Tube sockets - under-mount or top-mount for 5E3 build?

[Governator]

Hi, I've started acquiring parts for a 5E3 build and have come across both under and top mount tube sockets, my last 18w build I used under-mount sockets. Looking at gut shots of 5E3, I see mostly (if not all) are top mount sockets. Which is best?

I have also come across silicone tube dampening rings - to prevent tube vibration and microphonics, are these necessary? I've sourced NOS tubes for this build. Any help/feedback appreciated, thanks.

[sluckey]

IMO top mount sockets give a cleaner look under the hood.

I prefer Belton 9-pin top mount with shields...



And Belton octal top/bottom mount. I always mount from top...



You wont need any dampers on a 5E3.

[Stevem]

Preamp tube wise you don't what steel shields on your preamp tubes as it has effects on the sound,Aluminum is ok and there has never been a need for shields on Tremolo effects tubes!

I prefer 9 pin sockets with a bottom center shield that can ground out near the socket.

Your choice of Octal sockets with there style of tube pin grippers are the way to go over split round grippers like in Fender amps and others.

[Governator]

Thanks for the info, great to know. With regards to the octal socket retainers, I’m not sure what you mean about those different styles.

The ones in the attached pic are the ones I can find - are these any good? Do these get fitted to top or bottom mount octal sockets?

[sluckey]

Thanks for the info, great to know. With regards to the octal socket retainers, I’m not sure what you mean about those different styles.

He's talking about the individual pins in the socket and how they contact the tube pins. The Belton octals are the good ones. look at how they grab the tube pins. But if you find a cheaper octal socket that has pins that look like the pins in the Belton 9-pin socket, pass them by. They don't make good contact after a while.

The ones in the attached pic are the ones I can find - are these any good? Do these get fitted to top or bottom mount octal sockets?

Those are bear traps that clamp onto the octal tube base and keep the tube from falling out of the socket. Useful if your tubes are pointing down (like in a 5E3). They will work with bottom or top mounting sockets. Nobody was talking about the bear traps until just now.

[brewdude]

I prefer 9 pin sockets with a bottom center shield that can ground out near the socket.

Can you provide a link to this kind 9 pin sockets?

[sluckey]

eBay... Amphenol and cinch are good brands. These same quality are also available in ceramic bases.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Amphen ... %3A2334524

[brewdude]

Thanks

[M Fowler]

Belton, cinch and amphenol are all good.

Mark

[Governator]

Those brands are about 3x the price of the Beltons (when u include shipping) for me in Aust - are they worth the extra $ compared to the Beltons?

Also, are bear trap retainers above used on the 5y3 tube too?

[sluckey]

Price is subjective. Belton makes a high quality socket.

5Y3 is affected by gravity same as 6V6. If the amp will sit in your bedroom, don't bother. If you gonna gig with it, get 'em. I have hanging tubes without them but I put them on my 5E3 just because they are cheap. All my amps are bedroom amps.

[Governator]

Ok cool, and would I use the same bear trap retainers for both the 5y3 and 6v6 (are they the same size-wise)?

[maxkracht]

Same size. The coiled spring ones come in a few sizes (different spring lengths) but I believe the bear trap ones are all the same.

[Governator]

Thanks all for the info, u guys are awesome! I should have this part sorted now, no doubt I’ll have more questions shortly though...actually one more - the chassis I’m ordering has 28mm holes for the octal tubes, to top mount these the home needs to be 30mm. Will step drill be ok for this? (It’s not a Mojo one, but I know they don’t recommend drilling the chassis as it can flake off the chrome/finish).

[Phil_S]

With an existing hole, a step bit is probably the best choice because it will self center. If you are concerned about flaking, you might be able to control it by using painters tape over the hole. I think I'd cut away the open area after taping. If there is any flaking on the inside, it's not a big deal.

I would not cut or drill anything until I had the sockets. You might find that they fit even when you didn't expect them to.