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I need (want, can afford) a tube tester, maybe other simple testing equipment Help me!!!

Please help me find a tube tester.  My goal is to be able to do more than "swap tubes" to identify problems such as bad/dying tubes, channel imbalances, etc.

To the extent that it matters, I'm hoping to be able to test typical preamplifier tubes, 12au7, 6922, 6H30P, 6Sn7, etc, power tubes and rectifier tubes would be great if I can also test them.

I'm looking for recommendations for brand/model and also where to buy.

Same thing with regard to what is better for diagnosing versus a decent multimeter (I have this).

Thank you all in advance.

  

gthirteen
ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,454 posts
 

You probably want an Amplitrex AT 1000

 

https://amplitrex.com

 

It does a large varieties of tests for hundreds of tubes. Excellent device. 

 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,574 posts
 

The Amplitrex is the benchmark.    I have a Hickok 800 , I got lucky to find a mint one that was serviced a few years ago. 

If you can afford an Amplitrex that's the way to go.     Most old testers are rough and in need of service.   There are some nice ones out there but they are few and far between and are $$$    

larryi
4,578 posts
 

I own an Amplitrex.  The best thing about it is how simple it is to use and how easy it is to get both a simple assessment (strong, wesk, bad) and specific measurements to compare with expected numbers.  If you are more advanced in your testing needs, it will provide tube tracing.

I spoke to a tube expert who owns about a dozen testers, including two Amplitrex machines.  His favorite is the eTracer, but it is best for someone testing many tubes at a time and someone who is technically advanced.

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