[Russtafarian]

I just noticed this new $500 tube tester over at Sweetwater.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VT1000

Between me, my audiophile buddies and my guitar player friends, I've got enough tube gear around me that this might be worth having.

Any experience with this or other tube testers?

Russ

[SteveFord]

15 different types of tubes isn't a whole lot.
I'd give it a pass, especially for $500.
I'm using a Sencore which works fine for my purposes.

[jtwrace]

meh.  It can't even do 6SN7's.  I'd look for an older model that's been taken care of or rebuilt and calibrated.  Roughly the same cost and it does more types. 

[JakeJ]

Agree with Steve and jtwrace.  Doesn't test even the more common power triodes.  For $500 you should be able to find a unit that's in good shape or refurbed and can test many more types.  My .02.

[JohnR]

One thing you do not want to do is try and repair a vintage tester... I went through a couple of the larger Hickok models (539?) and a B&K (747?) before biting the bullet for a working TV-7. While they don't have direct gm readout they are not too hard to operate and apparently quite reliable, although as with any vintage gear, you never know when it might need "TLC".... If you are looking at one, make sure it has the tube data booklet in the lid.

Look around though and see what you can find, e.g. a quick search turned up some possibilities here: http://tubedepot.com/tubetesters.html

Also be warned that if you are not careful and use the wrong switch settings on a tester, you can blow the tube. How do I know this...? 

Finally Your choice of tester really does depend on what you are trying to do. Few testers will test power tubes at normal operating voltages for example.

[Hugh]

Darn,

I just went to the tube depot link and the one I want is sold.

[MaxCast]

What about these kind
http://swmi.craigslist.org/ele/3855701669.html
It says hi-fi 

[JohnR]

Darn,

I just went to the tube depot link and the one I want is sold.

Oops sorry. They are all marked as sold 

[JohnR]

What about these kind
http://swmi.craigslist.org/ele/3855701669.html
It says hi-fi 

Best to find out the model number and check prices around. Seems a bit high ? Unless the tubes are included and ones you could use, they could be the box of failed ones for all you know.

Are you still using 12AU7s?

[MaxCast]

Hmm, that is weird. I had no reply buttons on the pad so am replying from the phone.
Also, I can load pics from the pad but not the phone.

Anyway unit Seems a bit large. But if these types of testers are accurate then the unit may worth considering.  If there are is good stash of audio tubes then may be an offer is a good idea.
I am using 6sn7's in the pre when used. I use one au7 in a dac... I think    been doing the vinyl thing for months.

[galyons]

The CL tube tester is for emissions only and mostly for TV tubes.  Emissions testers are pretty basic, providing only an idea of remaining tube life. The drugstore variety of testers usually erred on the "You need to buy a new tube." side.  Not good for matching tubes or sections. Stick with a transconductance tester.  Decide whether or not you need, or may in the future, to test old 4 & 5 pins tubes.

Cheers,
Geary

[Ericus Rex]

I just sent some tubes to TC tubes for testing on their Amplitrex at $2 each.  At that rate, I could send over 200 tubes to them for testing before I reach the opening bid of a calibrated Hickok tester.  And the Amplitrex is a far better tester.  Far better.  It also tests power tubes at operating voltages and tests for noise while at it.  While I do own a Sencore emission tester like SteveFord's, for proper matching I'll continue to send tubes down to TC.

http://tctubes.com/

[MaxCast]

I like the $2 per tube idea.  I just see tube testers come up locally once and awhile and start thinking...

Sometimes best not to think.  Like I got time and room for another box I don't know how to operate.

[rollo]

 There are no current tube testers being made in Russia, China, Poland ? Well if someone did they would sell a few.


charles

[Ericus Rex]

I like the $2 per tube idea.  I just see tube testers come up locally once and awhile and start thinking...

Sometimes best not to think.  Like I got time and room for another box I don't know how to operate.

Yeah, TCtubes is the cheapest I've seen for Amplitrex testing.  Most others, who advertise on Audiogon or on ebay, charge $5-6 per tube.  Many of the tubes I sent them tested fine on my Sencore.  The Amplitrex then picked up on many fatal flaws in the tubes the Sencore missed, like hot shorts (!!!) and run-away/instability.  And the Sencore is a well respected emission tester!  I'm sold on it.  You could buy one for yourself for a mere $2,700 !!!!

[dminches]

Go to tubesound.com. Bob is the most knowledgable tube guy I have dealt with.

[FullRangeMan]

I just sent some tubes to TC tubes for testing on their Amplitrex at $2 each.  At that rate, I could send over 200 tubes to them for testing before I reach the opening bid of a calibrated Hickok tester.  And the Amplitrex is a far better tester.  Far better.  It also tests power tubes at operating voltages and tests for noise while at it.  While I do own a Sencore emission tester like SteveFord's, for proper matching I'll continue to send tubes down to TC.

http://tctubes.com/

Do you are not afraid of damage any tube by the mail??
With the heavy hand and raw service the postal mail do in my country at premium prices, I would do it just if the test man being local, I could delivery the tubes myself at TCT.

[Russtafarian]

Here's the manufacturer's page for the VT1000 with a list of all the tests and a FAQ.

http://www.orangeamps.com/products/accessories/amplifier-management/vt1000/

I'm not sure I'm willing to wade into the used tube tester market so I'm still intrigued with this unit.

Russ

[Hugh]

No problem John.

Thanks.

Oops sorry. They are all marked as sold 

[c1ferrari]

TC Tubes are a good outfit 

Should your interest be in balancing sections, within one tube, and matching between tubes -- I would recommend a Curve Tracer 

Best regards,

Sam