My D. Sachs Kootenay 120 started having distortion on the right channel. It sounded like static. So I switched out #1 (right side) with #4 (left side). I did the same with # 2 & 3. Then when I turned on the amp, the right channel was now gone. All tubes are lit up but no sound in right channel. The amp has fuses on each power tube. Sure enough, after checking the socket I find #1 fuse is blown.
Here’s my dilemma. Which tube is bad? #4, now in #1 slot? Or # 1, now in #4 slot. Don says not to use that tube because it blew the fuse. But with the static in right channel prior to changing the tubes around, I’m skeptical and wonder what if the culprit was the fuse on #1 socket? So I look up the idea of a weak fuse. Do fuses become weakened over time and found that is the case. Its called fuse fatigue. Everything else wears out over time so why not a fuse
So this begs the question. Are the KT88 Gold Lion tubes still good and was the main culprit fuse fatigue? These fuses are subminiature 250 Mv. The tubes are only 1 -2 yrs old and usually get weekend workouts. So I’m skeptical. But I don’t have a tester and don’t want to use my amp as a tube tester. And I’m told that a tester may not pick up the bad tube? So what are my options other than spend the $200 for a new pair? Thanks for the help
