Thank you all for so many insightful responses! You've given me a lot to dig through here. This thread has become a valuable learning resource to me in itself.
Earlier I mentioned collecting schematics... I use this to get and file away examples of specific "how to's" in order to reference them later. For example, if I see a schematic that has an elevated heater, I'll file that to a folder called "Heater Elevation", if I see a schematic that uses a voltage regulator to set the cathode... I'll file it in a folder called "CCS in cathode" if I see a schematic that has a high voltage regulator ill file it in "High Voltage Regulator", if i see an example of Ultrapath being used Ill file that to a folder called "Ultrapath"... Cathodyne, "soft start", "parafeed", "gyrator" the list goes on, currently I have 200 such distinct folders of example topology snippets like this filed away.
Eventually you'll start to see that an amp can be studied as many sub-circuits all working together. Later if I need some examples of how I can elevate my heaters, I'll simply consult that folder to do it on the AC side or by isolating the heater and just reference a dc heater ground to a B+ divider. Books are great too, but digging into and deconstructing random schematics gives a person the exercises to go along with the books and get into practicing with real parts.
Eventually you'll start to see that an amp can be studied as many sub-circuits all working together. Later if I need some examples of how I can elevate my heaters, I'll simply consult that folder to do it on the AC side or by isolating the heater and just reference a dc heater ground to a B+ divider. Books are great too, but digging into and deconstructing random schematics gives a person the exercises to go along with the books and get into practicing with real parts.
No ones mentioned the Big Red Bible AKA The Radiotron Designers Handbook by F Langford Smith which covers all the theory in depth but it can be a bit of a heavy read. It can be found here - http://www.tubebooks.org/Books/intro_RDH4.pdf in pdf but a hard copy I find better. This site where it is available has loads more reference material - http://www.tubebooks.org/technical_books_online.htm
I found that when I was starting out trying to learn about valve amplification that most of the theory meant little until I built a simple valve emission tester and saw how changing the cathode grid voltage changed the anode current, then a lot of the stuff I'd read started to make sense. I then drew a loadline and built my first common cathode gain stage using the instructions from Merlins Valve Wizard site, again the combination of practical building and theory helped me immensely
Andy..
I found that when I was starting out trying to learn about valve amplification that most of the theory meant little until I built a simple valve emission tester and saw how changing the cathode grid voltage changed the anode current, then a lot of the stuff I'd read started to make sense. I then drew a loadline and built my first common cathode gain stage using the instructions from Merlins Valve Wizard site, again the combination of practical building and theory helped me immensely
Andy..
Sorry but I find much of his advice iffy or "roll my eyes" type to be considered a reliable knowledge source.
There are way more serious sources out there.
Admit that he´s funny, but that´s not enough.
I won't often endorse youtube videos and tutorials. These soldering lessons are an exception
practice tips and temperature guidelines and use correct solder ratios and you'll be soldering like a pro in little time.
Another big book is the Audio Cyclopedia, hard copies are going for $300 plus but there is a PDF somewhere. I managed to pick up my hardcopy for $25 a few years back. I like this book because it is much structured like a teacher simply answering questions about small compact topics, like question and answer.
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Cyclopedia-Second-Howard-Tremaine/dp/B08R6ST27R
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Cyclopedia-Second-Howard-Tremaine/dp/B08R6ST27R
Oh and the proper flux for the job your doing.
I never knew this. I have soldered but the proper stuff was ordered, I had no part of that then.
Fast forward a few years, me trying to solder something and couldn't get it to melt and pull inside joint...from using the wrong flux. Its frustrating when it happens, something this guy over looked. I didn't throw anything (that time). And found the way, eventually.
I never knew this. I have soldered but the proper stuff was ordered, I had no part of that then.
Fast forward a few years, me trying to solder something and couldn't get it to melt and pull inside joint...from using the wrong flux. Its frustrating when it happens, something this guy over looked. I didn't throw anything (that time). And found the way, eventually.