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Tube Tester

After a lifetime of solid state equipment I have switched to tubes, my first choice in sound but had not wanted to deal with the extra upkeep in the past. What do I need in a tube tester and any recommendations for something around $150 with shipping? I am using a Unison Research Triode 25 Integrated Amp with a Black Ice Audio DSD Wifi Dac, so the tester will need to be able to test EL34. 12AU7 and 12AX7 tubes.

Thanks
mtloriginal
mtloriginal OP
12 posts
 
I appreciate everyone's comments.
 Millercarbon, I want to be sure I understand you correctly. If you swap sides are you listening for the sound coming out of one speaker to change as in left/right channels?
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
727 posts
 
I’ve also had tube gear for about 30 years and never needed a tube tester.  Save the money on a tester and just buy some extra tube sets.  Input tubes generally last a very long time and will make the most difference in most tube amps.  I recently had an integrated amp that the tube rectifier made a big difference as it allows more or less current to the amp which made a big difference sonically.  
So listen to what most people are saying here and save the money on a tube tester and just get extra tubes.
tuberist
1,008 posts
 
+1 Tablejockey
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