18Watt.com

I have been looking for good quality valve sockets for my 18 watt combo build. As vibration is a problem with combos, I don't want to put a less socket into my build which could cause me grief later on down the track.

What do you guys recommend?

Thanks for your help.

Yours Sincerely

Mark Abbott.

I like NOS phenolics or new Micalex sockets in combos. They seem to be nice and quiet and last a long time.

One thing I learnt - check the hole size before ordering. I ordered a bunch of good quality ceramics, and found that they needed a bigger hole punch (D'oh!) than the 'regular' ones. A punch size I don't have, of course...

That happened to me as well. But I still prefer ceramic sockets over any other kind.

Ceramic.

"""I like NOS phenolics or new Micalex sockets in combos"""

Thats what i use too,and ceramic are ok,but watch the type,there are more than one type,some are not as good as others.I still like the NOS and micalex,micanol type.

Richie

I tend to use ceramic, but I can't help but think that the Micalex or phenolic might be better. The power tube sockets are harder to shock mount using ceramic.

Then again I think all the transfer of vibrations is part of the charm of some combos. Sure scientifically it's not as good, but I prefer to involve the scientists only when I have a problem! If it works, then science just hasn't caught up.

Thanks for all the assistance, now for obvious question, who sells NOS phenolics or new Micalex sockets?

Sorry to ask such a simple question, but I figure you guys know who is the best person to deal with when purchasing this sort of thing.

Completely off topic, I have found that the Marshall knobs (with the allen grub screw) dont like Clarostat pots. The knobs sit high on the pot (even when properly cut down.) I have been modifying a knob so it will sit closer to the plexi panel, tonight I find out if it will sit close enough.

Perhaps there is a better brand of conductive plastic pot to use with Marshall knobs?

Anyway, that's my advice to those building an 18 watter and want to use Clarostat pots with Marshall knobs.

Yours Sincerely

Mark Abbott.

how about shock-mounted ceramics, or sockets on a shock-mounted sub-chassis a la THD? A good to place buy those types of sockets? Maybe Antique Electronic Supply? Angela? Some other place that deals with suplus maybe. Personally, I like the old American ones such as Cinch, the new Japanese ones (as sold by Angela, used by Komet, etc.), plus maybe some of the new manf. American? like EBY? and Belton?--they appear to be good quality. I'm still not comfortable with the Russian or Chinese stuff, although the Chinese stuff seems to be getting better.

I get Micalex from AES and phenolics from eBay. There are a lot of NOS Radiospares and Mullard phenolics popping up on the bay at reasonable prices.