Whatever you decide to get make sure that it will test the tubes you use and was recently gone over or callibrated. Also make absolutely sure that the instruction manual comes with it. For me I use a BK DynaJet, one of the latest models before they stopped production. Easy to use, portable (as are most), and very accurate (also fully documented with all of the manuals).
Tube testers are an absolute necessity when buying tubes online as some choose to sell their old worn out tubes (using the test specs when the tubes were new) for high prices (I suppose they think that they only used the tubes for a few months) and you ending up paying full price for worn out or shorted tubes. (This happens occasionally - not the usual situation - but it only has to happen once before your out a few hundred dollars! So. . .either buy new production tubes from a reputable dealer, or get a good used tube tester (WITH INSTRUCTION/SERVICE MANUALS!) Happy Listening,
Tube testers are an absolute necessity when buying tubes online as some choose to sell their old worn out tubes (using the test specs when the tubes were new) for high prices (I suppose they think that they only used the tubes for a few months) and you ending up paying full price for worn out or shorted tubes. (This happens occasionally - not the usual situation - but it only has to happen once before your out a few hundred dollars! So. . .either buy new production tubes from a reputable dealer, or get a good used tube tester (WITH INSTRUCTION/SERVICE MANUALS!) Happy Listening,