Arnold,
I'd rather have a dedicated 8P8C tester/tracer/ticker...with all the digital audio stuff using Cat5e/Cat6, etc. nowadays, it's just another good reason to carry one.
I agree. I have a combination tester that requires access to both ends of the network line and tests using a manual switch, which can be the best tool, and also a specialized network cable tester that has two parts and can be used with network cabling that is already in place.
I very much like the Ebtech one for testing of "normal" audio cables (TT is normal for live sound?) but wish it tested NL4 and NL8 connectors.
The combination cable tester I have does XLR, TRS, TS, NL4, NL8, CAT5, and others.
I think it best to have a tester for each cable type ("normal" patch cables such as XLR and 1/4"; Ethernet; Speakon) - more pricey up front, but a better value in the long run methinks since one would be able to fully evaluate each type for faults.
I think that having a separate tester for each kind of cable is going a bit overboard. Too costly and too many different things to carry.