Pantode and Tetrode What is the difference?

Punk--
1. When output tubes can be biased separately, 'matched' tubes are NOT required for excellent performance.
2. Are you sure your 'Canes can use '34s? I don't recall seeing that in my manual.
3. You do NOT need a tubetester. The WORST thing that will happen is one tube you install will be shorted or will arc and blow the high-Voltage fuse. (You DO have spare fuses--both kinds--don't you?)
4. Heed the instructions when replacing output tubes--the bias pot for that tube should be turned full down...CLOCKWISE, not counterclockwise...before you turn the amp back on. Turn the bias-selector switch to that tube, turn the bias meter on, and then adjust that tube's bias after the high-Voltage relay closes and the bias amount sort of settles. You probably already know that the tubes' bias draws vary considerably from cold to hot; if I've not moved my amp(s), I adjust mine before I turn the amps off for the evening.
5. 'Matched' output tubes are very close in bias draw, so that they'll work correctly in amps without separate bias adustments per tube.

Enjoy your 'Canes; I sure enjoy mine. I just finished my improvements; see my system.

Do you use yours in UL or triode? What do you drive with them?

PS. It's 'pentode'.
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I am waiting on a pair of Merlin's as for the P/T I have only tested the amps with a Gallo Due to check if they are working.

The Merlin's should be here in about two or Three weeks I may well sell the Hurricanes and get a pair of Manly Snappers Bobby at Merlin said it is a great amp to drive his speakers.

As for the EL34 you are correct the Hurricane does not use them but if I do change amps for something smaller it will have the 34s.

I just won a Superior Instruments Co. TD-55 Tube Tester on ebay and hope it will accommodate my tubes as I found it difficult to find answers to which tube tester works with the KT88s I have a sinking feeling that this one does not.

There is a B&K CRT 465 coming up on ebay can anyone can tell me if this will test KT88s or if the TD-55 will work with 88s 34s and the other ones (That I cannot remember the name of)

Actually if you have an old mom & pop style radio shack place or seriously old school drug store, you may be able to find a tube tester locally - I happen to have a place like that around, and just like back in the 40's and '50's you can take your tubes in and get a reading by plugging them in to various sockets, turning a dial then pressing a button. I think computer match means "pay us extra for the same service; it will be on a computer plugged-in tube tester". Basically the difference between matched an unmatched is tubes used in tandem, or each tube on its own. Different topolgies is all. Personally I don't see one as inherently better than the other. Hurricanes and Merlins should sound great. If you get bored and want a sweeter sound, you can always try the EL34's. Merlins tend to be sweet. Should be a good balanced match with the KT88's.