Triode mode vs pento mode

I'm new to tube amps/preamps and have a very basic question. What's the difference between triode and pentomodes? Thanks.

hugo102-21-2013 1:33am

dover Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,295 posts 02-23-2013 at 12:15am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Atmasphere - I would be interested to know if the design if the output transformer will influence whether one way or other is preferable. With both Air Tight ATM3's ( 6L6's ) and Dynaco MkIII's ( EL34's, 6550's ) I prefer ultralinear to triode. In both instances the triode mode loses resolution and screws up the natural harmonic structure. Would this be that the trannies have been optimised for Ultralinear ? or possibly some types of tubes are not good in triode mode ?
dover Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,295 posts 03-14-2013 at 01:03am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Atmasphere - Thank you for the response on ultralinear vs triode. That confirms my thoughts. Fwiw I got the Dyna's in triode mode and converted them back to ultrulinear. It was so much better I never went back. Later on I converted them back from 6550's to EL34's which I preferred on vintage Tannoys. I dont use them but they are nice to keep around.