Tube amp question

KT150's require 600 volts at the plate.

@daveyf @falconquest This statement is false. If you look at the tube's specs

you'll see that for class A operation (single tube) 400V is recommended. This would be the most current you would want to run on the tube for nominal lifespan. When running 500V you would run less current and even less if running at 600V.

IOW the class of operation is playing a role. If in class A when the tube is always conducting you don't want to run as much plate voltage if you want the tube to be reliable.

Contact Black Ice for the recommended bias point when installing this tube in their amp.

Thanks Atmasphere! this is from an email directly from Jerred at Black Ice...

@atmasphere If you place a KT150 on a tube tester, it will not get to spec unless 600 volts is available. As a result, there are few tube testers that can actually test this tube.

@falconquest Plate voltage is the voltage on the tube from cathode (usually at or near ground) to the plate of the tube. The plate is exactly what it sounds like; it receives electrons that flow from the cathode. The audio signal is imposed by the grid (another element of the tube) over the much larger electron flow from cathode to plate; in this way it can amplify.

@daveyf If it were me I'd be testing a KT150 as a KT88 since our tester is an older Hickok. I would also not be surprised to find that a KT150 might not test properly under those circumstances.

That does not mean that the tube does not work at 400V. It simply points at a limitation in the tester.

Thanks @atmasphere that clears it up. I have done enough research to understand the parts of the tube so what you say makes sense to me. I appreciate your thoughts. BTW, I have to say I am intrigued by the new class D unit. Thanks again!