Valve Amplifier Revival

Despite semiconductors being all around us, it seems that valves have never lost their appeal and even enjoy increasing interest from the ‘all solidstate’ generation. Among audio purists, valves have an excellent record for natural sound reproduction. The Internet is full of DIY valve amplifier designs, often complete with extensive description and photographs.Despite the fact that semiconductors have been with us for more than 50 years, there is still a large number of audio lovers who prefer the warm sound of a valve amplifier over that produced by a transistor rig. Setting aside the air of nostalgia around valve amplifiers and their fine appearance, audio lovers will insist that valves are winners when it comes to sound reproduction with character.