[Clayton SF]

Quote:

Here is some excellent advice from Bob Putnak
 
...
 
In reality, regardless of tube tester, you will find a number of tubes that PASS your tube tester(s) and work SUBSTANDARD (or outright fail) IN-CIRCUIT, and you will find that many tubes you REJECT as "bad" or "weak" would work FINE in circuit if you had actually tried them.  That will ALWAYS be a FACT.

 
That is so true. I own 4 Mullard EL34 tubes and 2 test bad, 1 tests very week, and another tests very strong on the 4 tube testers I own. Surprisingly they still sound incredible in my power amp. I reported this to Bob Putnak and he said to just keep using the Mullards until they don't sound good anymore. And that was 2 years ago. They still test the same and they still sound incredibly good. -- Go figure.

 

[rosgr63]

Some of the DDR tubes have a similar behaviour the famous Tesla 6CC1 and 6CC10.

 

[Ultrainferno]

Hope I can find a tester soon!

 

[john57]

Quote:

I have been very tempted to buy the Jackson 648S that Bob has for sale right now.  It's a beautiful tester, but I'm worried it might be "too much" tester for a first time owner like me and the shorts testing is not as sensitive as it could be.  Love the fact that it tests all tube types.  I will need to test 45 tubes and lots of more modern testers don't have that 4-pin socket.  I'm not sure what to do........

That Jackson that Bob had for sale is in near perfect.condition since the numbers and the letters in the top of the buttons are in great shape. The big main pot is hard to replace if not in good shape. I used to have a Jackson but I would also look into the  TV 7 as well.
I would agree with Bob that a tube tested good can fail in a circuit especially with tube amps that uses DC servo control.

 

[Silent One]

Testers --
 

 The info here is at once very informative and dizzying. I'm gonna have to brave the purchase soon myself, Xcalibur255.

 

[rosgr63]

You've been very quiet SO!
 
The best tube money I ever spent were on testers.

 

[Silent One]

Quote:

You've been very quiet SO!
 
The best tube money I ever spent were on testers.

 

 Well... ... ... we got the 2 rabbit ears sticking out. But, if I can find 2 nickels to rub together, when I'm done I'll place one in each pocket and put the pockets back down into my pants.
 
While testers appear to have limits, I think my eventual purchase will prove wise. AND you know I'll reach out to you first, then Bob. 

 

[rosgr63]

When you are ready, it will be my pleasure to introduce you to Bob.
 
What I know about testers, tubes and amps is very little, so I learn something new everytime I look for a tester whether it's for a friend or myself.

 

[Silent One]

I've been very fortunate to date - out of many tubes in and out of my amps, only had a single tube (new) arrive DOA. No other problems with tubes in either amp.
 
Well... it took a lot getting used to the Submarine pinging 

of the '5998s' during warm-up. But this didn't affect performance. Once the tubes were "hot," so was my 

Playlist! 

 

[rosgr63]

That's the way I like it........
 
EDIT: David how did your tube rolling go?

 

[dminches]

I started with the Sylvania 6SN7WGT and it toned the highs down a bit.  i'll leave that in there for a couple weeks since the tube is likely NOS.

 

[rosgr63]

I am currently using a RCA 1633 Grey Glass 1948 vintage driver.
It has a lighter presentation than the Ken-Rad 1633.
 
Clayton all this tube tester talk has given me a headache.
Any chance of a nice ice cream photo to cheer me up please?

 

[2359glenn]

When I first started making these amps I made them with only
25 volt to the driver socket and the amps only could use 1633 & 13D1 tubes
I thought that these tubes sounded better and the 1633 was cheep com paired a good 6SN7s

 

[rosgr63]

Glenn I got this nice RCA (which are one of my all time favourites) 1633 NIB pair 1948 vintage for $19.99.
 
An equivalent pair in 6SN7 (which sounds the same) would cost much more.
 
It's just that my tube addiction has expanded vertically and horizontally with my GR Super 10!
 
Glenn my 14 year old niece told me I am too fat and I am not allowed any ice cream, to eat or even look at.........

 

[GrindingThud]

Whoa, found a new triode for you....and evidntly a sizeable stock of them: http://www.head-fi.org/t/249671/the-diy-headphone-stand-thread/1995#post_9620463