Vacuum tubes (valves)

Hi,

Valves/tubes are not something I know anything at all about, but I've definitely seen a lot of literature on it.

There's a wealth of articles here: https://www.pearl-hifi.com/06_Lit_Archive/Lit_Archive.html#Vol1

Also, there are archives of electronics and wireless magazines online (some dating back up to 100 years), which will have many articles too, including audio amplifier construction projects.

You could also examine vintage Hi-Fi circuits, since most of the old products had service manuals and many are online from various sources. 

If you're a beginner in electronics, then perhaps it is worth finding an old electronics textbook to learn from, although it may be an uphill struggle. I'm looking at a book called "Electronics Made Simple" by Henry Jacobowitz, which certainly has a section on amplifiers using tubes/valves, but I still don't think the book is that "simple", it's not an easy read. (example photos of pages below). Personally I think if you wish to use valves, it may be better to still begin with transistors, even integrated circuits such as op-amps and so on, i.e. follow a contemporary learning path, since there are lots of easy-to-follow resources for that, and besides, some tube amplifiers contain some semiconductors too.

tube amplifiers are still alive and popular, especially with electric guitars. I'd start with designs already proven, and experiment,  before trying to design them. 

https://www.westernelectric.com/library

For higher gain, you might consider tubes like the 12AX7 (ECC83) or 12AT7 (ECC81). For cleaner amplification, tubes like the 6SN7 or 6L6 can be suitable choices.

I built an experimental tube amp you can have a look at....

 Tube Amp on a PCB 

For DIY-ers, the books that Menno VanderVeen published with elektor have buildable projects.

Some based on common historical designs, some new ones. With obtainable components.
Basic electronics knowledge will suffice. Your maker skills are needed more than your theory.

Sorry JC I have to voice my concern. Vacuum tube builds require high-voltage. That is a little more for the novice DIY  to be aware of. I'm not saying it can't be done but does require a little more caution that building an Arduino project.

 Dimebaggins  Ok, so why would you want to "overdrive" a tube?? I have some stuff that glows :) And the idea is to always work insides its CURVE. That way nice clean sound. 

look at my preamp for my turntable.. Hiraga Preamp

The elektor books handle that subject.

We used tubes/valves when I went to Tech School in the 1970's.

If you know transistor and FET theory, then you should be able to learn and use tubes/valves.

Audio purists swear by them.

They were still on the curriculum when I studied electronics in the first half of the 80s. Although the only one that we really focused on for longer time was the - then still mainstream - CRT.