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Pantode and Tetrode What is the difference?

What is the difference between Pantode and Tetrode tube?
I have a Antique Sound Lab Hurricanes Mono Blocks and the instruction say I can use the KT88s or a Pantode can someone explain the difference and sound qualities each type will offer.
What are the pros and cons for each type.
Why would one chose one over the other.

Another question is tube matching what defines a matched tube.
New tubes are sold in a matched pair (The KT88s)

If you mix the tubes up how does one find the matched pair, is it not all down to biasing them on the amp, regardless of tube you use.

The later is because I recived the amp with 5 broken tubes and I now have to replace them but if 3 of the busted tubes are one of a matched pair will it impact the sound if I use a new tube, as that will not be matched.
Thanks
punkuk

Showing 1 response by boa2

boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
The Hurricane does have a switch on the top T and P it does not have anything in the Chinese manual about that switch I assume from the posts the that is Pantode or Tetrode
What you are likely referring to--someone correct me if I'm mistaken--is the option to switch between Pentode or Triode mode. When running in pentode, your monoblocks will put out more wattage (200W), giving the music more punch and drive. To my ear, pentode is a bit more closed off in the midrange than triode (T on your amp) mode, which will lower the wattage (90w), but the sound is generally warmer and sweeter. If you are switching between the two, my understanding is that your amps require powering OFF before doing so.

I hope that answers your question. If you want a more technical explanation, I'd suggest searching the Web.
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