Hi guys. This is my first post but I have enjoyed the exchange of ideas and creativity here for some time. I recently purchased an enormous number of NOS tubes from an estate sale and I need help testing them. I am more than happy to compensate you for your time in cash, tubes or what ever you're comfortable with. I would prefer to do them in batches starting with some valuable ones to recoup my costs from the purchase. If anyone can test volt and trace curve that would be wonderful. There are 100's most in the original boxes and I may have something you're looking for. PM me or respond to the thread and I will get back to you shortly. Thanks in advance.....Kyle
I bought a large number of tubes with a similar idea a couple of years ago, but unless they are the more exotic tubes, it is questionable if it is worth the effort.
In my case I have 300 CV4024 (12AT7WA). I can sell them as NOS, and when I tested a batch, all I discovered was how unmatched twin triodes can be.
I have come to the conclusion that the only justification For testing is if you want to filter out the ‘gold quality’ ( matched within 5%) and then sell them for a premium (about 1 in 20).
If you have power tubes, then matched pairs can be attractive. Otherwise if the tubes have providence and look NOS (boxes intact and tube rolled in card, for example) then they are probably just as valuable in an untampered state.
In my case I have 300 CV4024 (12AT7WA). I can sell them as NOS, and when I tested a batch, all I discovered was how unmatched twin triodes can be.
I have come to the conclusion that the only justification For testing is if you want to filter out the ‘gold quality’ ( matched within 5%) and then sell them for a premium (about 1 in 20).
If you have power tubes, then matched pairs can be attractive. Otherwise if the tubes have providence and look NOS (boxes intact and tube rolled in card, for example) then they are probably just as valuable in an untampered state.
It all depends on what you want to do. If you want to test and resell, you can get more money for the tubes if you test/match your tubes.
You can buy an etracer, or buy a working tube tester and put together Vacuum Tube Curve Tracer (look up Dennis Tillman VTCT) that will work on a Tektronix 575 Curve Tracer. (The local electronics surplus store has three of them for $150/each). The DIY tube tracer was more fun for me. Not really into selling tubes. Most people in this hobby prefer to buy tubes from known tube sellers who have expensive tube testers and know how to use them, but they have thousands of tubes to sell to make enough to pay for the tester(s).
I was gifted about 1500 tubes of all types with two tube testers, thought about buying a etracer or utracer, then bought a Tek 575 and VTCT PCB from Dennis Tillman. I've built 10 tube amps since then. Gave a couple homegrown amps away as gifts and listen to the rest of them.
I now prefer the tube amp sound versus solid state and enjoy the hobby. Most tube nuts seem nuttier than the live steam nuts. Drives me nuts.
You can buy an etracer, or buy a working tube tester and put together Vacuum Tube Curve Tracer (look up Dennis Tillman VTCT) that will work on a Tektronix 575 Curve Tracer. (The local electronics surplus store has three of them for $150/each). The DIY tube tracer was more fun for me. Not really into selling tubes. Most people in this hobby prefer to buy tubes from known tube sellers who have expensive tube testers and know how to use them, but they have thousands of tubes to sell to make enough to pay for the tester(s).
I was gifted about 1500 tubes of all types with two tube testers, thought about buying a etracer or utracer, then bought a Tek 575 and VTCT PCB from Dennis Tillman. I've built 10 tube amps since then. Gave a couple homegrown amps away as gifts and listen to the rest of them.
I now prefer the tube amp sound versus solid state and enjoy the hobby. Most tube nuts seem nuttier than the live steam nuts. Drives me nuts.
Duke58. I appreciate the reply. Sounds like you have the right idea. I found some info on it, and I'll do a little more research. I like the idea of building amplifiers, but my experience is limited to a audio note kits dac4.1 that i jave made several mods to. What type of tube amps have you had luck with? Thanks....Kyle