[TjMV3]

I figured I'd ask this in a new thread.

Are there any fairly inexpensive tube tester I could buy that would allow me to test each tube (to make sure it works ),  in advance;  before installing my tubes in any of my equpiment?  Not just for AVA gear,  because I have other gear in my three systems (Pre Amps and CD Players) that are tubed.

The tubes I will be testing are as follows:  12AX7,  6922/6DJ8,  12AU7 and maybe in the future....the 12AT7.

Does anyone know of any?  Any suggestions?

[avahifi]

AC members, any help here?  My tube tester is so old I have even forgot where it is.

I use the equipment under test for testing tubes, bringing the equipment up very slowly on an AC variac so that any issues are noticed before there is enough energy to break things.  A dual trace scope and square wave generator tells us just about everything we need to know about the tubes used under real world conditions.

Except of course exactly how good the tubes are going to sound. 

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[SET Man]

I figured I'd ask this in a new thread.

Are there any fairly inexpensive tube tester I could buy that would allow me to test each tube (to make sure it works ),  in advance;  before installing my tubes in any of my equpiment?  Not just for AVA gear,  because I have other gear in my three systems (Pre Amps and CD Players) that are tubed.

The tubes I will be testing are as follows:  12AX7,  6922/6DJ8,  12AU7 and maybe in the future....the 12AT7.

Does anyone know of any?  Any suggestions?

Hey!

   Well, I just bought myself a tube tester After years of wanting one I finally got one.

   After doing some research I settled for Hickok line of tube tester. They measure mutual transconductance. Took me a while until I found the model I want in very good condition. The model I've got is 6000 of which is one of the later tester made, very easy to use and data is widely available. And have sockets for 4 pins to 9 pins tubes. Be careful there is a 6000A model of which doesn't have 4 pins tube sockets but if you are not going to be testing older 4 pins tube like 2a3 and etc than don't worry

Here is the link to my thread regarding my Hickok 6000 tube tester ....

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=37613.0

There are other nice tube tester too around... but if possible make sure that it measures mutual transconductance.

   The down side I see now is that the price of tube testers have increased dramatically over the years..... I should have got my 5 years ago

   Here are some other tester that I did considered..... Hickok 533A, 600/A,800 and Mil TV-7. The  Mil TV-7 are very compact and well built, it pretty much use Hickok curcuitry... but have number scale of which you will need to convert it to micromhos scale.

Here are some sites about tube testers.....

http://www.tubewizard.com/recommended_Hickok_testers.htm

http://tone-lizard.com/Tube_Testers.html

http://bama.sbc.edu/hickok.htm

   These show up on eBay from time to time. I do feel that it is best to buy from seller who have good feedbacks and specialized in some way with tube... not someone who say "I got this from estate sale, don't know if it work or not" or "This belong to my uncle and he said it is working before he die"

   I did spent more money for my 6000 than I should have But! the seller shows that it is in working condition and compared well with his calibrated Hickok tester and it is in very good condition!

  So, if you have audio equipments using tubes or working with tube a lot than getting a nice tube tester is a well worth investment in the long run.... keep in mind that these things are no longer made and if you take good care of your tester than the price will only goes up! aa

  Anyway, good luck and keep us posted.

Take care,
Buddy

[OTL]

I've been using an Eico 667 for about 10 years.  Purchased from Bill Waters at K&B Services.  Bill modified the unit allowing plate current measurement for tube matching. 

My unit was almost as new and supplied with user doc, some very specific tips on using the tester, instructions on using the plate current mod and a itemized receipt.  Highly recommended.

Judging from this recent ebay auction, he's still in business. 
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hickok-TV-7U-Tube-tester-single-corps_W0QQitemZ130084090462QQihZ003QQcategoryZ25422QQcmdZViewItem

Also, here's a good source of general info....http://tone-lizard.com/Tube_Testers.html

[mjgeorge]

This may be a bit more elaborate than what you're looking for.  It's supposed to measure the tube's transconductance, amplification factor, and dynamic plate resistance.

http://www.transcendentsound.com/tube_analyzer.htm

[bolly]

may I introduce, my AVO VCM 163! 

[richidoo]

Most tube testers in the low price range were service testers, for field techs to carry onsite to test tubes good or bad, just to get the appliance running again. Never intended for matching or engineering level research. In hifi we can make use of a sophisticated tester, but even if you had one, what would it buy you? You can't change the tube that tests a little off. Might as well get a service tester to make sure you won't blow any fuses and then buy tubes from someone with a good full service testing rig so you can trust what you're getting in the first place.
I borrow a friends once in a while. I forget which model, but he has a few for sale in that 150-250 range. I think that's easy to find anywhere. PM me if you want his number.
Rich