I thought it was blocking distortion...

[leadfootdriver]

I would dial in a loud clean tone on my amp, hit a note at a louder threshold, and get this buzzy, diode like clipping distortion that would cut off after the note died down.

The short long is that tore thru the amp, checked every solder connection; even upped the grid resistance systematically on every stage.

And the diagnosis? Dirty ass power tube socket... A crusty ass connection. I gave the socket a whack with contact cleaner, and violated it with the tube a half dozen times. Dynamics restored...

I wont buy this type of socket again. 'Kinda bummed as I thought it was a quality piece with it being a ceramic.

I'll just chalk it up as a learning experience. I'll know for next time

[Gaz]

I've had consistent results with the Belton Micalex sockets like many others. Make sure you've got a junk tube in there if you got a heavy solder hand, because solder has been known to drip into the pins

[leadfootdriver]

Thanks for the tip!

Those sockets look nice and accessible. The pieces I have are totally enclosed with narrow holes, so I couldn't tighten the pins if i wanted to.
(and I do!)

[David Root]

+1 on the Belton Micalex octal sockets. The 9-pins are good too, but I have been using some NOS recently that are excellent.

For lower voltage duty the Omron NOS black phenolic octal sockets that Apex Jr. has can't be beat. $1.75 each and they have two holes on each pin, same as the Beltons, which makes heater wiring real easy.

[butwhatif]

I just bought 16 nos octal ceramics, look like cinch, for $1, at a radio swap meet, whadda country