Adjust for inflation my tester was over $1600 in 1959. It cost $159 new
Advice on a tube tester
Well I just got kicked off Facebook for the weekend so I'll probably be active here. Not sure if that is a plus or a minus for Audiogon. 😎
I'm looking to buy my first tube tester. I want to be able to identify bad tubes, verify readings on "NOS" or "used, measures like new" in tubes I buy, and I need to sell off a bunch of tubes and I'd like to be able to test them before I sell them. Selling a bad tube, refunding the money, leaves me out shipping, a lot of work and 3 good tubes in limbo.
So I'm looking at a B&K 707/747 or a hickok 539A or similar, mostly just based on what I see that fits my needs and seems to be $500 or less. I see tested and calibrated tube testers for $1500 on ebay but I think I can get by for a lot less.
Tubes I have to test are 6l6 series, EL84, OA3/4, 6922, WE396, KT88 and maybe a few others. it would be nice to test 300B/350B tubes but I think most testers doen't do that.
So I'd appreciate guidance from people who have been testing tubes for a while.
Thanks,
Jerry
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- 31 posts total
Should have added that I intend to do any work it needs myself. Never came across a machine I couldn't fix. I just don't want to get one that is shot. I see tube testers that the seller tested several tubes on to confirm it is working. or are selling their spare that they use and confirm it works. Calibration I can likely do myself on most of them. Jerry
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If I did not see a video of mine in use, with 6 v power and 12v preamp tubes I never would have taken the chance. Plus it looks like it belongs in a museum but that doesn’t mean anything other than someone took care of it. It suggests a hobbiest used it and it wasn’t the shop workhorse. remember everything had tubes back then. Most of these testers have seen heavy use and it shows. |
Contact Paul Hart. [email protected] He is one of the foremost experts on calibration, repairs and selling used testers direct in the states. He can give you a complete rundown on on the various testers and their limitations. He convinced me it wasn’t worth buying a tester in my situation since I’m not a volume buyer/seller. Good luck with it all. |
- 31 posts total