Tube tester recommendations

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.

Thank you for your responses. I recently purchased an Aesthetix Calypso and Quicksilver V-4's to replace my Pass X2.5 and X150 that were mated with a Raysonic 168. My tube list has grown from 6922,6DJ8, to; 12FQ7, 12BH7 or 12FQ7, KT-88 and 12AX7WB !! I thought it might be prudent to learn how to test the tubes in my equipment and what I'm buying to better match them. I'm not ready for a $2500 tester yet but $300-$700 is ok. Is there one unit in this range that will test all the tubes I use for leakage,microphonics and...? I want to roll tubes and it is becoming evident that to achieve the sound I may want will require trial and more trial. My intention isn't to buy and sell( but to buy and buy) so possibly a cheaper tester to start . 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.

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!

That Amplitrex unit actually tests at full voltage levels, which gives me much more confidence in a diagnostic than partial voltages. I like the digital mutual conductance readout too. The Hickok tube testers have always been highly regarded, and very accurate.