Do you test your tubes or cross your fingers and hope for the best?

[jdandy]

This is how I check my small preamplifier tubes and power tubes. I record the test data for each tube and number the tubes so that I know the values of individaul tubes. That way I can tell when checking tubes in service if there are significant value differences. Good quality tube testers remove the guess work, trial and error of swapping tubes, and/or crossing your fingers hoping for the best. The task of determining good quality tubes and close matching is a real benefit of owning a tube tester.

The Maxi-Preamp II tube tester provides noise testing in decibels, transconductance test, gain test, and microphonics test. This information can tell you much about the state of each tube and how closely matched are the triode sections. You can listen to your tubes with the dual-RCA Direct Audio Output.

The Maxi-Matcher II power tube tester provides plate current test, transconductance test, and short circuit test. Four power tubes can be tested at a time in both testers to help speed up the testing process.

Both of the Maxi tube testers come in their own blow-mold hinged cover enclosures for easy storage. Easy to follow instructions are on the inside of the covers of each tester.


Maxi-Preamp II http://www.maximatcher.com/maxipreamp.html

MaxiMatcher II http://www.maximatcher.com/maximatcher.html

 

[joeinid]

Great post Dan. Thank you so much. I need a tube tester and these look great.

 

[Rayooo]

I use the MaxiMatcher II for "big tubes" it works great and I'd hate to mess around with all those KT-120s in the ARTs without it.

..and I just do hit and miss when it comes to preamp tubes for the GAT. Since the GatV2 update it's got different tubes now anyway.

 

[Mike]

This is how I check my small preamplifier tubes and power tubes. I record the test data for each tube and number the tubes so that I know the values of individaul tubes. That way I can tell when checking tubes in service if there are significant value differences. Good quality tube testers remove the guess work, trial and error of swapping tubes, and/or crossing your fingers hoping for the best. The task of determining good quality tubes and close matching is a real benefit of owning a tube tester.

The Maxi-Preamp II tube tester provides noise testing in decibels, transconductance test, gain test, and microphonics test. This information can tell you much about the state of each tube and how closely matched are the triode sections. You can listen to your tubes with the dual-RCA Direct Audio Output.

The Maxi-Matcher II power tube tester provides plate current test, transconductance test, and short circuit test. Four power tubes can be tested at a time in both testers to help speed up the testing process.

Both of the Maxi tube testers come in their own blow-mold hinged cover enclosures for easy storage. Easy to follow instructions are on the inside of the covers of each tester.


Maxi-Preamp II http://www.maximatcher.com/maxipreamp.html

MaxiMatcher II http://www.maximatcher.com/maximatcher.html

Good post. I use the exact same two models. I have several adaptors for several lesser known tube types.


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[jdandy]

Good post. I use the exact same two models. I have several adapters for several lesser known tube types.

Mike.......I only have one adapter for my Maxi-Matcher. It is for the 7591 tubes I use in my vintage McIntosh MA230 integrated amplifier. I like both of these tube testers. They don't get a lot of use but when I need them it is nice that they are readily available. They store easily, too.

 

[jadedavid]

Another nice tester that is a little more versatile although at a higher price, is the Amplitrex AT1000. They all have their pluses and minuses But the Maxi's and the Amplitrex are some of the better ones.

 

[redgogo]

Have a look at this one too http://www.tsakiridis-devices.com/test_evaluation_daedalos.html

 

[Musicfirst]

Do any of these test rectifier tubes, or is that not necessary?

 

[Barry]

Yes. Test all tubes purchased confirming matching where necessary. Use the very versatile and fairly expensive Amplitrex AT1000. It's much more powerful (can run tube curves over a range of values) in computer mode.