9 Best Books on Vacuum and Tube Technology

“Audiophile Vacuum Tube Amplifiers Volume 3”Book Review by Igor S Popovich: This edition of the book is a comprehensive resource for electronics enthusiasts looking for practical designs, circuits, and test & measurement methods. The book provides detailed information on directly-heated triodes and power amplifiers, with a focus on 2A3, 300B, VT25, #46, 12A, 201A, GM70, 805, 845, and 211A. In addition, the book covers preamplifiers and driver tubes. The content is presented in a manner that is accessible to readers who are interested in ready-to-build designs, including tried and tested circuits. The book includes numerous illustrations, such as photographs of tubes, components, and amplifiers, circuit diagrams, tube pinouts, curves, and load lines, as well as graphs and charts. Practical DIY manuals are also emphasized throughout the book.

“Handbook of Electron Tube and Vacuum Techniques (AVS Classics in Vacuum Science and Technology)” by Fred Rosebury Book Review: The book has been specially designed for students and researchers who are interested in space, high-vacuum technology, and materials science. It presents a comprehensive account of Vacuum Techniques and Electron tube, covering every concept in a clearly defined manner. The book encompasses a wide range of topics, including the cleaning of Electron Tubes and Vacuum components, Electroplating and Stripping, Heat-Treating and Brazing, as well as Induction Heating such as Radio Frequency Heating and Bombarding. It delves into Glass-to-metal Seals, Metal and Ceramic Bonding, Tube Laboratory Procedures, Cryopumping, and Ultrahigh Vacuum. The book emphasizes Vacuum Technique, which entails Design Procedures, Construction of Vacuum Tubes and Vessels, and Gas Filling of Tubes. Finally, it concludes with Leak Detection and Vapor Pressure, providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

“Power Vacuum Tubes Handbook, Third Edition (Electronics Handbook Series)” by Jerry Whitaker Book Review: This textbook edition offers comprehensive coverage of the latest advances in high-power vacuum-tube design and operation. It serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the fundamental concepts of modern vacuum tubes. The revised edition features two new chapters on material properties and RF system maintenance and troubleshooting, as well as updates and additions to most of the existing chapters. With its detailed information on vacuum tube technology, devices, applications, design and modulation methods, this edition is an essential guide for readers seeking to understand power vacuum-tube-based systems. The textbook covers key topics such as power grid tubes (triodes, tetrodes, and pentodes) and microwave power tubes, and includes helpful illustrations to clarify and explain important principles and implementation considerations.

“All About Vacuum Tube Guitar Amplifiers” by Gerald Weber Book Review: The inner workings of tube amps are thoroughly explained in the textbook, making it easy for readers to understand. Topics covered include electronic concepts, different types of tubes and their functions, the anatomy of a gain stage, and how to revive a dormant tube amp. In addition, the book offers guidance on properly performing a cap job, modifying and preserving the amp, voicing the amp, and adjusting the reverb. The reader will also find useful information on recovering a cabinet, re-grilling a baffle board, purchasing a vintage amp, and avoiding common wiring mistakes and idiosyncrasies found in vintage amps. Furthermore, the book provides insight into the six dreaded tone killers and how to avoid them, the top ten amp-tone tips, and fine-tuning the entire amp setup.

“How to Use, Calibrate, Repair and Upgrade Vacuum Tube Testers” by Igor S Popovich Book Review: The objective of this book is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different types or families of tube testers, and then highlight the negative aspects of many specific models that are often available for purchase. This book caters to the needs of several groups, including DIY Constructors who are interested in building, servicing, or modifying tube amps, Audiophiles and guitar players who want to match their own tubes, and Technicians and engineers who want to expand their knowledge of tubes and tube testers. The book covers the design, functionality, calibration, and modifications of testers from various brands such as B&K, Hickok, Triplett, RCA, Precise, Precision, Eico, and others. Additionally, the book provides practical technical manuals with photographs of the inside and outside views of tube testers, along with their circuit diagrams and various graphs and charts.