Wayne Parham Messages: 18791 Registered: January 2001
Illuminati (33rd Degree)
Yes, it's better to use a load resistor. Tube amps are voltage amps and the output transformer steps down the voltage. So they're sensitive to no-load conditions. But if you don't apply an input signal, there won't be an output signal. It isn't like it will smoke without a load; Just don't crank it unless there's a load.