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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
tablejockey
3,956 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
2,608 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.
jmphotography's avatar
jmphotography OP
161 posts
 
Thanks all, I am actually going to leave it be. They sound great, dead quiet and I had to spend the extra right now. The more I looked at it the more I realized the two middle ones were really bright gold and the 2 outer ones were more faint. I actually prefer the more subdued look as the bright gold logo can be a little too in your face. I enjoy the glow of the tubes so big bold labels kind of take away from that. I took a soft scotch brite and very very gently rubbed over the 2 center ones to tone down the logo a bit and blend with the other 2. I am fine with it now. Here is a pic. https://i.imgur.com/1yUdW2g.jpg
riley804
1,224 posts
 
starts with :

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.
 
goes to :

Thanks all, I am actually going to leave it be.

wow.....
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