How to tell if tubes are matched?

I don't wish to be difficult, but getting a tube checker is not a good short range idea. The old (and I do mean old) tube checkers that are most often for sale, are only useful to separate the living from the dead (and many fail this criterion). Suggestions to the contrary are misinformed.

1. tube checkers must be calibrated to be of much use in matching
2. tube matching is not an easy or quick art to learn
3. power tube matching requires more than simple transconductance matching, it requires proper loading as well, a facility few, if any, commercial units have. A match of 5% under a realistic load is the usual standard.

Well we have an old Heathkit that is capable of putting a load on the tubes and the manual will teach you how to grade tubes for transconductance in about a half hour - but then I suppose if I were doing it for a living I wouldn't want anyone to think it is too easy. As far as calibration, hmmmmm, well if two tubes have a reading within five per cent and have gain that is relatively high (after comparing perhaps 10 to 12 of their same kind AND THEN you listen to the ones you THINK are matched - you might just surprise yourself (and anyone else with ears ;-) After all the real test is how they sound or isn't that scientific enough, HA! Only thing this requires is a dozen valves and an old tube checker - anyone that describes it otherwise probably has some scientifically 'matched' tubes that they will sell you. I am still trying to figure out if the quality of the silk screening on the tube will improve the sound. I have seen some real beauties - good luck in any case. I have to get back to thinking about presence edge smear as it relates to original recording quality and what to make for dinner. I'm just a girl - what do I know ;-) ???