MaxiMatcher 2 and MaxiPreamp 2 tube testers

[jdandy]

My two new digital tube testers finally arrived after taking the 20 mule team route for delivery. The MaxiMatcher 2 is a power tube tester and the MaxiPreamp 2 tube tester is a small tube tester. Both are well built units that come in their own hinged cover cases. They each weigh about 14 lbs.

I got right to it and tested all of my KT88 tubes, all 36 of them. I was surprised to discover the Gold Lion KT88 I thought was defective was fine, no internal shorts and tested well for plate current and transconductance. After testing all the remaining Gold Lion KT88's, including the four new ones that just arrived, I reinstalled the suspect Gold Lion KT88 back in the same socket in the MC2301 amplifier and it has been playing perfectly all afternoon. I have no idea why I saw a flash in the tube and the McIntosh Sentry Monitor circuit shut down the amplifier, but all seems well so far.

I also tested all of my small tubes, 12AX7's, 12AT7's, ECC83's, and ECC801S tubes. All of them tested very strong and closely balanced. This gives me confidence that the tubes I am using, as well as the tubes in my locker, are in good shape and ready for immediate use. I have yet to pull my C2300 out of the living room rack and test the Telefunken's in the phono stage and the Gold Lion's in the line stage but I will get to that shortly.

It is a pleasure to finally own tube testing equipment that allows me to know the state of my vacuum tubes. Guessing just doesn't get it when it comes to tubes, especially power tubes. Both the MaxiMatcher 2 and the MaxiPreamp 2 are easy to use, well engineered, and solidly built testers that I am positive will last me for many years of service. I can recommend both of these testers to any vacuum tube audiophile.


MaxiMatcher 2





MaxiPreamp 2