If solid state safest way is unplug the degauser. This keeps
the current down at turn on & not fooling you.
Set variac apx 80 V.
Watch current & turn on for a second, should be abt 1A or
a little more. Do a few more times longer each time. If OK
start turning up the voltage. After the CRT warms current
should settle down at abt 3/4 amp.
Unless you know the set there are no guaranties but this is
old so probably safe to do. Sets that blew out are super rare.
I would NEVER do it to a mid 70's Sony.
73 Zeno
BTW dont forget to plug the DGS coil back in !