2. amps-preamps
  3. 181403-178782

Wiggle kt170 base

Hello everyone,

 

The sound on my tube amp was pretty good with the kt170. But I made a mistake. I took out the 4 kt170s and put in kt120 to understand the differences more. Next day I put back the the kt170 each into their exact slot from before. 

 

There is hissing on the right speaker and a rare medium pop now. The very left kt170 has a very slightly loose base. Does this affect sound? I have no more intention of removing the kt170s if the loose base doesn't affect sound I'm fine to leave as is. 

 

Could you teach me more about this hissy sound? I didn't touch any of the pre-amp tubes and they are all mostly nos. The hiss is softer today than it was yesterday.

samureyex

Showing 3 responses by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,065 posts
 

If the glass envelope is not glued to the base well the tube could be compromised and could prematurely loose vacuum.  If the silver getter turns white that’s what’s going on 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,065 posts
 

When you mean loose base are you talking about the physical connection between the tube and socket or is the tube’s base wiggling, is the glass not cemented to the base ?   

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,065 posts
 

Any play in the tube’s base / glass , you should get rid of that tube immediately.   If the tube is loose in the socket the socket’s holes need to be re-tensioned.  They are not gripping the pin well.   This can potentially be harmful and should also be addressed 

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