Best octal socket to use??? Ceramic?

[Praying_V]

Hi, I'm about to get started on fixing up an Earth Sound Research head. I'm thinking that, while I have it open, I might put in new power tube sockets. ...Not that I think the old ones have arc'd, but I read somewhere that ESR used pretty cheap components. Since the amp is 34 years old, I just thought if I could make a few improvements, i should........

Are ceramic sockets the best to use? I'm noticing that plastic ones are more expensive (at AES), but I'm not sure of the reason for that... Also I'm wondering if there's an easy way to remove the original sockets. They're held to the chassis with these 'rivets'. They seem pretty permanent, not like a screw that you could just remove & replace. Do I have to drill these rivets out, or is there a way to remove them cleanly?

Final question is, is this worth the trouble? Or should I keep the original parts, since I don't suspect a problem with them. Any opinions, please let me know. Thanks everyone ..................................................ken

[stokes]

If there is no problem with the sockets why go thru the trouble?I would just clean and retension them and spend the money on things like filter caps.

[J Martin]

Quality tube sockets are a good investment if you are refubishing an amp. The price difference you speak of is probably due to origin. The Chinese ceramic sockets are less expensive that the NOS units.

I just replaced the octal sockets in an Ampeg V4 today. Even though they seemed fine on the bench, the user's report of problems he had on tour lead me to suspect the old sockets. I also installed spring retainers on the sockets instead of those "bear trap" things. The springs seem easier on the tube assembly when the amp is handled roughly.

[Praying_V]

How to remove old octal sockets from chassis?

Yeah, I would hate for the original sockets to cause problems down the road (especially ON the road)... Is there a reliable way to remove the originals? I've tried prying old sockets of a vintage radio chassis before, with pretty bad results.

........................................................ .........ken

[Chuck H]

The best way I've found for removing riveted tube sockets is to grind down the rivet heads. Not all the way (you'd scratch up the chassis). Just most of the way to weaken them and pop them out without damage to anything else. I use a Dremmel tool.

If you plan to keep the sockets (as spares or when "salvaging") put a piece of tape over the exposed pin holes before grinding to keep metal filings under control. Oh, and grind from the outside of the chassis if you can for the same reason.

Chuck

[Praying_V]

Awesome idea, thanks. I don't have a Dremel yet, but I've been looking for a reason to get one... Guess this is it! Thanks ......................................ken

[J Martin]

I just drill the rivets out. After drilling through, a slight tap with a small punch will push them out. Sometimes the rivets will spin and you have to carefully angle the drill bit. You can also use an oversize bit and just drill the rivet head off. I keep a powerful vacuum under my bench to remove the metal fragments. Also wear safety glasses.