Digital tube testers
- Thread starter jaso109
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audiodon
Addicted Member
I bought some tubes from someone on the bay that has an amplitrex to compare those tubes against my calibrated Hickok 800A. My readings were different but ballpark. Tube testing is an approximate science.
One thing the Amplitrex has is that you get a printout you can paste on the tube box. There's something to be said for that. I write my findings in sharpie on the tube and hand write a stickie label for the box.
One thing the Amplitrex has is that you get a printout you can paste on the tube box. There's something to be said for that. I write my findings in sharpie on the tube and hand write a stickie label for the box.
gogofast
Addicted Member
what do you guys think about this one?
only in kit version, but if what they say is true, sounds like a great tool.
http://www.transcendentsound.com/tube_analyzer.htm
only in kit version, but if what they say is true, sounds like a great tool.
http://www.transcendentsound.com/tube_analyzer.htm
roberts67
Volts Vinyl Tubes
Hello!
http://www.haglabs.com/vacutrace.html
$1849. I have a Cornet II that I actually paid for as a kit(lots of people have used Jim's design without paying the $99). It smokes!! Peace. Robert
http://www.haglabs.com/vacutrace.html
$1849. I have a Cornet II that I actually paid for as a kit(lots of people have used Jim's design without paying the $99). It smokes!! Peace. Robert
audiotemp
Super Member
They may have discontinued that product. Here is the main page of their web site, you can call or email them and ask about it.
https://www.transcendentsound.com
Phlogiston
Old Radio Fixer Upper
I built one : https://www.russoldradios.com/blog/testingmatching-audio-output-tubes.
It is specific to the 6L6 family and was aimed at the 7868 and 7591 tubes used in a lot of my amps/receivers. I will someday build one for the 6BQ5 family as well. Mostly built from spare parts and a few Chinese meters. Total cost, less than $100. AND you can listen to the tubes and pairs of tubes under test (up to a point ).
It is specific to the 6L6 family and was aimed at the 7868 and 7591 tubes used in a lot of my amps/receivers. I will someday build one for the 6BQ5 family as well. Mostly built from spare parts and a few Chinese meters. Total cost, less than $100. AND you can listen to the tubes and pairs of tubes under test (up to a point ).
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That link might have been something when posted in 2009, but its Page Not Found in Oct 2023 ...
In 14 years they may have rebuilt the site - try from the homepage https://www.transcendentsound.com/
tubelectron
Super Member
Sorry, I'm not digital, rather conservative - somewhere like @cooljjay :
This one is fine to sort out deads from survivors quickly - if he says the tube is dead or dying, then he is dead or dying for sure :
Fort troubleshooting tube problems (interelectrode leaks, insulation, etc...), these two are perfect :
For matching tubes (without building a dedicated bench for a tube type) this one is the best because he tests the tube in accordance with the official datasheets, not a proprietary data chart - questionable and unverifiable :
OK : I never used nor had in hands those digital tube testers Amplitrex and the like to compare with my vintage ones... As fas as I read, the Amplitrex makes its tests under an impulsional process, not a constant voltage/current process like the METRIX 310CTR, so it can possibly make a difference.
T
This one is fine to sort out deads from survivors quickly - if he says the tube is dead or dying, then he is dead or dying for sure :
Fort troubleshooting tube problems (interelectrode leaks, insulation, etc...), these two are perfect :
For matching tubes (without building a dedicated bench for a tube type) this one is the best because he tests the tube in accordance with the official datasheets, not a proprietary data chart - questionable and unverifiable :
OK : I never used nor had in hands those digital tube testers Amplitrex and the like to compare with my vintage ones... As fas as I read, the Amplitrex makes its tests under an impulsional process, not a constant voltage/current process like the METRIX 310CTR, so it can possibly make a difference.
T
There is an interesting comparison of modern digital tube testers here:
tubelectron
Super Member
Thanks @nerdorama ! As I can read, the Amplitrex (of the era, at lest) is not the most interesting : it would not make me left my vintage tube testers...
T
Jon S
Super Member
I bought a set of the MaxiMatcher testers. I like them but they are limited to either the octal power tubes (KT88, KT77, EL34, 6550, etc) tubes. The preamp tube tester can only work with 9-pin (B9A) tubes such as the 12AU7/12AX7 but you have to be careful as some tubes (e,g, 6922/E88CC) will not work unless you get a socket adapter. You can test 6SN7/6SL7 tubes also with a socket adapter.
The good thing about the testers is that you can test up to four tubes at once. Another really good point (and very important) is that the tester will test power tubes at 400V, unlike most vintage testers which only test at 150-200 volts, far below their operating voltage which will give you skewed results. If you decide to buy these testers, be aware they manufacture them in batches and are often sold out. Another advantage is that they also measure tube gain and transconductance. Very few testers measure gain which I think is probably the best way to match tubes.
I also looked at the Amplitrex tester and read that they are very buggy and the software has not been updated since it's initial release.
The good thing about the testers is that you can test up to four tubes at once. Another really good point (and very important) is that the tester will test power tubes at 400V, unlike most vintage testers which only test at 150-200 volts, far below their operating voltage which will give you skewed results. If you decide to buy these testers, be aware they manufacture them in batches and are often sold out. Another advantage is that they also measure tube gain and transconductance. Very few testers measure gain which I think is probably the best way to match tubes.
I also looked at the Amplitrex tester and read that they are very buggy and the software has not been updated since it's initial release.
I love the testers but I am completely flabbergasted that tubes that I bought matched from reputable sellers that test great (yes I know lower voltage and all) in my Stark 9-66 tube tester (based on the HIckok models - actually licenesed so they are pretty much identical) with high Micromos readings, test under par on the Maximatcher....it's a head shaker....and I mean consistently - I am running an MC240 and this thing isn't hard on tubes....so why I may ask would a high testing tube that has (when inserted and checked with a probe) decent readings for ma?
I supposed my tubes are weak and I should just live with it I suppose...(bunch of GE tubes - some that were just sent to me as matched and that from the servicer of the amplifier!)
Call me confused of course - then again - I am running a set of JJ's that are new and tested by Eurotubes so there is that which I am happy about - but all those GE tubes! Darn!
I supposed my tubes are weak and I should just live with it I suppose...(bunch of GE tubes - some that were just sent to me as matched and that from the servicer of the amplifier!)
Call me confused of course - then again - I am running a set of JJ's that are new and tested by Eurotubes so there is that which I am happy about - but all those GE tubes! Darn!
Bill Ferris
Lunatic Member
I`ve read that too, but never had any issues with my purchased new ~7 yr. old AT-1000 in testing well over a thousand tubes, both power, rectifier, and small signal tubes at realistic operating voltages.
My 2000 purchased Maxi Matcher w/adaptors has also served me very well for output tube matching and realistic testing voltage burn in for PP & PPP output tube grouping sets.
As far as I`m concerned these 2 testers have and continue to provide me with all the confidence to realistically and reliably test any audio tube that I will ever need, and while pricey to purchase, they provide the results I needed for checking my tube audio equipment owning friends and my own audio tube based equipment.
