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Basic Tube Facts
Socket Retention
When there's a problem, someone always recommends retensioning tube sockets. In decades of tube amp ownership, never found it required. Check? Every six months after their semiannual check. Luckily, I have a set of Gauge Pins, so can select the exact 0.001" required.
Octal KT88 / 6550 / 6L6 style tubes have pins about 0.095" diameter. A 3/32" drill is 0.09375" diameter, the perfect 'go-nogo' checker. If the shank end of a 3/32" drill does not slide easily into the pin socket, the socket does not need retensioning.
Nonal tubes have 0.040" diameter pins. A #65 drill or #19ga solid wire make good go-nogo checkers.
If the socket does need retensioning, it may need replacing. Sleeve sockets should probably NOT be retentioned as the socket is flared and bending the top will reduce contact.
Matching
Power Output
6550/KT88 vs KT120
Plate Curves
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