TUBE AUDIO

WHY TUBES?

Tubes are the original amplifying devices which were developed between the late 1800s to early 1900s. Back in those days, audio sounded really terrible, but it wasn’t the tubes that caused this. Speakers of the day just didn’t have the capability to reproduce the signals they were given. The other components which made up the circuit, such as resistors and capacitors were not very good either. You can hear this in early electric recordings or film soundtracks. When modern high-fidelity enthusiasts connected dusty old tube amplifiers to modern speakers, they were stunned at the clarity, especially if the resistors and capacitors had been replaced.

Tubes operate on the principle of “Thermionic emission”. A hot filament emits electrons which fly across the vacuum of space inside a glass envelope. A grid provides a way to control the flow. A small signal modulates the tube to amplify it into a big signal.

In a tube, the electrons pass through space with almost no obstructions. Nothing gets is the way of the audio. With transistors, electrons are forced to pass through a lattice of semiconductive silicon which causes increased noise and lots of opportunities for the audio to become distorted.

Even the best amplifiers have a tiny amount of distortion in the audio signal. We try to minimize all distortion but when tubes distort, they generate even harmonics which are very musical. Guitar players use this to their advantage by intentionally over driving their amplifiers. Transistor distortion is very unpleasant by comparison.

Daystrom Audio equipment is 100% tube powered. That includes the power supply. We find that the sound is easy, clean, and open. Vocals are almost magical in clarity. People who have auditioned our amplifiers have said that they hear details in the music that they’ve never heard before. When paired with a good set of speakers, you’ll find yourself playing your catalog of music looking for hidden gems.

We use conservative designs that don’t push the tubes too hard. We expect to see long life from the tubes while delivering a sweet sound. The vacuum tube power supply will take a minute or so before it comes up from a cold start, which will help your tubes last longer.

Models which contain printed circuit boards are carefully designed to make the circuit layout as close to hand wired topology as possible.

Daystrom Audio kits come complete with everything you need to build a complete unit. You won’t need to go hunting the internet looking for parts.