How to interpret the readings from tube tester?


How to interpret the value of a tube tester?

For example, if a seller says his 6sn7 tube has a reading of
98/99 (minimum 50), on TV-7D tube tester, how good are this tube and how much life it has left (i.e. 90% left relative to a new one or something like that)? I know the higher the value the better, but what is the value that defines this tube as a "new" tube?

any resources on how to interpret this value on particular tube tester? I guess the reading varies from one tester model to another.

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ake

Showing 1 response by clueless

In additon to Ga5556's point "matching" is different for different circuits/amps. I just bought an old Citation to fool around with. Matching cathode currents, which is what most people mean isn't that important. You do not want them way off but you are looking for close Gm (transconductance).

I'm harldly an expert on all the different circuits and such but matching is not one thing and also a lot of tubes are matched in conditions that do not match how they are going to be used (voltages/currents) and so the "matching" tells you less than one would think and often they are tested/matched without proper warm up etc...

I remain,