need to purchase a calibrated , small signal tube tester-why so difficult?!

I agree with cleeds. If you’re looking for an affordable, accurate, and easy to use tester; the MaxiPreamp is one good choice.

It does not test for emissions. It does test for transconductance but does not provide a list of what average new tubes should measure. It provides such a list for gain. I’d guess they could explain why they don’t provide benchmarks for transconductance

For noise, I run RCA interconnects from the two RCA outputs at the top of the oval at the right side of the picture in the manual into a headphone amp. I don’t know if there is a more direct way to do it.

Thanks @tomcy6 … very helpful.

Great tip on the noise test too..

I did ask them about emissions. Disclaimer : Although I have an electronics degree etc…I know only the very basic things about tubes. But when he explained it…. It was basically that there are different ways to skin a cat….and that you could still confidently measure, manage and detect good vs bad. without?  But I do not want to put words in anyone’s mouth but my own.

But that’s a great question!!,

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For anyone inclined : In Plain language, what is “Emission Testing “? Why do we need it?

Notice— I’m not looking to start a. “Do cables matter”-like SH#$STORM …so if you have an 🪓 to grind…please take it elsewhere.

I may start a separate thread…. Emission’s testing. What’s it good for? 🎶
(Never mind, I thought it was funny 😆)

Use Case: for an old audio guy who just wants to manage his small signal tubes.

Bump….

any last thoughts….I’m likely pullong the trigger on the mini2 when I put together the funds.

if I do purchase one, I’ll report back. No…I actually will😉

The biggest problem exists with emissions only testers. They really kind of suck, can damage small signal tubes and can have a very spastic leakage test. Transconductance is a better way to test a tube and much more accurately duplicates the demands of a circuit. Now if you can find a tester that does both transconductance and emissions this is a plus but not as much as some would think.  I have a Maxi-Matcher power tube tester and it is O.K. I have had consistently great results with my vintage Triplett and Hickok testers. Hagerman Audio Labs used to make tube testers, I would tend to go this route if these 2 choices are still available. Hagerman designs audio equipment that uses tubes and I think he might understand the art as well as the science.

Space tech lab has several tube testers starting at under $900