Broken Tube Guide Key


When I was installing a new tube in my preamp, the plastic guide key broke off.  Is it absolutely necessary that the tube be orientated the way the key shows?  

terrapin77

Showing 1 response by terrapin77

@noromance it was a clean break so it's impossible to tell.  I was able to figure it out.  There is a marking on the side of the tube that matches the orientation of the guide key.  I was able to confirm this by looking at the other tubes I bought.