Both are good, and worth buying. In the areas of overlap I get the impression that Merlin B is more comfortable with using and showing maths; for me that is an advantage, but others might be put off by it. MJ is more likely to simply quote a formula and plug numbers into it. You could say that MJ takes an 'engineering' approach while MB is more 'scientific'.
I think that for an advancing novice, having both books would be helpful. Morgan Jones' writing style is probably more fun to read, and as said before, his approach is a bit different. Merlin Blencowe's writing style is (for me, at least) more straight-to-the-point and easy to follow. In some cases I was able to get a better grip on this or that concept from one author, but for a different concept the other author's explanation worked better for me.
Even though Merlin B includes more worked out mathematical examples, I find that I can still get a good understanding even though my math skills are very poor. In other words, the math in Merlin B's book is not intimidating at all, even for those with less than stellar math skills.
In the end, I am very pleased to have both. I'm hoping Merlin publishes a book about power amps too.
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Even though Merlin B includes more worked out mathematical examples, I find that I can still get a good understanding even though my math skills are very poor. In other words, the math in Merlin B's book is not intimidating at all, even for those with less than stellar math skills.
In the end, I am very pleased to have both. I'm hoping Merlin publishes a book about power amps too.
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Hi SY, rongon,
I couldn't agree more with you. I'm nearing the last 1/4 of Merlin's book now. I can recommend both to anyone serious about learning this material.
I am grateful that Merlin's book was recommended to me. It is a very worthy place for a couple of tight dollars. So, do get both if you can. They are each great for presenting the information in their own directions and formats.
If you can only afford one, I can't tell you which you should get as they are equally excellent texts and will be used for reference after you're done reading them. As said, the maths used aren't deal breakers when it comes to understanding the material. Math is not my friend, so there you have it.
-Chris
I couldn't agree more with you. I'm nearing the last 1/4 of Merlin's book now. I can recommend both to anyone serious about learning this material.
I am grateful that Merlin's book was recommended to me. It is a very worthy place for a couple of tight dollars. So, do get both if you can. They are each great for presenting the information in their own directions and formats.
If you can only afford one, I can't tell you which you should get as they are equally excellent texts and will be used for reference after you're done reading them. As said, the maths used aren't deal breakers when it comes to understanding the material. Math is not my friend, so there you have it.
-Chris
Merlin, I have very much enjoyed reading your book which has many useful and interesting insights which I haven't seen in other texts.
If you ever decide to write a book on power amps then I think the world is crying out for someone to deal eloquently with some of the ideas which have appeared and been developed here in recent years such as Gyrator anode loads, unusual drive techniques for pentodes, different types of local feedback, better methods for heating DH valves as well as hybrid designs of various types.
Also, please keep using the maths; it is so much easier to follow than words.
If you ever decide to write a book on power amps then I think the world is crying out for someone to deal eloquently with some of the ideas which have appeared and been developed here in recent years such as Gyrator anode loads, unusual drive techniques for pentodes, different types of local feedback, better methods for heating DH valves as well as hybrid designs of various types.
Also, please keep using the maths; it is so much easier to follow than words.
Just got it, but enjoying the book very much. The beginning, where current and voltage are discussed so clearly, alone is worth the cost.
Much thanks,
Chris
Much thanks,
Chris
Wonder if Merlin can tell us if his book on power supplies for tube amps will be printed again . Looks as if it's completely sold out a long time ago.
Is this book worth buying if you already own Merlin's guitar pre-amp book ?
Any recommendations for Kuenhel's Vacuum Tube Circuit Design: Guitar Amplifier Power Amps ?
Amazon does not seem to have the Look Inside options for these items.
Thanks
Any recommendations for Kuenhel's Vacuum Tube Circuit Design: Guitar Amplifier Power Amps ?
Amazon does not seem to have the Look Inside options for these items.
Thanks
In a word, yes. Really useful parts on power supplies, noise measurements, tone circuits etc. OK, there's a bit of overlap as it's aimed at a different audience. But still, an entertaining read that I keep coming back to along with the guitar pre-amp book.
I've this book also - but I find it less useful compared to some online PDFs (Merlin's and others).
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