Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: jerryjg on May 03, 2009, 08:04:11 pm

Title: B&K 'Dynaquick' 550 Tube Tester
Post by: jerryjg on May 03, 2009, 08:04:11 pm

I have one of these old tube testers.  Can anyone give me any comments about this tube tester? How is it in comparison to my old Eicl 667. I know about the weaknesses of the 667, thanks to a recent thread I posted in another room. Thanks!

EDIT- After doing some checking I found out that the Hickpock TV-7 and the B&K 707   look as if they are the most desirable tester models. Why?

Title: Re: B&K 'Dynaquick' 550 Tube Tester
Post by: FYL on May 04, 2009, 04:57:51 am

Quote

I have one of these old tube testers.  Can anyone give me any comments about this tube tester? How is it in comparison to my old Eicl 667.

The 550 is an excellent transconductance tester for small signal tubes, as good as any Hickok when properly maintained and calibrated. It's one of the best when it comes to measure gas/grid emission.

Quote

EDIT- After doing some checking I found out that the Hickpock TV-7 and the B&K 707   look as if they are the most desirable tester models. Why?

The 707 uses broadly the same circuit as the 550, itself based on the Hickok... The TV-7 is nice, quirky and outright dangerous for some tubes, not worth the outrageous prices it fetches these days.