2. tech-talk
  3. 161047-9347

Tube matching question

At the risk of this sounding like a dumb question I am going to ask anyway. I am new to tubes, so be gentle. I just received a quad of matched KT88's for my integrated. While so far they sound awesome there is one little thing that bothers me and I know its truly cosmetic, but one of the Gold lion labels is all messed up. It wouldn't make such a big deal but they face forward and you see these 3 beautiful looking gold lions and the one all messed up. When I asked the place about it they said thats the luck of the draw. I know cosmetics means nothing sound of course. My question is if I were to purchase another pair, how much would that mess up the matching if I were to replace 1 or 2 and then keep the others as a backup? Does that all sound dumb and I should just be happy they sound great?
Thanks
128x128jmphotography
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
Your aesthetic preferences are your own business, but what I would say is that if you get 1 or 2 and they're technically measuring in line with what you have, it's not a bad idea to have a spare to rotate in in case one gives out.
jmphotography's avatar
jmphotography OP
161 posts
 
I failed to mention I just got them and only have like 8 hours on them 
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
Based on your avatar, you have a PL. 

You don't have to be obsessed/concerned about matched pairs. Buy another tube for a perfect label. Life will be in balance. Don't worry.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I'm gonna guess, your amp is a stereo. If it is, buy a matched pair for one side. That's what I'd do. You didn't mention what type of amp. Normally in pairs is ok L/R don't get them mixed up after the replacement, just mark the new for one side or the other, but together...

Regards
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,597 posts
 
Agree with tablejockey, the tubes in your avatar have the PrimaLuna logo on them. If your amp is a PrimaLuna, it has adaptive autobias, which makes tube matching less important. Prima Luna says they don’t even have to be the same tube type, which means you could use a KT120 with your KT 88s in a pinch.

If you have a Primaluna and plan to keep it for a while, order a pair of Gold Lion KT 88s and at least one of them should have a perfect logo and you’ll have a pair of backup tubes should you have any problem with your tubes.
More to discover