Any (new) Tube Testers that can be recommended?


I know you can buy used tube testers through various sources, I'm not sure of the quality or longevity of these units though.

So, can anyone recommend any new tube testers that could test Power tubes like KT-120 or Preamps tubes like 12AX7, 12AT7?

ozzy

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Yes I have MaxiPreamp II, a MaxiMatcher II and a large collection of tubes. Note you’ll need an optional adapter for 6SN7 and another for 6DJ8 / 6922. It’s very effective for matching (its namesake) but also you’ll learn how to sort out weak versus strong tubes of each type. And of course, toss anything with badly mismatched triodes. I find that modern Russian small tubes (12AX7, 6SN7) when brand new tend to measure higher transconductance than the strongest vintage tubes (even "NOS") by 15 - 20% or so. But then most vintage tubes are pretty consistently good / strong enough (the duds will really stick out) which indicates to me they REALLY last. You’ll learn to grade each category on a curve. When you get a preamp tube that measures bad on this tester, you can HEAR this in your amp (it sounds bad too).

And the MaxiMatcher is absolutely fine with KT120. I had some used sets of KT120 which measured much stronger than I’d expected. I should have kept more of my used sets around before the shortage :(

Over the years I’ve bought many tubes from various private sellers online (here, AA, ebay), and sometimes would just put them away for a while (before I had this tester). Always bought tubes advertised as "tested, strong". Going through my stash, most of these tubes were indeed as advertised, but SOME are real pieces of crap that belong in the trash. Definitely some less scrupulous sellers out there.

The price of some of these units is amazing. The Amplitrex unit is about $3200 and at least a 4 week wait. The Maxi Match with needing 2 of them will also cost near $2000 with shipping.

Almost better to just buy extra new tubes. If you can find them today, that is.

ozzy

Yep I looked into them and was definitely priced out since my use would be minimal.  I’m not a seller.  Bought a used Hickok 600a museum piece (older than me) that was in excellent condition (calibrated in 2022) for $200. It will not properly match tubes but it is very good at testing if a tube is good/bad, the strength (% to avg new) of tubes , tests both sides of triode tube to check balance and more.  These results are very helpful in getting tubes paired with close results.  My unit gets the same results if retested  and seems pretty accurate.  I love it and am able to test new nos purchases and have helped me determine bad/ poor tubes that can’t be used and returned. Most tubes I have bought my results are close to the sellers results.  These older testers do have their benefits and usefulness.

You get what you pay for.  I have an old Hickok and a military TV-7D/U. The manual for the TV-7 has instructions on how to destroy the unit with hand grenades or hand tools.  Wouldn't want one of those falling into the hands of the enemy.

The first response to your post was mine, recommending the Ampltrex AT1000 tube tester. Not sure why it was deleted.