The bias voltage, which is a negative voltage, is the minimum current necessary to operate the tube, i.e., control the stream of electrons that is released when the Plate is excited (heated). The operating characteristics of the KT-88 require 800mV and the EL-34, 400. You can use more or less somewhat. Raising the bias increases power levels and lowers distortion but eventually fries the tube. Lowering will lower the output and "sweeten" the sound while increasing distortion."0" bias sounds like a 45 played on 33RPM! Is it possible that it is distortion that makes SET's with their 2 to 5% and more distortion levels sound "sweet"? Is that a good thing or bad? "What will it be, Danny........? Goodness, or Badness?"