tube amplifier auto bias- accurate?


Hi I am new to tubes and this hobby, I read somewhere autobiasing is a gimmick, I was wondering how accurate it is. Is it possible it could be inaccurate? Is there a way to test its accuracy. Also what tube tester is good for beginner.
samuellaudio
"adjustable bias" - this is actually called Fixed Bias (yeah, great naming convention, I know).

within the realm of 'auto bias' there are many possible ways to do that concept. Same with fixed bias - eg. separate bias power supply, winding, or tranny, various rectification schemes for bias supply, battery-biasing, etc.

bin:
biased with a scope? What the hell are you talking about? Bias is a voltage, nothing more or less. A good voltmeter is all that is needed. it's either accurate or its' not. There's nothing to graph on a meter. Tech's must have been having a laugh at your expense, methinks.

-Ed
While autobias is certainly more convenient, and I do not know if one is better than the other sonically, I have heard manufacturers claim that adjustable bias normally yields longer tube life.

In fact, Rogue's new amplifiers have made the switch from autobias to user adjusted bias. In addition to the tube life, I have read they feel it also has produced better sonics.

If sonics were equal, obviously autobias is preferable. If there is some audible improvement by not implementing the circuit, it would be good to go in that direction, and make bias adjustment an easy task, with easy accessibility to the adjustment (like AtmaSphere, Cary, CJ, Jolida, Quicksilver, but NOT like Jadis).
I wonder if Macs were the first ones to implement autobias successful in their vintage gears like the MC240s.
Ed_sawyer...Actually, you can use a scope to measure voltage if you are too lazy to go to the cabinet and dig out a voltmeter. Or, if you want to impress an audiophile.

I also know how to add on a slide rule (remember those).
And count to 35 on my fingers. (Hint...use two-place base 6).