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Vacuum Tubes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
NOS-X201A

NOS-X201A

TubeDepot

01A UX LONG PIN GLOBE SHAPE

17
501STANDARD_TUBE_SET

501STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACUUM TUBE SET FOR RIVERA 100W

0
NOS-4CX250B

NOS-4CX250B

TubeDepot

4CX250B / 7203

0
NOS-12AU7A-US

NOS-12AU7A-US

TubeDepot

12AU7A / ECC82 (OTHER US)

132
NOS-6098

NOS-6098

TubeDepot

TUNGSOL 6098 / 6AR6WA

0
GROUPING_PAIR_SI-KT88-98

GROUPING_PAIR_SI-KT88-98

TubeDepot

PAIR OF SINO KT8898 PWR VAC TUBE

0
53STANDARD_TUBE_SET

53STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACUUM TUBE SET FOR AKG C12 VR

0
239STANDARD_TUBE_SET

239STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACTUBESET FENDER 59 BASSMAN LTD

0
70STANDARD_TUBE_SET

70STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VAC TUBE SET AMPEG HERITAGE B15N

0
JJ-ECC99

JJ-ECC99

TubeDepot

RF DOUBLE TRIODE PREAMP TB

8
NOS-5920

NOS-5920

TubeDepot

5920 / E90CC

5
NOS-12AX7WA-JANSYL

NOS-12AX7WA-JANSYL

TubeDepot

JHS SYLVANIA 12AX7WA

43
NOS-6SU7GTY

NOS-6SU7GTY

TubeDepot

TUNGSOL 6SU7WGT / 6188 / 6SL7WGT

0
SO-5881

SO-5881

TubeDepot

SOVTEK 5881/6L6WGC PWR VAC TUBE

0
TK-EL84

TK-EL84

TubeDepot

TELEFUNKEN BLK DIAMOND EL84/6BQ5

17
103STANDARD_TUBE_SET

103STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

TUBESET BLKHRT HANDSOME DVL BH15

30
GL-KT66

GL-KT66

TubeDepot

GENALEX GLD LION KT66 PWR VTUBE

17
GROUPING_PAIR_GL-6V6GT

GROUPING_PAIR_GL-6V6GT

TubeDepot

GENALEX GOLD LION CV511 PWR TB

28
157STANDARD_TUBE_SET

157STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACTUBESET CRATE BL VOODOO 6112

0
NOS-6AU6A

NOS-6AU6A

TubeDepot

6AU6A / 6AW6 / EF94 / 6136

0

Vacuum Tubes

1. Overview

Vacuum tubes (electron tubes) are sealed glass/ceramic devices containing electrodes in a vacuum environment to control electron flow. While largely replaced by solid-state electronics, they remain critical in high-fidelity audio equipment, high-power RF transmitters, and niche applications requiring unique tonal characteristics. Their importance lies in superior sound quality perception in audio amplification and robust high-voltage handling capabilities.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplications
TriodeThree-electrode structure with high linearity and low distortionPre-amplifiers, guitar amplifiers (e.g., 12AX7)
PentodeFive-electrode design with added screen/grid for higher gainPower amplifiers, broadcast transmitters (e.g., EL34)
Beam TetrodeFocuses electron beam to reduce space chargeHigh-efficiency power amplifiers (e.g., 6L6GC)
Cold Cathode DiodeNon-heated cathode for rectificationVoltage regulation, early radio circuits
Gas-Filled TubesGas ionization for voltage stabilizationThyratrons in high-power switching

3. Structure and Components

Typical vacuum tube construction includes:

  • Envelope: Borosilicate glass/metal-ceramic housing
  • Electrodes: Cathode (electron emitter), Control Grid (current modulator), Screen Grid (pentoide), Plate/Anode (electron collector)
  • Filament: Tungsten/rhenium heater for thermionic emission
  • Getter: Barium coating to maintain vacuum integrity
  • Bases: Octal/Noval pin configurations for electrical connection

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Max Plate VoltageUp to 1500V for power tubesDetermines breakdown resistance
Transconductance (Gm)5-20 mA/V rangeImpacts gain and dynamic response
Amplification Factor ( )10-100Defines voltage gain potential
Noise Figure0.5-3 dBAudio signal purity
MTBF2000-10,000 hoursReliability prediction

5. Application Fields

Major application areas include:

  • High-end audio: Pre-amps (e.g., Manley Reference), Guitar amps (Fender Twin Reverb)
  • Medical imaging: X-ray generators (Siemens Megalop)
  • Broadcast: AM/FM transmitters (Continental Electronics 816C)
  • Industrial: RF heating (Inductotherm units)

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerHeadquartersRepresentative Product
Euro Audio TeamSlovenia45 Single-Ended Triode
MullardUKEL34B-M matched quad
SvetlanaRussia6N3S-W tube
Tung-SolUSA5881WXT power tube
JJ ElectronicSlovakiaEL84M-STR matched pair

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations:

  • Application Type: Audio vs. RF vs. industrial
  • Operating Voltage/Current: Match with power supply capabilities
  • Microphonics: Critical for pre-amp stages
  • Bias Requirements: Fixed vs. cathode bias configurations
  • Availability: NOS (New Old Stock) vs. current production

8. Industry Trends Analysis

Current trends show:

  • Audio Renaissance: 12% CAGR in high-end tube amplifier market (2023-2028)
  • Miniaturization: Development of subminiature tubes for portable devices
  • Hybrid Designs: Integration with solid-state components in modern equipment
  • Material Innovation: Carbon nanotube field emission research
  • Environmental Compliance: RoHS exemptions for audio tubes maintained until 2029

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