For a beginner, many of the simple portable testers are great and easy to ship. Many people like B&K or Eico. For simplicy, I like SICO (superior instruments) also. You shouldn't need to spend more than $100. These will test for shorts, tube strength/life and should show if any tubes have other issues. However, the little testers usually won't do enough to help you computer "match" tubes.
The sellor should be able to tell you which tubes it can test for. If they don't have the manual/tube guide, don't buy it. You need to have the settings in order to test the tubes. Some have the charts built into the units.
The sellor should be able to tell you which tubes it can test for. If they don't have the manual/tube guide, don't buy it. You need to have the settings in order to test the tubes. Some have the charts built into the units.