Top 30 Vacuum Tube Brands in 2024

The most popular brands for Vacuum Tube Includes RCA, SYLVANIA, GE, Raytheon, Tung-Sol, Mullard, National, Westinghouse, Philco, Electro-Harmonix among many others.

1

RCA

Popular Brand

The electronics industry is one of those industries that saw a lot of changes. And surprisingly, this field is still under massive growth even today. RCA, the acronym for Radio Corporation of America, is one of the oldest companies in the area of consumer electronics. Established in 1919, the company first started by selling records and later moved on to other items. RCA now offers products like home security, remotes, audio, and many more.

2

SYLVANIA

Popular Brand

Sylvania is world’s leading lighting brand. They don't only design great lights but also offers various lighting solutions such as indoor, outdoor lights, lamps, controlled lights and so on. The company offers various Surface Wall Lights & Ceiling Lights, Surface Lighiting, Suspended Lights, Tracklights and variety of other options.

3

GE

Popular Brand

GE Lighting has been leading the lighting technology industry for over 130 years. Its mission is to provide customers with a first-class smart home experience. To do so, it has created novel lighting products designed to improve one's lifestyle and the overall ambiance of the house, no matter the setting. It values innovation and reliability, which has propelled it to reach the levels of fame it has today.

4

Raytheon

Best Brand

Raytheon is a combination of solutions for the defense, aviation and aerospace sectors of our world. An assembly of the brightest minds from around the world. With satellite systems, fuel innovations and much more than just simple fixer-uppers, Raytheon wants to lead humanity to greater distances. As a research and development project, Raytheon is working on sustainable flight fuels by switching to superconductors. It is science fiction, but here and real.

5

Tung-Sol

Best Brand

Tung-Sol is an electronics manufacturing company located in Newark, New Jersey. They primarily produce lamps and vacuum tubes. The name is derived from tungsten (metal) and sol (sun in Latin). The company developed the first successful electric headlamp for cars and has been taken over by the New Sensor Corporation. The site comprises various products, including specifications, support, and a link to ehx.com (which makes guitars accessories).

6

Mullard

Best Brand

Mullard Magic sells old electronics, vintage cameras, timepieces, automobiles, and classic vehicles. It has broadened its interests and now supports other collectors all over the world in getting a wide choice of uncommon and valuable antique radios, old valves-or-tubes, military radios, classic hi-fi audio products, and other eccentric treasures through its websites. This website is optimized for mobile devices and provides a variety of such items.

7

National

Best Brand

National Lighting is a company that comes up with solutions to power and lighting problems. They have been solving problems for the last 20 years, and they plan to go on doing so even more into the future. The artistry that can be seen in the products is next level. National Lighting is also very flexible since you can customize your product however you want. They want to ensure that all the customer's demands are met so there is 100% customer satisfaction.

8

Westinghouse

Best Brand

Westinghouse has it all, from kitchen appliances to lighting. Power your house with their electronic equipment that fits your lifestyle....

9

Philco

With a history branded with innovation and technology, Philco has ventured into several avenues. It manufactures and develops advanced products...

10

Electro-Harmonix

11

Zenith

12

JJ Electronic

JJ Electronic is one of the prominent companies evolving technology in producing vacuum tubes, amplifiers, and electrolytic capacitors. Its expert...

13

TELEFUNKEN

TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik is a market leader in the design and production of large replacement components for vintage-style microphones. They 've...

14

Hytron

Hytron is a market leader in the production of current generators and magnetizers for electronics manufacturers, electrical engineering laboratories, research...

15

Silvertone

Silvertone is a company with a mission: to equip you with the most fantastic guitars and music instruction available. Their...

16

Tungsram

Transforming the future for good since 1986 is Tungsram. The brand is known for investing in technologies that are future...

17

Western Electric

18

Soviet

Soviet is the sophisticated yet subtle style you need! The successful Italian denim brand has imbibed the latest styles and...

19

Brimar

Brimar is a British company that manufactures the best quality valves for multiple applications, for the U.K. market. The brand...

20

Mazda

Mazda started as a cork manufacturer in 1920. Upon its introduction to Japan in 1931, it underwent an extreme evolution...

21

Cunningham

23

Arcturus

24

Marconi

Handbags are not only an efficient and stylish way to carry all your belongings, but they can also enhance your...

25

Magnavox

Magnavox is the company that enhances the quality of your home entertainment. Magnavox works hard to provide you with the...

26

ITT

ITT is a multinational technology and manufacturing business that assists clients in overcoming difficult issues. The company is dedicated to...

27

General Motors

28

Rogers

Rogers is the oldest and largest family-owned and operated jewelry store in the nation. One can choose from a wide...

29

Foton

30

Triad

The experience of sound with Triad speakers is an unforgettable one that leaves you with a passion for music and...

Vacuum Tubes Buying Guide

Vacuum tubes, also known as valves, have been used in electronic devices for over a century, primarily in audio amplifiers and guitar amplifiers. Despite being overshadowed by the popularity of solid-state components, vacuum tubes continue to be used because of their unique sound, warmth, and distortion qualities.

Buying vacuum tubes can be challenging, especially for those who are new to the technology. This buying guide provides useful information on how to choose the right vacuum tubes for your needs.

What are Vacuum Tubes?

A vacuum tube is an electronic component that contains a vacuum inside. It typically consists of an enclosed glass tube with one or more electrodes, which are heated by an external power supply.

The most common types of vacuum tubes are the triode, tetrode, and pentode. These differ based on the number of electrodes they have and how they are arranged. In simple terms, they all function to amplify signals.

Vacuum tubes have several advantages over solid-state components. First, they tend to have a warmer, more rounded sound, which many listeners find more pleasing. Second, they tend to distort sound in a unique way, which can be desirable for certain musical styles. Finally, they can withstand high voltages and heat, which makes them ideal for high-powered audio applications.

Types of Vacuum Tubes

There are several types of vacuum tubes, each with its own unique characteristics:

  • Preamp Tubes: Preamp tubes, also known as "small signal" tubes, are used in the front end of audio amplifiers to boost input signals. They tend to be smaller and lower powered than other types of tubes, but they are essential for shaping the sound of an amplifier.
  • Power Tubes: Power tubes, also known as "output" tubes, are used in the back end of audio amplifiers to boost the audio signal to the speakers. They tend to be larger and higher powered than preamp tubes, and they have a significant impact on the overall sound of an amplifier.
  • Rectifier Tubes: Rectifier tubes are used to convert AC voltage to DC voltage in power supplies. They are not used in audio circuits, but they are essential for powering the other tubes in an amplifier.
  • Rectifier/Power Tubes: Some vacuum tubes, such as the 5U4GB, are designed to function as both rectifier tubes and power tubes. These are less common than other types of tubes, but they can be useful in some applications.

Tube Types by Manufacturer

Vacuum tubes are made by several manufacturers around the world. The most well-known manufacturers include:

  • Mullard: Mullard is a British manufacturer that was known for producing high-quality tubes in the 1950s and 1960s. Their tubes are highly sought after by audiophiles and guitar players alike.
  • Tung-Sol: Tung-Sol is an American manufacturer that was known for producing high-quality tubes in the 1950s and 1960s. They are still in business today, although their tubes are not as highly regarded as Mullard's.
  • Electro-Harmonix: Electro-Harmonix is a modern American manufacturer that produces tubes for guitar amplifiers. Their tubes are popular among guitar players for their affordability and reliability.
  • JJ Electronic: JJ Electronic is a Slovakian manufacturer that produces tubes for a variety of applications. Their tubes are known for their reliability and affordability.
  • Shuguang: Shuguang is a Chinese manufacturer that has gained a reputation for producing low-cost tubes that are of reasonable quality. Their tubes are popular among budget-conscious guitar players.

Tube Ratings

When buying vacuum tubes, it's essential to pay attention to their ratings. Vacuum tubes have several ratings that describe their electrical characteristics:

  • Plate Voltage: The maximum voltage that the tube can handle without failing.
  • Cathode Current: The maximum current that the tube can handle without failing.
  • Amplification Factor: The amount of signal amplification that the tube provides.
  • Transconductance: A measure of how much the tube's current changes in response to a change in input voltage.
  • Filament Voltage: The voltage required to heat the tube's filament.

It's important to match the ratings of your vacuum tubes to those of your amplifier or other device. Mismatched tubes can cause damage to equipment or produce unwanted distortion.

New vs. Vintage Tubes

When it comes to vacuum tubes, there are two main choices: new or vintage. New tubes are those that have been recently manufactured by a tube manufacturer. Vintage tubes are those that were manufactured decades ago and have been removed from old electronic devices.

There are pros and cons to each type of tube. New tubes tend to be more reliable and often have better quality control than vintage tubes. They are also easier to find and purchase. On the other hand, vintage tubes often have a desirable "vintage" sound that many audiophiles and guitar players prefer. They can also be cheaper, depending on their rarity.

Ultimately, the choice between new and vintage tubes comes down to personal preference and budget constraints. Some people prefer to mix and match different types of tubes to find the perfect sound, while others prefer to stick with one type of tube for consistency.

Conclusion

Vacuum tubes are an essential part of many electronic devices, particularly audio amplifiers and guitar amplifiers. Choosing the right vacuum tubes can be challenging, but it's essential to pay attention to their ratings and choose a type of tube that fits your specific needs.

Whether you prefer new or vintage tubes, there are plenty of options available from a range of manufacturers. The most important thing is to do your research and make an informed decision that will help you achieve the sound you're looking for.

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