Tube tester recommendations

I own the Amplitrex tester. It is a terrific, idiot-proof machine that has MANY advantages over vintage testers: it does not have to be calibrated; its display provides step-by-step instructions on what to do; it provides results as real measurements instead of proprietary and arbitrary units; it also provides the standard tube operating parameters to compare with the test results; it provides a "subjective" analysis (good, weak, replace, etc.); it even allows a hook up to a computer to do actual tube tracings (i.e., it will test the tube under varying operating conditions and display the results). But, all of this may be overkill for most users, and it is a pricey machine.

It is hard to say what anyone really NEEDS, particularly if they are new to tubes. Even good information and accurate test results takes experience to utilize properly. Certain tubes can read "weak" and still have many years of very good life left in the particular application (e.g., a lot of small signal tubes, when run gently will sound terrific even when they test bad). A cheap tester that will uncover gross problems (dead tubes, shorted tubes) may be all one really needs. If you intend to buy and sell on line a lot, you may need a better tester.

When you say "just getting into tubes" what do you mean? Also, where do you want to go? Do you want to roll tubes? Do you want to experiment with various pieces of tube gear? Do you have a need to match tubes? I have two tubed power amps and two tubed pre amps and I have three testers. But if you just have a tubed pre, buy tubes from a reputable seller. You may pay more but you are buying expertise and have some insurance there. Most people do not actually "need" a tester. But, if you are determined to have one I would suggest a calibrated Hickock 600 or 800 or a solid state B&K that has been calibrated. There are a lot of junk testers floating around ebay. Hamfests are a good place to look or buying from someone like Jesse Brent or S & D tube sales might be adviseable. Some come available here, but rarely at reasonable prices IMHO. Sometimes you luck up on ebay but you have to be very careful there. Don't attempt the ebay route without someone holding your hand. As Larryi suggests a cheaper emmisions tester may be a place to start. Even though these are limited in what they can do you can get your feet wet there.

I would like to amend my statement ( "I got a taste of what can happen when I connected the 168( Amperex US White Label PQ) to the V-4 's(KT-88) I had to put the EH 6922's back in because the sound had become too mushy".) The cause turned out to be the power cord to the Calypso plugged into a power conditioner!!

If the Calypso's sound was mushy because it was plugged into a power conditioner (PLC), it is time to 86 that PLC. I have a friend that has several years experience with the Calypso, various tube-rolling efforts and power cords and power conditioners. He used the original Hydra PLC. When it was removed from the system, the clarity and dimensionality took a major nose dive. He has since moved onto the Running Springs Haley PLC which takes the system to a new level of dynamic contrasts. So your observation has nothing to do with the Calypso but rather the PLC you used.

As for tube rolling, it takes many years of trial and error with many tube types, brands, etc., in lots of various components, to get a feel for the contributions made by one tube or another. To simply swap out the stock tubes with a random set and think that is it ..... well, you've only just begun.

As for having to put back the EH 6922, if this is required, something is seriously wrong with your system. This tube has so many problems, I don't even know where to start!