When it comes to audio equipment, there are few things more iconic than a tube amp. Tube amps have been used in music recording and amplification for decades, and they continue to be prized by musicians and audiophiles alike for their warm, rich sound. But what exactly is a tube amp, and what are the benefits of using one?
A tube amp is an electronic amplifier that uses vacuum tubes to amplify an electrical signal. Vacuum tubes are glass or metal devices that contain a heated filament, a cathode, and an anode. When an electrical signal is applied to the filament, it causes electrons to be emitted from the cathode. These electrons are then attracted to the anode, which is at a higher voltage than the cathode. The flow of electrons between the cathode and the anode creates an amplified version of the input signal.
