Advice on a tube tester

Thanks @gregdude I've watched his good videos.  He likes TV7.

@petg60 thanks for the details.  Turns out the D/U version is specially changed to address 6DJ8 tubes--which is half the tubes in my favorite amp....so that would be worth finding.

Jerry

@oddiofyl Thanks for the story.  I'm starting to play in NOS tubes too.  I have a bunch of not necessarily new but old stock voltage regulators I'd like to sort.  

I've looked at the Toolshed amps and they look nice.

Whick hickok did you choose?  

thanks,

Jerry

Thanks @petg60 .  Which TV-7 did you have?  Do you know what the differnce is between the TV-7 A/U, B/U, C/u and D/U is?  

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

@oddiofyl That's a beauty.  And I agree with your advice.  Loose sockets can be a problem with well worn testers.

@tksteingraber I would probably agree that I don't need one.   It is consistent with my lab scientist nature and I-build-thing mentality to want one.

@invalid I agree the data is not all it is cracked up to be but I see lots of instances where it is of use to me.  

thanks all for your help.  

Jerry

@thermionicemission 

Rob,

Very useful post.  I'm finding a lot of testers don't do the 9 pin minatures that were introduced with color TV so they are relatively new.  For the TV-7 you need the D/U.  for the 752 you need the A to test 9 pins. for the 539 you need the C.  the 539 tests each triode seperately so you have to test them twice.  It does a lot of testing but maybe more than I need.  The B&K 707 attracted my attention early and I'm glad to hear your views--from someone actualy using one he calibrated himself.  Fully agree on replacing sockets, can do it but do I want to?  

I've been up and down the scale on these testers a few times.  Right now I'm leaning toward the 707 or the TV-7D...probalby whichever one I find first in good condition at a reasonable price.  

If after using the tester a while I want more data, I can buy a high end Hickok then.

Jerry

I love it when I can justify the biggest and the best but not being a tube seller (other than my excess) I can't really justify and Amplitrex.  

@verdantaudio Not sure what your relationship is with Jac Music is but I just boght a couple grand of parts and tubes from them.

Jerry

@verdantaudio I'm hijacking my own thread here but as an aside, I'm having a new amp built with EML AD1s.  I found your website and see you carry them.  my builder bought my first set directly from Jac.

Jerry