Tube Testers ?

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Demarche

Tube Testers ?
« on: 6 May 2014, 05:53 pm »
Hi All,
I've been running some tube gear for a number of years now and have been very satisfied with the performance of my system. But as the system and the tubes in particular are getting older I was considering getting a tube tester to check the status of the tubes on occasion and not rely on out right failure to know when they need to be changed. Although I expect that the sound will change prior to that to let me know something is not right. But them which tubes could be the problem? Anyway, I found a few tube testers locally and thought I'd see what experience people had with the different testers.
Here's the testers available;
  • Hickok 800 $300.00
  • Eico 667 $150.00
  • Precision series 10-12 $100.00
  • Conar Instruments model 223 $100.00
I would be surprised if any of these are refurbed or recently calibrated, they are all supposed to be operational. I'm leaning towards the PACO Series 10-12, for 2 reasons, one is that I've found some very good info on the interwebs about calibrating this unit and even refurbishing it, and it is housed in a cool looking wooden box :lol:.
The Hickok units seem to be kind of a standard, but not sure what makes it any better than the others. Any help is appreciated.

JakeJ

Re: Tube Testers ?
« Reply #1 on: 6 May 2014, 07:06 pm »
My rec is for the Hickok, more information available and easier to repair.  Try to get a tester that is scaled micromhos for greater accuracy.

Here are some recommended choices from Kara Chaffee of DeHavilland Electric Amplifier Co.
http://www.tubewizard.com/recommended_Hickok_testers.htm