Tube tester...anyone own their own?


Since a lot of us utilize tube based gear, I am wondering how many of us own a tube tester? I am considering acquiring one, not sure if I would look for a Hickok or another brand/type.
if you are considering a tube tester, or already own one, do tell us your recommendations and your experience with the particular type you own.


128x128daveyf
Maximatcher II preamp tube tester.  Easy to use and repeatable.  For power tubes, I just buy new tubes instead of spending the money on a tester.  My amp uses KT-120 tubes. For the price of a tester I can get a complete new set of matched tubes.
I bought a TV-10Du that was supposed to be in perfect working order from someone on ebay.  It arrived dead.  I thought it was probably something loose I could fix, but never could find anything obvious, sold it at a bit of a loss.  Then bought an Amplitrex, terribly expensive, but it works.  As they say,  buy good, cry once
Doing a little research, the Amplitrex does seem to be the easiest to use and best on the market. I'm not sure what the price is..anyone??

I want to test not just driver tubes, but also power tubes like the KT150.
The Hickok's look ok, but they seem unable to accurately test power tubes, which would seem to me to be a major failing.
Doing a little research, the Amplitrex does seem to be the easiest to use and best on the market. I’m not sure what the price is..anyone??

I wanted to buy one a few years ago and the price was close to $3K! Way out of my budget. Not sure how much they are now?

I have a friend that bought one of these:

https://orangeamps.com/products/accessories/amplifier-management/valve-tester/

It will only test certain tubes, but I've used it a few times and it seems to be really accurate and easy to use.  Gotten pretty good reviews also...
It depends on how serious you want to get.

If you’re really serious get the Amplitrex AT1000, about $3000

If you can live with less precision and control but want a modern computer type tester the Maxipreamp 2 is about $1,000. It will not test power tubes.

If you want a general idea if your tubes are good or bad and are reasonably matched get a home grade Hickock or TV-7DU for a few hundred $. You will not get repeatable results from these testers. Each time you test a tube you will get somewhat different results. These were basically designed to be good/bad testers for the TV repairman to bring to your home to replace tubes in your TV, console stereo or radio.

The lab grade Hickocks, 539C, 752A and others will give more accurate results and more control over the testing parameters, but will cost more than home grade and require quite a bit of learning to use them properly.

Also, the 6DJ8, 6922, 7308 family stresses out most home grade testers except the TV-7 family and you cannot get good results from most home grade testers.  The results just go off the charts.

I am not an expert and if any of the above is incorrect or incomplete, please correct me.