Tube testers

treitz3
treitz3 Posts: 19,033
edited December 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Hello folks. What this thread hopefully will contain is nothing but information on what reliable tube testers there are out there.

What I am looking for is something that is a trusted, well established and reliable tube tester that folks can believe in. I realize that may be a tall order, but I'm willing to learn. If you have any experience or knowledge [even if it's just research], please let me know what you know.

In other words, allow me to pluck your brains.

I'd like to know, not only for my own rig...but for tubes that I end up trying that don't quite cut it in my rig. You know...system synergy and all that...? Those same tubes may be the cat's meow in another Polkies rig. I'd just like to be sure I would be reselling a decent tube worthy of a purchase. ;)

School is in session. Teach me, if you will.
~ 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. ~
Post edited by treitz3 on
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Comments

  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited December 2009
    Tom, Hopefully you have read this.

    http://www.alltubetesters.com/articles/tester_guide.htm

    I went with a Sencore 142 which has already paid for it self by identifing a tube with a short.

    WHen I was on my quest I received a recomendation for Sencore and in my reading it fit what I needed.

    SOrry that about I have on the subject.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited December 2009
    For emission-type testers, the Sencore Mighty-Mites are fine. I have my father's :-)

    If you want to be able to test transcondance (e.g., to match tubes), invest in a refurbished and calibrated Hickok (e.g., TV-7 or one of its relatives).
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  • doctor r
    doctor r Posts: 837
    edited December 2009
    Second on the Hickok. You will get more information compared to just an emmission tester as mrh indicated. I am also biased since my father worked for Hickok and helped integrate the cardmatic reader into the Hickok 123. Presently using the Navy version (USM-118) cardmatic myself.

    Rick
    integrated w/DAC module Gryphon Diablo 300
    server Wolf Alpha 3SX
    phono pre Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono II
    turntable/tonearms Origin Live Sovereign Mk3 dual arm, Origin Live Enterprise Mk4, Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    cartridges Miyajima Madake, Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Ortofon
    speakers Rockport Mira II
    cables Synergistic Research Cables, Gryphon VPI XLR, Sablon 2020 USB
    rack Adona Eris 6dw
    ultrasonic cleaner Degritter
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,375
    edited December 2009
    My dad has and still uses a Hickok 800.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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