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Vacuum Tubes

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
444STANDARD_TUBE_SET

444STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VAC TUBESET MATCHLESS PHOENIX 35

0
NOS-5690

NOS-5690

TubeDepot

5690 RCA RED BASE

13
NOS-5R4GY

NOS-5R4GY

TubeDepot

5R4GY

17
NOS-GZ32

NOS-GZ32

TubeDepot

MULLARD MADE GZ32 / 5V4G

0
606STANDARD_TUBE_SET

606STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACUUM TUBE SET VOX NIGHT TRAIN

30
GROUPING_OCTET_JJ-6L6GC

GROUPING_OCTET_JJ-6L6GC

TubeDepot

OCTET OF JJ 6L6GC PWR VAC. TUBE

0
SO-12AX7WB

SO-12AX7WB

TubeDepot

SOVTEK 12AX7WB PREAMP VAC. TUBE

46
134STANDARD_TUBE_SET

134STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACUUM TUBE SET FOR BUGERA 6262

0
470STANDARD_TUBE_SET

470STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACUUM TUBE SET FOR ORG AD140TC

0
86STANDARD_TUBE_SET

86STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACUUM TUBE SET AMPEG V50H HEAD

0
473STANDARD_TUBE_SET

473STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACUUM TUBE SET FOR ORG AD30

0
EH-7868

EH-7868

TubeDepot

ELECT HARMONIX 7868 PWR VACTUBE

0
586STANDARD_TUBE_SET

586STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VAC. TUBE SET VHT SPECIAL 12/20

11
NOS-6922-AMP-HOLLAND

NOS-6922-AMP-HOLLAND

TubeDepot

6922 HOLLAND GOLD PIN D GETTER

0
582STANDARD_TUBE_SET

582STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

2 ROCK CUSTOM REVERB SIGN. 2 50W

0
NOS-6L6GC

NOS-6L6GC

TubeDepot

6L6GC

4
NOS-6384

NOS-6384

TubeDepot

BENDIX 6384

0
510STANDARD_TUBE_SET

510STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

VACUUM TUBE SET RIVERA VENUS 6

5
321STANDARD_TUBE_SET

321STANDARD_TUBE_SET

TubeDepot

TUBESET HUGHES & KETTNER TUBE 50

0
GL-PX300B

GL-PX300B

TubeDepot

GENALEX GOLD LION PWR TUBE

12

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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