Sockets

[Shack]

There seems to be alot of different ones out there, I bought 2 9 pin sockets for my last amp that werent what I was looking for. What is the best 8 pin and 9 pin sockets to buy for building Fender style amps?

[sluckey]

Look at the tube sockets link at the bottom of this page. I prefer the Belton sockets.

[Shack]

cool, thx

[Shack]

I guess the different size mounting holes throw me

[sluckey]

I guess the different size mounting holes throw me

Are you looking for sockets to fit into a predrilled chassis? If so, you will have to measure your socket diameter and mounting hole spacing and buy sockets that will fit. If you are drilling your own chassis just use the sockets as a template.

[EL34]

9 pin sockets are pretty much all the same hole size
They fit into a .75 inch diameter hole

Try the Belton sockets here, they are really nice
http://hoffmanamps.com/MyStore/catalog/TubeSockets.htm

[p2pAmps]

+1 on Belton

[Shack]

They are all ordered...

[EL34]

Thanks

[hesamadman]

You have to be careful when it comes to sockets. Is your chassis pre punched? Do you have to punch it yourself. Combo style or head style? I have 9 pin sockets that are both .75" cutout and .875" cutout. I also have 9 pin sockets where the relationship of the mounting holes and pin layouts are rotated about 90 degrees. If you lay out your amplifier so that your leads go to each pin via a certain rout, dont make the mistake I did and use a socket where the pins are rotated.

[EL34]

You can just rotate the socket and drill two new mounting holes if the socket is not aligned nicely

I orient mine like this if possible
2 and 7 are on the same horizontal plane
All the wires leave the socket and head towards the board in a nice neat manner

[Shack]

My friend is drilling my chassis for me....I told him 1" to 1 1/8" would work.....seems all preamp tube holes are 3/4.......once I know what sockets ill be using from now on, it will be easier, ordered all belton sockets from Doug, so my next SS to tube amp conversion will be easier.....I just have to not be cheap and get my own step bits :P