Tube Testers

Discussion in 'General Audio Discussion' started by Luckbad, Feb 2, 2016.

  1. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    Does anyone use tube testers? What are some good bang-for-the-buck models?

    Anyone in SoCal have one I can check out?

    I'm considering getting into the tube trader business on the side, but I also want to test some tubes that I'm picking up for my amp/dac.
     
  2. shipsupt

    shipsupt Admin

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    I got a Jackson 648, fully refurbished, from Bob Putnak over at www.tubesound.com in 2011. I have no idea if he's still selling, but he was outstanding to work with.

    Unfortunately, it's been that long since I was in the market, so I'm not sure what models are readily available now.

    You might want to read some of Bob's blog stuff on tube matching etc... it's very interesting.
    http://tubesound.com/2010/10/27/tube-matching-with-a-tube-tester/

    Here is my Jackson.

    667x500px-6b6ebaf7_IMG_12061.jpg
     
  3. shipsupt

    shipsupt Admin

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    A few other brands that I seem to recall...

    Hickock
    Precision 10-12
     
  4. Smitty

    Smitty Too good for bad vodka - Friend

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    hickock seems to be popular, I see a lot of people using them for tube tests in ebay listings.
     
  5. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    Yeah, Hicock seems to be the most common. Cheapest decent ones seem to run north of $250.
     
  6. JK47

    JK47 Guest

    Hickok's are probably the most referenced tester when it comes to ebay tubes. One weakness they have is that the transformers are no longer made and there are no replacements. Once the transformers start going, so does the accuracy. I have a Hickok in excellent condition, but the transformer can no longer handle some of the more power hungry tubes (Kt88). I tried to get it calibrated and refurbished, but that turned into a nightmare. I'm just glad I got it back in the same condition I sent it out, with all the same parts... Now I use a Maxi matcher2 and a Maxi preamp 2 for testing. Amplitrex us another popular ebay tester, and cost almost $3000.
     
  7. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    To avoid wife aggro, I'm not picking up a tube tester anytime soon. Maybe I'll find someone local here in SoCal who has one.
     
  8. JK47

    JK47 Guest

    I may be moving to the OC area by the end of summer, and would be more than happy to help everyone in the area test tubes for free |\/|
     
  9. Luckbad

    Luckbad Traded in a unicorn for a Corolla

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    That would be awesome!
     

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