According to the British manufacturer, the simplicity of operation of the new Orange Valve Tester MKII belies the complexity of what happens inside the unit during each test. "Inside is a sophisticated microprocessor controlled testing system carrying out a series of complex inter-electrode switching and measurement exercises. Requiring no knowledge of valve theory a user simply inserts a valve into the correct socket, selects the valve type from the list and presses the ‘OK’ button. The status of the valve under test is quickly revealed."
The latest model of the Orange Valve Tester features greatly improved algorithms with an updated database containing the test results of literally hundreds of new, used and faulty tubes giving the MKII a much greater intelligence compared to the original Orange VT1000. All the voltages required by the tester are internally derived, stabilized and controlled allowing a rapid static and transient testing without unnecessary heat generation.
In addition, the new unit features higher current capacity with enhanced grid leakage detection testing, a new thermal runaway test and a new digital microphony function to test pre-amp tubes. Its new rugged mechanical design and form also has improved valve sockets.
The Orange Valve Tester MKII's new optional expansion modules will be particularly appealing to hi-fi enthusiasts. It allows the testing of directly heated valves such as the 300B and other valve types including EF86 and rectifier valve GZ34.
The Orange Valve Tester MKII is a simple to use, portable unit that retails for £850.00 GBP (approx. $1,075.00 USD). Manufactured in the United Kingdom, the retail price (without the optional expander/adapter) is more than the double of the original but more limited VT1000. Its usefulness has been designed to meet the needs of both seasoned audiophiles and those new to testing tubes. The device’s fully automatic testing and matching capabilities ensure optimal tube performance across a wide range of tube-based audio equipment, allowing users to effortlessly maintain performance of their hi-fi amplifier caused by substandard, worn or faulty valves.
Known as a British guitar and bass amplifier manufacturer, Orange Amplification has been a pioneering force in the musical instruments world since 1968. Through the decades, the Orange brand was gradually expanded to other product segments, from generic stage and PA sound reinforcement speakers, all the way to DJ equipment. The original Orange VT1000 valve/tube tester was announced in 2012 and promoted simply as "an easy, safe and low cost way to match, test and grade valves. Every guitar store in the world will need one of these." With a retail price of $499, the VT1000 quickly conquered a larger market in hifi tube enthusiasts. The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018.
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