Tube Tester???

Toolfan66
Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
in 2 Channel Audio
How many of you have one, are they worth the expense? I like the idea of learning how to use it, and being able to test my own tubes, especially when buying old tubes. just not sure it would be worth paying for one, but then again I look at the amount of tools I have in the garage that I only use once in a while, lots of money just sitting in the garage. LOL!!
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,447
    edited December 2021
    I've been watching several off and on the past year. Problem is if you buy one more often that not it needs sent to be gone through and calibrated. Those testers that have been gone through are PRICEY.
    Like you I really do not want to spend 800/900 dollars on one to use once in awhile.
    I've been watching for a Hickok TV7D/u in good shape they seem to be built like tanks. The other is a Sencore mighty mite
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,031
    I was lucky enough to find one for either free or super cheap about 14 or 15 years ago. It's nothing special like Brent Jesse has but it will tell me what I need to know with the tubes I use. That's about all I would ever need one for anyways.

    If memory serves, I just spoke to a bunch of friends and one of them either knew someone or had one themselves that they no longer used. I would start there, as you are looking. Who knows, you may get as lucky as I did. They do command a pretty hefty price, especially for something that may only be used once in a while.

    p01vxwa2fsin.png

    When I tested tubes that came back from someone like Brent Jesse or a couple of trusted friends of mine that have tube testers, this unit matches their findings. AFAIK, it has never been serviced.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited December 2021
    I have a simple (but good) emissions-type tester, a fairly early morph of the Sencore MightyMite, much beloved by TV servicepeople of the era. Tests emission, grid leakage, and shorts, so it allows basic "rule in/rule out" kind of testing of, e.g., a found box of "plinker" used tubes.

    38493318555_6db8f6b48c_b.jpgDSC_0213 (2) by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

    A good transconductance mutual conductance :blush: tester, like the Hickok mentioned above, is much more sophisticated but also more useful (allows for tube matching, even of power tubes -- and tests tubes under something more like their actual operating points). To be useful, it needs to be rehabilitated/restored and calibrated. My suggestion,if that's what you want (and FWIW), would be to buy a rehabbed and calibrated unit from a reputable source. It will not be inexpensive.

    The best test of any vacuum tube, IMO, is a use test in the circuit in which you want to use it. A good emissions type tester can ID potentially "dangerous" tubes (e.g., tubes with shorted elements) to allow safe "use tests" (in most cases).

    So... consider what your application is and how much you want to spend to enable your application, I'd say (similar to the post above).

    :)

    EDIT: There were/are some pretty useless/terrible basic 'tube testers', the worst of which really only check filament continuity. The Sencore was one of the better ones, but other "service-grade" companies (e.g., B&K) also made good emissions-type testers. B&K also made trans mutual conductance testers, which I imagine are pretty decent, too, but not in the same realm as the Hickoks. EICO and Heathkit's emissions-type testers were decent enough, but, since they were kits, one's sort of at the mercy of how well assembled they were in the first place :| They're straightforward enough that a DIY restoration wouldn't be impossible, but it would be a labor of love and it'd take some time and detail-oriented effort. :)
    FWIW, I believe EICO and Heathkit also offered transconductance type testers (similar to true mutual conductance instruments, see, e.g., https://www.radiolaguy.com/info/Mutual-Emission.htm ) somewhere along the line. I'd go for the Hickok (or maybe B&K) for an "active" tube tester investment, though, if it were my $$$. ;)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    My testing ignorance is 'bout to Shine. I don't think any piece of testing equipment is gonna rule out microphonics. For that, a qualified master tube tester like BJesse or Andy at VTS is recommended

    IMHO, you can have a tube that tests within parameters, yet is noisy
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,447
    edited December 2021
    Chop stick and a slight tap will find that rather quickly. (Microphonics)

    A tester can be beneficial, as long as I've been buying tubes I've trusted the seller. It's always good to know they are legit or know whether the tube has much if any life in it.

    Necessary ? No
    Ability to test at will priceless.

    😁😂
    Post edited by pitdogg2 on
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    Those testers that have been gone through are PRICEY.
    Like you I really do not want to spend 800/900 dollars on one to use once in awhile.
    I've been watching for a Hickok TV7D/u in good shape they seem to be built like tanks. The other is a Sencore mighty mite

    Dave @verb has been kind enough to lend me (one of his) testers. It's the TV7D/U that you mention.

    It's a beast and a powerhouse in the right hands, but I lack experience in this regard. Especially with microphonic testing. Anywho, testing for the basics is pretty straight forward. There are absolute "dos and don'ts" that must be adhered to

    I wonder if the KT120s can be tested on this instrument. I doubt it since the KT120s were invented several decade after the Hickok was designed

    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    Chop stick and a slight tap will find that rather quickly. (Microphonics)

    A tester can be beneficial, as long as I've been buying tubes I've trusted the seller. It's always good to know they are legit or know whether the tube has much if any life in it.

    Necessary ? No
    Ability to test at will priceless.

    😁😂

    yup, a Tinkertoy or chopstick is invaluable for sussing out microphonics.
    Finger's OK if it's a small signal tube and not dissipating too much power in the form of infrared radiation :p

    For really microphonic tubes -- you can sing into 'em (loud) and hear yourself in the loudspeakers. Srsly. B)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,447
    For really microphonic tubes -- you can sing into 'em (loud) and hear yourself in the loudspeakers. Srsly.

    Yes you can!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    I picked this up a few years ago for around $125. on eBay. Nothing fancy but it does what is supposed to. I try to buy good used tubes from reputable sellers, but when you have a static coming from one of 20 or so tubes in your set up, it's very handy to run down exactly which one is on it's way out.

    wn2cu5s8ru69.png

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    Can’t beat $125. Great deal..
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    Can’t beat $125. Great deal..

    I'd been watching the tester, had sold for a higher price, but the buyer couldn't/wouldn't pay. Seller resisted and I made him an offer that he accepted. It's not a hi-end tester, but it works just fine for my needs.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    Can’t beat $125. Great deal..

    I'd been watching the tester, had sold for a higher price, but the buyer couldn't/wouldn't pay. Seller resisted and I made him an offer that he accepted. It's not a hi-end tester, but it works just fine for my needs.

    The nice thing about that tester, although very basic, is the sockets for old 4, 5, and 6 pin tubes -- some of us... umm... do still use such things. ;)
    My Mighty-Mite, since it was designed in and for Space Age tube technology :# lacks the old-school socketry. :(
    That said, it was my father's daily driver (he was a TV repair person) and I am quite attached to it. :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ALL212
    ALL212 Posts: 1,577
    You should have no less than two. ;)

    Got the Hickok from @SCompRacer and I think it’s a Brent Jesse build. That red covering was falling apart so I ripped it all off, fixed where the cabinet was coming apart and got a replacement set (or two) of tubes for it.

    olpm8g2c9aa9.jpeg
    7w5utnlgik81.jpeg

    This one I picked up at a flea market for $20. It works. Nice to use it to weed through tubes picked up from less than desirable places.

    bkt4ewo7w5na.jpeg

    Aaron
    Enabler Extraordinaire
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,447
    I'll be up this weekend Aaron to test some tubes..... Not many 85-90 might be closer to 100 but hey who counts....

    B)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited December 2021
    ALL212 wrote: »

    Got the Hickok from @SCompRacer and I think it’s a Brent Jesse build. That red covering was falling apart so I ripped it all off, fixed where the cabinet was coming apart....

    Yes, that was from Brent Jesse. The case looks better with that covering off.

    I used to have an old drug store tester with lower storage cabinet. That was let go when we moved out of the old house twenty-five years or so ago.


    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    I'll be up this weekend Aaron to test some tubes..... Not many 85-90 might be closer to 100 but hey who counts....

    B)

    He discounts testing amounts over ten so..... :D
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    Can’t beat $125. Great deal..

    I'd been watching the tester, had sold for a higher price, but the buyer couldn't/wouldn't pay. Seller resisted and I made him an offer that he accepted. It's not a hi-end tester, but it works just fine for my needs.

    The nice thing about that tester, although very basic, is the sockets for old 4, 5, and 6 pin tubes -- some of us... umm... do still use such things. ;)
    My Mighty-Mite, since it was designed in and for Space Age tube technology :# lacks the old-school socketry. :(
    That said, it was my father's daily driver (he was a TV repair person) and I am quite attached to it. :)

    I'll never have much use for anything less than 8 :D That's great that you have that tester B) hopefully you can pass it on one day yourself...in time ;)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    Can’t beat $125. Great deal..

    I'd been watching the tester, had sold for a higher price, but the buyer couldn't/wouldn't pay. Seller resisted and I made him an offer that he accepted. It's not a hi-end tester, but it works just fine for my needs.

    The nice thing about that tester, although very basic, is the sockets for old 4, 5, and 6 pin tubes -- some of us... umm... do still use such things. ;)
    My Mighty-Mite, since it was designed in and for Space Age tube technology :# lacks the old-school socketry. :(
    That said, it was my father's daily driver (he was a TV repair person) and I am quite attached to it. :)

    I'll never have much use for anything less than 8 :D

    Direct heated triodes and horns, baby. B)
    39958549212_45955a1bec_b.jpgDSC_0457 (3) by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
    That's great that you have that tester B) hopefully you can pass it on one day yourself...in time ;)

    Yeah, that would be nice. Like an heirloom. :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    I feel this need :p to mention that the 2A3 direct heated power triode, shown with some JBL compression drivers (and one horn) above, has been in (AFAIK) continuous production, somewhere in the world, since 1933. I don't foresee them going away any time soon, although they're not all that green from an energy efficiency standpoint. :#

    https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Archive-Vacuum-Tube-Valley/Vacuum-Tube-Valley-Issue-12.pdf

    I have several 70 to 90 year old 2A3s that are still doin' fine, too.

    9598891935_a939d46f8a_c.jpg2A3spnbox by Mark Hardy, on Flickr


    41588628621_947bb9f706_b.jpg    DSC_0463 (2) by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,447
    that Ken-Rad is an oldie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited December 2021
    Yup, it's a single-plate. :) Given to me by one of the regional gurus after hearing 2A3 amps on my 604E Duplexes. Too cool of a tube to use -- plus, I only have one of them. It works fine & sounds great, though.

    It's "on display" upstairs.

    ... but I digress. :blush: sorry. :p


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ALL212
    ALL212 Posts: 1,577
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    I'll be up this weekend Aaron to test some tubes..... Not many 85-90 might be closer to 100 but hey who counts....

    B)

    You bring the beer and treats and we’ll get ‘er done. Best bring a lot of both - this doesn’t move very quickly!!

    Aaron
    Enabler Extraordinaire
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • motorstereo
    motorstereo Posts: 2,133
    My Hickok 605A which hasn't been used in several years but it's there if I need it.7h14aat49r9m.jpg

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,120
    mhardy6647 wrote: »
    I feel this need :p to mention that the 2A3 direct heated power triode, shown with some JBL compression drivers (and one horn) above, has been in (AFAIK) continuous production, somewhere in the world, since 1933. I don't foresee them going away any time soon, although they're not all that green from an energy efficiency standpoint. :#

    https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Audio/Archive-Vacuum-Tube-Valley/Vacuum-Tube-Valley-Issue-12.pdf

    I have several 70 to 90 year old 2A3s that are still doin' fine, too.


    Lampizator's higher end DAC offerings have DHT (direct heated triodes).

    I'll go down that road if I win lotto or a rich relative leaves me some cash B)
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    well, I mean... there are some very modest direct heated triodes,generally not power tubes (what would a DAC need a power triode for except maybe... maybe as part of a voltage regulator?) but rather "small signal" tubes.

    The most salient examples are the (nominally) 1 V (1.5V) and 3 V filament tubes developed long, long ago for early battery operated portable radios.
    Here's a not entirely random example -- actually the first DHT of the battery radio type I noticed "leafing" through RCA manual RC16 :)

    c95hundgma49.png

    This is an octal based tube.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
    Here's my baby. Yep I went down the rabbit hole!

    o99wxrde6spd.png

    I will probably get it calibrated (just to be sure) in the future, but I did buy some bogey tubes to get a feel for where it is right now in terms of accuracy.

    I like it cause you can verify whether or not your getting what you buy. I've had good luck mostly, but had to return a lot to the seller after I verified they were not what he claimed them to be.
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
    Garage #1: Cambridge Audio 640A Integrated Amp, Project Box-E BT Streamer, Polk Tsi200 Bookies, Douglas Speaker Cables, Shunyata Power Conditioner
    Garage #2: Cambridge Audio EVO150 Integrated Amplifier, Polk L200's, Analysis Plus Silver Oval 2 Speaker Cables, IC's TBD.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • guyincognito
    guyincognito Posts: 129
    Saw this today and thought of you guys.

    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649807263-western-electric-hickok-ls-15560-l1-tube-tester/?utm_source=USAudioMart+list&utm_medium=email&utm_content=email+featured+ad&utm_campaign=email-featured-ad-click&utm_term=649807263
    Rega Planar 8, Apheta 3 MC , Aria mk2 Phono
    Aurender n100h, Benchmark DAC2 HGC
    Arcam SR250, Parasound JC5
    Revel F208, SVS SB-4000
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,447
    That is nice!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • guyincognito
    guyincognito Posts: 129
    Is it $995 plus shipping nice though? I have no idea what the value on something like this is and I don't own any tube gear so just curious more than anything.
    Rega Planar 8, Apheta 3 MC , Aria mk2 Phono
    Aurender n100h, Benchmark DAC2 HGC
    Arcam SR250, Parasound JC5
    Revel F208, SVS SB-4000
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,447
    guyincognito wrote: »
    Is it $995 plus shipping nice though? I have no idea what the value on something like this is and I don't own any tube gear so just curious more than anything.

    Not for me. Yes its a good deal knowing it has been gone through, calibrated and a test tube to double check.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter