifier TubesAn amplifier tube or valve amplifier is a kind of electronic amplifier that uses vacuum tubes to amplify the voltage or signal of an audio signal. In some ways, both these devices look like conventional electrical amplifiers but function differently. For instance, in a valve amplifier, a low power pulsed electric current (CSP) is passed through the valves, inducing a change in its resistance which changes its current value. On the other hand, a vacuum tube amplifier applies a low voltage AC power to the conductors, and changes their resistance value with the passage of the voltage pulses through the conductors. Valve amplifiers for musical purposes used solid-state diodes as the rectifiers. These amplifier tubes had better audio quality than their valve-based cousins. However, with the advent of solid-state units with improved efficiency and better distortion characteristics, valve units began to lose favor in the market. Low to moderate power valve units for audio frequencies below thirty kilohertz were gradually replaced by solid-state amplifiers in the late 1960s and early 70s. The popularity of vacuum tubes continued to wax and wane, ever since they were first introduced in radios and other electronics. Their efficiency and low cost made them ideal for use as audio amplifiers. However, their limited range of frequencies limited their applications to frequencies in the audible band. And, although they could be used to power an additional electronic device, like a microphone, they did not have the sound quality to drive speakers. Amplifier tubes are also used in high power commercial radio equipment. A number of AM radio stations used tubes - both electrical and electronic - to transmit audio over the airwaves. They could work well in this type of environment because their efficiency and durability made them very reliable. And, since they operated at very high power levels, there was no problem operating them at lower power levels, like is done with many mobile phones. However, they couldn't reproduce the audio frequencies with the same efficiency and power as their larger counterparts. When they were replaced by valve units, audio tube manufacturers saw a big opportunity in saving money on components, costs, and labor. Valve units used the same electricity needed to operate, but they required much less power to do so. Additionally, their larger size allowed them to be housed closer to the mains so that their refrigeration requirements were cut down. Finally, the audio tubes didn't require a cooling chamber like the solid state tubes. Valve units became the new standard in small audio amplifiers. Many component audio manufacturers adopted valve units, making them the standard component for home audio amplifiers. There are many more designs and models available in valve units today. You can easily find one that will fit your needs and fits within your budget. You can also click on this post that has expounded more on the topic: You can also click on this post that has expounded more on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_tube.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
|