Recommendations for a vacum tube tester

Ok I just got sucked down this rabbit hole even though I was in the camp “I don’t need a tube tester”.   Won on an offer a Hickok 600A in very good working condition per seller and pics.  It was calibrated in 2022.  Cost me $250 + tax shipped to my door.  Only issue reported is a stuck settings scroll which is no big deal.  A printed list will work just fine instead.  Pretty nice testing unit feature wise at a price that can’t do much damage if I decide to resell.   Certainly not a nice Amplitrex AT1000.

@calieng thanks for the link to the maximatcher are you aware of an inexpensive, possibly usb based, small signal tube tester?

@scottya118 

Are you technically capable of building one?

I have schematic, PCB & CAD layout. PM if interested.

I also have this one:

https://orangeamps.com/products/accessories/amplifier-management/valve-tester/

But it is more for guitar amp tubes than the numerous other kinds of hifi tubes.

There is some debate if it is really that accurate but if you find one for a couple hundred bucks used grab it. I don't think they make it anymore so unlikely to find a new one.

Then there are these guys in Canada - seem like some neat gear but maybe not as rugged as the Maximatcher.

http://www.thebestamp.com/Testing_Equipment/Testing_Equipment.php

Good luck.

For a low-cost device, the Orange is pretty good.  It is very easy to use, and gives realistic assessments (it is a tougher grader than a TV-7 which seems to find every tube is strong).  But, a friend noticed that it seems a bit under powered when heating up certain tube types, like KT 88s, so one has to go through multiple test cycles to heat the tube to get a good reading.