In this world of iPods, CD changers, and other modern audio technology, it might seem illogical to take a step back in time and build a tube-type stereo amplifier for your home. The fact is that many audiophiles prefer the sound and tonal quality of tubes over transistors, even today. A tube amplifier is a linear device; meaninng, it is intended to exactly reproduce the signal fed into it, only louder. Tubes and transistors both do that job, but they do it differently. The end result is a difference in tonal quality. Tube and solid state amplifiers also differ in how they respond to being pushed out of linearity and into distortion. Beyond a certain volume level, all amplifiers introduce distortion, but tube-based amplifiers gradually gain distortion while transistor-based amplifiers seem to become heavily distorted all at once. Most tube amplifiers perform acceptably well with some distortion, whereas most solid state amplifiers produce unacceptable sound quality once they have been driven outside of linearity.
Instructions
1. Learn to solder. Practice with small scrap wires and other disposable metals. Soldering guides are available online; there are even instructional videos on YouTube. Do not attempt to proceed until soldering has been mastered, which is something almost anyone can do in an afternoon.
2. Lay out your parts. If you are using a kit, this is the time to verify that everything that is supposed to be included in the kit is actually there. Note any missing parts and contact the distributor for replacements; some of the parts cannot usually be purchased at your local electronics store or hobby shop.
3. Use small scraps of paper or Post-It notes to keep track of small electronic parts such as resistors, capacitors and diodes. Many of these parts look almost identical; carefully separating these parts and labeling them with written tags greatly reduces the chance of a potentially expensive or dangerous mistake.
4. Follow the instructions included with your kit or schematic precisely. Start and finish one step at a time, and do not attempt to skip ahead under any circumstances. If you have any doubt about a procedure, read it again and look at any examples offered. Assume nothing. If you are unsure of proceed, contact the company that sold the kit or schematic for assistance.
5. Check and double check the amplifier before powering it for the first time. Be certain that nothing that isn't deliberately attached or soldered is touching, and that all attachments and solder points are secure.
Tags: solid state, solid state amplifiers, state amplifiers, these parts, tonal quality
