KT88 Tubes


I am new to tube amps having acquired a Harmon Kardon Citation II about a year ago. A little while ago I started experiencing one of the channels dropping out and an occasional loud pop. Today I noticed one of the KT88 tubes glowing purple where the rest glow orange so I have assumed that the tube has gone bad. As I bought this amp used, I have no idea of the age of the tubes. So I have a couple of questions. First, should I replace just the two tubes on the bad channel with a matched pair, or should I replace all 4 tubes with all 4 being matched. Second, any recommendations for good quality KT88 tubes? Any other thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. 

russbargmann

Showing 1 response by viridian

Before buying more tubes, exchange the tubes in the right channel for the left. If the bad tube remains bad, it is a tube issue, however if the tube that you switch into the bad position red plates, it is an issue with the amp. Good luck!

IMHO, replace all output tubes if it is a tube issue.