Tube tester

[jeffdavison]

Looking at an Accurate model 257 tube tester for little money. Will this be an adequate tester? Not looking to get deep into test equipment, just need a decent tester to check the general conditions of tubes relative to each other and what kind of life the tube may have left. Casual use just to keep the vendors of NOS tubes that I buy from honest

Thanks

JD

[Shannon Parks]

Hi JD,

Unforunately, I doubt this emission tester could do much more than tell if a tube is working or not working. Handy back in the day when troubleshooting your '55 GE tv, but not good for what you propose. Look for unit that measures the transconductance of a tube to get an idea of matching or strength. The Hickoks are pretty pricey, but can the Eico 666 or 667 still be found reasonably? Certainly there are some Hickok clones/ripoffs that aren't well known - anybody want to share these?

[jeffdavison]

Thanks for the advice..

Just found a pristine Eico 667 for $150, includes manuals a nd 4 pin adapter.

I "think" I got a good deal after watching some of these skyrocket on eBay.

For casual use as an audio hobbiest (mostly listener not builder) this is all I really need to watch my battery of 12ua7's 12ax7's, 5691's, 5693's, 6550's and Kt88's. (and their "rolled" equivalents)

Though I am watching a Hickok 752 at the moment..it will most likely go for more than I want to spend on a tester..752 is a nice bit of kit.

Jeff Davison

[Shannon Parks]

Just found a pristine Eico 667 for $150, includes manuals a nd 4 pin adapter.

My 'Satan Special' Eico 666 is almost identical. These units are a breeze to work on, fwiw. The unique design is pretty straight-forward.