I received a book for Christmas and I'm delighted with it. Thought I'd pass the information along.
"Vaccum Tube Amplifier Basics," by EJ Jurich, Fourth Edition. I got the large paperback edition, but there is also a Kindle edition available from the usual places. Very inexpensive.
This is a book aimed at newbies like myself. It explains in clear and concise language how a tube amplifier works, but it's more than dry theory. It contains formulas throughout for calculating resistor and capacitor sizes, how to select a transformer (power and output) and explains different theories such as cathode bypass capacitors, negative feedback, ultralinear design and so on.
It explains and diagrams how to read the kind of schematics one finds on the web, explaining differing styles of notion and layout and what they mean. It shows the symbols for different types of devices, such as caps, pots, resistors, and so on. It explains how they are constructed in limited detail and how to decipher the values from the writing or colors on them, including 'old style' values.
It also talks about mechanical design, layout and construction, with diagrams and photos as well as the schematics for the circuits being built.
It also contains some common tube data at the back of the book, but more importantly, explains what values are important and what they are used for when designing a circuit.
There is a chapter on instrument (guitar) amps, including a project amp one can build, but it is mostly focused on hi-fi uses (although of course there is a huge amount of carryover between the two).
The book has several complete projects that one can build, including an SE 6V6 amp and a RIAA phono preamp and so on. It has some tone controls and explains how to design and then insert them into a circuit.
This book would probably be 'old hat' for anyone who has been building for a long time; most would probably already know this material (and might have differing opinions on some of it). But for newbies such as myself, this book seems to be exactly what I needed for now. Until I become much more advanced, this is what I was after.
One word of warning; the author appears to have a firm belief that expensive components are generally a waste of money and states it at several points in the text. Whether one agrees with that assessment or not is a matter of taste; I merely point out that it is present for those who have a visceral reaction to such statements.
I hope everyone is having great holidays and I thank you for the help you have already given me. Perhaps this may help to give back in some small way.
"Vaccum Tube Amplifier Basics," by EJ Jurich, Fourth Edition. I got the large paperback edition, but there is also a Kindle edition available from the usual places. Very inexpensive.
This is a book aimed at newbies like myself. It explains in clear and concise language how a tube amplifier works, but it's more than dry theory. It contains formulas throughout for calculating resistor and capacitor sizes, how to select a transformer (power and output) and explains different theories such as cathode bypass capacitors, negative feedback, ultralinear design and so on.
It explains and diagrams how to read the kind of schematics one finds on the web, explaining differing styles of notion and layout and what they mean. It shows the symbols for different types of devices, such as caps, pots, resistors, and so on. It explains how they are constructed in limited detail and how to decipher the values from the writing or colors on them, including 'old style' values.
It also talks about mechanical design, layout and construction, with diagrams and photos as well as the schematics for the circuits being built.
It also contains some common tube data at the back of the book, but more importantly, explains what values are important and what they are used for when designing a circuit.
There is a chapter on instrument (guitar) amps, including a project amp one can build, but it is mostly focused on hi-fi uses (although of course there is a huge amount of carryover between the two).
The book has several complete projects that one can build, including an SE 6V6 amp and a RIAA phono preamp and so on. It has some tone controls and explains how to design and then insert them into a circuit.
This book would probably be 'old hat' for anyone who has been building for a long time; most would probably already know this material (and might have differing opinions on some of it). But for newbies such as myself, this book seems to be exactly what I needed for now. Until I become much more advanced, this is what I was after.
One word of warning; the author appears to have a firm belief that expensive components are generally a waste of money and states it at several points in the text. Whether one agrees with that assessment or not is a matter of taste; I merely point out that it is present for those who have a visceral reaction to such statements.
I hope everyone is having great holidays and I thank you for the help you have already given me. Perhaps this may help to give back in some small way.
I really liked "Vacuum Tube Amplifier Basics," by EJ Jurich as well. It still holds up in 2020, and for guys like me who know just enough to be dangerous, this book was a perfect fit. The circuits are basic enough to understand and well suited to newer builders who want to get their minds wrapped around all the most important concepts and come away with a working amp.
Useful texts are important. A favorite of mine is the 1st or 2nd edition of "Basic Electronics for Scientists" by James Brophy. Some mathematical rigor is present, but "gobs" of useful stuff regarding both tubes and SS is provided.
