Tube Sockets

Colin_D · Post by **Colin_D** » Fri 05/02/08 12:06 pm

What type of tube sockets do you prefer to use and why? I've only ever used cheap ceramic ones, but I wonder if there are any advantages to using celenex or other more expensive types.

lovedat800 · Post by **lovedat800** » Fri 05/02/08 4:48 pm

All i know is i asked the same thing before, and i wanted to buy ceramic because of the look and i felt that was quality. The answer i got is that for good quality buy Belton sockets and forget about ceramic. I was told they're the best, and one reason being the pin retainers don't stretch out and you don't have to re-tension them. To me that sounded like the main thing to be concerned with if not the only thing. so thats what i got. they are about a buck more each, but whats 5 or 8 bucks when you're building an amp.

sub · Post by **sub** » Fri 05/02/08 7:22 pm

+1 Belton
I used ceramic on all my built, nothing problem with these......
but i realised i don't like ceramic socket

Brewmaster · Post by **Brewmaster** » Sat 05/03/08 7:23 am

The vast majority of builders who offer kits use ceramic sockets in their kits and in their builds. Good enough for them, good enough for me.

ajkimba · Post by **ajkimba** » Sat 05/03/08 9:42 am

Most of the ceramic sockets that I have come across are cheaply made, the pins stretch out. Tubes feel loose after repeatingly changing tubes within a year. Pins holders are up inside the socket farthur then then normal causing very little tention. I'll never use them again.

Phil_S · Post by **Phil_S** » Sat 05/03/08 9:55 am

I don't like the "feel" of ceramic. The seem cheap to me, in terms of quality. I usually harvest old ones from derelict chassis' or buy on eBay. On eBay, you can, if you are careful, buy inexpensive, used and in good condition or supposed NOS any of the black or brown plastic-like material sockets -- micalex, phenolic, etc. Beware, on eBay you can get burnt, so don't spend more than you are willing to throw down the drain.

loyjdockery · Post by **loyjdockery** » Sat 05/03/08 9:56 am

I guess it depends on how much you change tubes. I tend to keep the same ones in all the time, while others may like to experiment more frequently. You also run a higher chance of chipping/cracking/breaking with ceramics than you do on any plastic.

novosibir · Post by **novosibir** » Thu 05/08/08 4:51 pm

Another downside of ceramic preamp tube sockets is, that they're enhancing the tube's microphony. They're hard as glass and aren't dampening any vibration.

Larry

sub · Post by **sub** » Fri 05/09/08 11:53 am

Larry,

I'm happy to see you here!

I always "keep my ears open" when you commenting any amp stuff.

ScottS · Post by **ScottS** » Fri 05/09/08 9:41 pm

I don't like the ceramic tube sockets that came with a certain kit I built --they work, but seem brittle, and the metal tabs are really flimsy. Someday, I'll replace them with good old sockets.

- Scott

novosibir · Post by **novosibir** » Sat 05/10/08 7:27 am

sub wrote:Larry,

I'm happy to see you here!
I always "keep my ears open" when you commenting any amp stuff.

Yeah baby - glad to hear this

I'm missing you on the Metroamp forums already a long time

Larry

tubetwang · Post by **tubetwang** » Sat 05/10/08 8:42 am

I prefer QQQ sockets...

From Angela or Parts Connexion.

When good contact's the mood...

Darryl · Post by **Darryl** » Sat 05/10/08 8:48 am

novosibir wrote:Another downside of ceramic preamp tube sockets is, that they're enhancing the tube's microphony. They're hard as glass and aren't dampening any vibration.

Larry

+1 - I'm thinking of removing the ceramic sockets in my 18w.

Wicksy · Post by **Wicksy** » Mon 05/12/08 8:16 am

Bigger build i use NOS McMurdo sockets. Here in the UK they are very plentiful and often work out cheaper than ceramics. I have built an 18 watter with ceramics and not had any troubles but i do agree with Larry's view with regard to microphonics. I'm certainly sticking to McMurdo for my upcoming 18 watt build.

Alexo · Post by **Alexo** » Mon 05/12/08 8:53 am

Is ceramic the same as porcelain? Jensen Transformers frequently put this advice on their high sensitivity mic pre schematics (http://www.jensen-transformers.com/apps_sc.html):

"Socket should be high quality non-hygroscopic type, such as porcelain, for lowest noise."

Wicksy · Post by **Wicksy** » Mon 05/12/08 11:49 am

I would classify porcelain as a ceramic - from a chemist's point of view

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