Searching for a bad tube is pretty easy. I always have a spare set. You just substitute one at a time until you find the bad tube... or eliminate the problem from being a tube. Most companies that supply matched tubes write down their electrical test results on the box or tube, so you can order a single tube matched replacement.
Tube Tester
Just replaced vacuum tubes in my amp. Had a power fault. Replaced the whole right channel because I did not know which tubes actually failed.
Brought back up the idea of getting a tube tester. I have searched for them a few times and have a hard time figuring out their differences and quality.
Any of you have recommendations for me on how to navigate a tube tester purchase?
Thanks in advance
- ...
- 16 posts total
take a chance, buy a tester, test new tubes you buy, test periodically, find problems, importantly rule tubes out when problems occur get this too https://vacuumtubesinc.com/index.php/books/the-jackson-model-648-manual.html //////////////////////////////////// |
If you must buy a tube tester first learn about the features and capabilities of all the various Hickok testers. Then buy the best you can afford that has been refurbished, calibrated, and guaranteed by the seller. And keep in mind that most cannot properly test a power tube. For small signal tubes, they’re fine. I stipulate Hickok because they were the premier company and are still revered. Hence there are guys who can repair them, and parts are available. Also, they were simply the best. So far as I can tell, Hickok made the BK testers too. That’s if you’re going to buy vintage. If you want to spend big bucks and buy new, see Amplitron and others. |
It is a bit more $$ but I am a big fan of the µ-tracer. https://www.dos4ever.com/uTracer3/uTracer3_pag0.html dave |
- 16 posts total