User Guide

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II. Know more about Tube
What is a Vacuum Tube?
The tube is basically an electronic valve that controls the flow of electrons. It consists of an envelope (bulb,
usually glass) from which most air and other gasses have been removed. Inside this near vacuum are two
systems. One is called the heater. This is in the center of the tube and is the portion you will normally see
glowing orange (some tubes may have more than one heater). The other system consists of the cathode, grid(s),
and plate (also called the anode). The plate is the largest metal structure you see inside the bulb. All of this is
held to correct locations by thin disc spacers made of mica or ceramic.
Why The Vacuum Tube?
Before we go further, someone undoubtedly will ask, “Why the vacuum tube?” A quick answer would be:
“The tube looks cool!” But the real answer does not stop here; there are more legends about the tube that wait
to be unveiled.
Why Vacuum Tubes Are Superior for Music Playback
Why use the vacuum tube? Because the tone of the tube attracts listeners in a simple, basic way. There
have been too many arguments between solid-state and tube technologies – many experiments and blind tests
have been conducted. Even statistical gurus have contributed to the argument on the outcome of these tests.
Skepticism has argued that even an average solid-state amplification device is measurably superior to the
best tube device, but the argument may not stand the trial of tonality. So let us make it simple here – We love
what we hear regardless of harmonic distortion as well as the limited frequency response compared to a
solid-state device. With tube technology, the music is more musical!