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Tube Testers

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Posted on March 29, 1999 at 14:06:18
Rafe


 
Is the B&K 600 Dyna-Quik tube tester adequate for determining if a tube is still usable in a tube pre-amp or CDP? I just won the auction for one on eBay for $40. Did I just throw away $40? I just want to check 6922/7308s.


 

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Re: Tube Testers, posted on March 29, 1999 at 14:11:41
SteveA


 
Hi Rafe!

Hard to say if you wasted 40 clams. Only the later testers handled 6922/6DJ8 twin-triodes. Maybe if it doesn't you can trade someone for a unit that does. Also remember that most testers require a different setup for checking each of the (2) tube sections.

Good luck!
Steve

 

Re: Tube Testers, posted on March 29, 1999 at 14:24:13
Rafe


 
Thanks for the comment. The owner says the 6922s and 7308s are listed in the setup manual. My question has to do with the tester. I've heard that the only good test is a "transconductance" test (?). Do you know if this tester performs that kind of test?

 

Re: Tube Testers, posted on March 29, 1999 at 17:46:52
Doc B.


 
The only really good tests are to plug the tube into the circuit and see if it runs at the proper operating point, and then to listen to the sucker...
A transconductance test is a little bit better than an emission test, but neither will tell you about noise or microphony.


 

Re: Tube Testers, posted on March 29, 1999 at 19:26:38
Joe S


 
Yep, the B&K is a transconductance tester & if its manual lists the tube type it will work with it. It will give you a reasonable indication of the tubes quality (whether or not its used - many crapped out tubes are stuck in nice boxes) and if you are likely to get much more use out of it. In other words it can come in quite handy for testing tubes you've bought that are supposedly NOS to see wheter or not they really are or if used pulls are worth hanging on to. Doc B is correct too - the only way to tell if the tube is OK for noise and microphonics is to listen....

Good luck & enjoy!

Joe

 

Re: Tube Testers, posted on April 1, 1999 at 21:46:13
Sean


 
While your points are completely valid, tube testers do have their place. They can save you quite a bit of headache AND money if you get one that is well calibrated. It can be used to gain match tubes, check for leakage or shorts, etc... This can save a lot of time and money when initially setting up gear or checking out used tubes. I would rather find out that a tube is shorted BEFORE it goes into the amp instead of doing possible damage to the circuitry !!! Sean
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