Looking to update sockets in my amp and considering these two options:
1. NOS RCA UT-541-C: https://reverb.com/item/81872688-ra...ca-ut-541-c-ceramic-tube-socket-brand-new-nos
2. Or these from AliExpress: $51.99 | EIZZ High Quality 4pin Jumbo Tube Socket FU-5 810 211 805 845 Valve Tube Base Hifi Audio Vintage Tube Amplifier DIY 1PC
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOh4d9D
So basically NOS USA bayonet style socket vs new Chinese regular pin socket. The ones from aliexpress have a PTFE variation, that I think is better than ceramic. I know that Aliexpress can be a gamble, but on the other hand it is not like it is a rocket science to make a socket 🙂. What do you think?
1. NOS RCA UT-541-C: https://reverb.com/item/81872688-ra...ca-ut-541-c-ceramic-tube-socket-brand-new-nos
2. Or these from AliExpress: $51.99 | EIZZ High Quality 4pin Jumbo Tube Socket FU-5 810 211 805 845 Valve Tube Base Hifi Audio Vintage Tube Amplifier DIY 1PC
https://a.aliexpress.com/_mOh4d9D
So basically NOS USA bayonet style socket vs new Chinese regular pin socket. The ones from aliexpress have a PTFE variation, that I think is better than ceramic. I know that Aliexpress can be a gamble, but on the other hand it is not like it is a rocket science to make a socket 🙂. What do you think?
Stay away from the Chicom garbage. Or find a Johnson socket (even used) on places like eBay or perhaps Amazon. And just why do you think that teflon is better than ceramic other then if you drop it?
There was a thread here 10+ yers ago and as I recall the consensus was that in theory teflon is a better material for the use. So do Johnson sockets better than those RCAs? Looks very close to me, but Johnsons are hard to find... I was initially looking for those.
"In theory," perhaps, but the construction of those Chinese sockets leaves much to be desired. Cheap metal pins held in place by little nuts, and spaced so close together--not good for such high voltages. The bayonet sleeve--same thing, cheap little bolts holding it in place. And what is supposed to lock the tube in place? Nothing to grip the tube pins, and there's no locking slot in the sleeve! Even the ceramic version is flimsy, and cheap Chinese ceramic sockets are soft and tend to chip or break. Seriously, I would not trust these. I gave up on the 300B and octal versions--the pins broke, rotated or fell out. RCA or Johnson, either way, would be a much safer way to go.
They sell bayonet clones over here as well, guess they all came from the same China factory.
If your existing sockets e.f Johnson, but worn out, then perhaps restoration would be worth considering. Recently saw MenditMark on Youtube make replating look easy.
If your existing sockets e.f Johnson, but worn out, then perhaps restoration would be worth considering. Recently saw MenditMark on Youtube make replating look easy.
I have an 845 amp using the socket from tubesandmore. https://www.tubesandmore.com/products/socket-4-pin-jumbo-ceramic-bayonet
Been trouble free so far.
Been trouble free so far.
