Tube issues, 12at7 affect KT88?

Tony what's the last tube in the chain before the KT-88s?

If you have a DMM, you might find a short or open on your suspect tube by comparing it to a known good tube. Look through the tube, see where the wires are going and check those pins for opens or shorts. I learned that trick from a friend last year. It won't tell you the tube's quality, but it will identify an open or short. You can use this method while you're looking for a tube tester.

Hifigeek, looking at it from the side, back row is 4 KT88's.

Front row is 2 12AX, 2 12AT, 1 12AX, 2 12AT. I remember reading the first 12AX is only needed when run in stereo and not mono blocked. So I am assuming 2nd 12AX and 2 12 AT for first 2 KT's, 3rd 12AX and 3rd and 4th 12AT for last 2 KT's. But that's just a guess. It is the 2nd KT that gets hotter, which makes me think it's one of the first 2 12AT, probably the 2nd if my guess is correct.

Heyrazz, what is a DMM? Eyeballing the tubes, it appears everything looks connected.

Continued thanks,

Tony

DMM stands for Digital Multi Meter. Before the display's on the meters went digital, they were called VOMs (volt ohm meters).
They are relatively inexpensive starting around $12.95 at Sears on sale. They measure volage, current, resistance and continuity.
What I was getting at by suggesting you test yout suspect tube with a DMM would be similar to testing a light bulb, the filament is either connected (some resistance), open (no continuity) or shorted ( no resistance). Other uses include setting an amp's bias and testing batteries.

Got it, one of those I have.