Let's talk tube sockets...

[ValvElectric]

Brands? materials? mounting styles? What are your go to tube sockets?
I've been pretty satisfied so far with most of the octal amphenol sockets I've used, but I've yet to find a 9-pin tube socket that can comfortably fit 18ga heater wires... Just don't like using different gauge wire for output/preamp heaters.
I'd love some suggestions

[Structo]

Yes it can be a pain to run heavier gauge wires on the noval sockets.

What I do now is use 18ga on the power tubes then 20ga on the nine pins.

I believe 20ga wire can carry up to 11 amps.

So way overkill.

[M Fowler]

I usually wire the whole amp with 20ga.

On occasion I will use 18ga for the power tubes and then switch to 20ga for the rest of the filament supply.

[David Root]

I can't see where one would ever need to use 18 ga on preamp tubes, but maybe on EL84 sockets?

Octals I use Belton Micalex, although I am getting some QQQ sockets (Japan) from Parts Connexion to try out. Both have double holes that take two 18ga in one hole OK (for heaters).

Novals, current production, Belton Micalex, vintage correct, Cinch or Elco. I only use shield base Novals. Heater wiring with 20 ga can be a pita with any of them, never mind 18 ga.

[C Moore]

Yeah, wow.....I do not even use 18 on the power tubes.
Hhmmmmmm
What do we really need (as for AWG) for heater wires in your basic guitar amp:
2x EL34
5x 12AX7
1x #47 light bulb

[eniam rognab]

2x EL34 = 3A
5x 12AX7 = 1.5A
1x #47 light bulb = 150mA

total = 4.65

22 awg is plenty at 7A

https://www.eol.ucar.edu/rtf/facilities ... e_Size.htm

[rp]

Octals I use Belton Micalex, although I am getting some QQQ sockets (Japan) from Parts Connexion to try out.

QQQ are my favorite and they don't need a 30mm hole like the Beltons so they fit my English punches - traditional 1 1/8 IIRC. They are a lot like the old McMurdos except black. They can be mounted from the top or bottom, however for some really careless reason they are a tiny touch bigger from one of the directions, I think top, and you need to work the hole with a quick pass of a dremel or file. Beats me the Japanese are more typically on the ball.

Never, ever buy the cheapest generic plastic octal sockets (the $2 ones) no good for tweakers, the pins loosen up after a few pulls. I hate ceramic octal sockets, only time I've ever broken key pins on tubes, and only time I've ever had trouble inserting a 9 pin tube was on ceramics - some sort of slightly different ruskie/chinese standard. NOS ceramics are ok and maybe something like the Audio Note ceramics are fine but otherwise you never really know with modern ceramics what you'll get.

I too was surprised what the current rating was for 20awg and I may stop using 18 on the power tubes. As an amateur I haven't seen that much but I've only seen filament leads burn up right off the PT, never in the string along the sockets. Maybe the techs can verify.

[David Root]

Thanx rp for the info on QQQ sockets. Mine are shipped and I'll have them later this week. Only thing about them compared with the Beltons I see right now is they are twice the price. (If you buy the Beltons from Steve at Apex Jr. @1.99 ea.like I do).

I would re-read those caveats on the chassis wiring amps current rating. In a closed chassis being heated by tubes, and with tightly wound heater wiring I would stay well away from those stated maximums, for heater wiring applications.

Better safe than sorry, and going to 20ga from 22, or 18 from 20, is not a big cost issue.

Or just look inside a 50 or 100W blackface Fender for that matter, and don't use anything smaller.

[rp]

David, report back if QQQs fixed the size thing. I got mine a few years back.

[David Root]

rp, will do. That would surprise me too.

[ValvElectric]

you never really know with modern ceramics what you'll get.

Ain't that the truth! My similar experiences with 9-pin ceramic sockets were the motivation for this thread.
David, I'm also interested to hear your report of the QQQ's. I might have to give them a try, although, since using octal sockets with dual hole solder lugs it's hard to imagine going back.
If only I could find current production 9-pin sockets with the same luxury...

[David Root]

ValvElectric, the QQQ octal sockets are two-hole, see pic.

[Littlewyan]

I always use Belton Sockets myself and have never had an issue. I have resoldered wires onto those sockets many a time without an issue and never had a problem with pins breaking when removing/replacing valves.

I wouldn't bother using 18ga wire in an amp that is way overkill. 20ga for me or 22ga. I use 22ga for the heaters as the stuff I've got can take 600V 11A!

[ValvElectric]

ValvElectric, the QQQ octal sockets are two-hole, see pic.

After giving it a second look, I believe the "second hole" you're seeing is the tab that secures the lug in place.

I always use Belton Sockets myself and have never had an issue. I have resoldered wires onto those sockets many a time without an issue and never had a problem with pins breaking when removing/replacing valves.

I wouldn't bother using 18ga wire in an amp that is way overkill. 20ga for me or 22ga. I use 22ga for the heaters as the stuff I've got can take 600V 11A!

Wow, I don't know what masochistic forum schooled me into thinking 18ga was standard across all the heaters.
But I was thinking about ditching the 9-pin sockets I've got in my current ODS build and giving the Beltons a try.

[David Root]

VE, looking at the pix and description on angela.com, you're right.

"QQQ brand octal socket from Japan. Similar in size, construction and quality to the old British McMurdo sockets we used to sell. Black phenolic body, tinned wraparound contacts, single hole in solder lugs, 'molded in' nickel plated metal mounting ring. Can be installed "Sub-panel"/bottom mount or top mounted. Bottom of phenolic body is gently tapered; why don't other tube socket manufacturers do this; it's a great idea. Fits approx. 1.1875" hole for top or bottom mounting, 1.5" (1&1/2") mounting centers".

rp, it looks like the body is still "out of square" too! They seem to think that's a positive for some reason.