trinityamps.com

I need to replace the preamp tube sockets that came with my (non-Trinity... )18W kit. First of all, the shield cans never did fit very well; secondly the collars to which the shields attach are flimsy and have gotten bent just from normal handling during assembly; thirdly the solder tags are flimsy; and finally, I've just discovered that I've got a couple of pins where solder wicked down into the socket while I was wiring them and I can't get it to all suck out.

So what are your favorite shielded 9-pin miniature tube sockets, and who's got 'em? I've looked at all the usual vendors, and you can't tell much from the online pictures and descriptions.

What are your favorite 9-pin power tube sockets too? I haven't had any problems with the ones that came with my kit, but the solder tabs on them are even flimsier than the shielded sockets.



Thanks for any suggestions.

Hey dB, I've only used 3 or 4 different kinds of sockets in my builds. First, Angela Amps (angela.com) has their "China Nine Pin Noval J-Slot Ceramic Tube Socket With Matching Shield For Guitar Amps " for $1.50 each; I've used these several times and had no problems. I have also used sockets from triodeel.com , namely their "9 pin eramic Socket with Shield" for $1.95. I like these a bit better than Angela's... These also worked well, but the ceramic cores look sort of old (some would say "aged"...!). See http://www.triodeelectronics.com/9pincershld.html

I have also bought some surplus stuff from apexjr.com that worked well for EL84's, called 9-pin Minature Chassis Mount; see http://www.apexjr.com/miscellaneous.html. However, you will need to buy some sort of clip or retainer wires for these (I think Angela and Triodeel may sell these, too, only not so cheap). I like these because you can mount them under the chassis; they are low profile and look neat if you can cut/drill a good hole.

Hey are you in the central AR area? I know another guy who homebrews amps, too. We do lunch from time to time; would you like to join us?
John

Sounds like fun, I'd love to.

Do you know Johnny from Atomic Guitars? He's got a build under his belt, and is working on another.

I think I've seen him at the store; bring him along. Email me at jmcgee NOSPAMAT cei.net and we'll try and set up lunch sometime in the next week or so. Thanks!