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How to test those NOS tubes

After many decades of audiophilia nervosa und some years of tube rolling, I've finally bought myself a nice WE Tube Checker to try to measure and match those critters myself. Since I'm an absolute greenhorn in this game, what are the main parameters I must look out for? How do I test for noise for example ? Is there a site, which helps newbees like me? Are there books I should be on the look out for? Could anybody tell me the basics? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
detlof
detlof OP
1,899 posts
 
Thanks Bob bundus, Dekay, I seee I'm steppping into deep water....
fletchj
91 posts
 
As far as testing tubes, for noise, a George Kaye Noise tester, is the solution. It lets you hear, the actual noise, a tube makes. Most testers, are not reliable, in their noise testing. A better solution, is to match them, with the tester, and then listen to them, in circuit. No tester, can predict, how a tube will act, in every circuit. A tube can be fine, in one amp, and present problems, in another.
detlof OP
1,899 posts
 
Thanks Fletch! In the meantime I've realised this for myself. Throw them into your pre or pre-pre and listen. I've now got a Funke W-19 (Similar to the famous Hickock Cardmatic) where I can match tubes as closely as possible before testing them in the cicuit, where they are to perform. You live and learn. Cheers,
loudspeaker7
9 posts
 
I recently got a VTV tester which lets you listen for noise as well as microphonics. It has been quite an earopener.
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