Bugger, the 9 pin sockets are different...

[rooster]

OK, so we are all pretty clever here. But did you know that there are some 9 pin sockets that have the pins rotated 15+ degrees differently than the original sockets?

I ran into this and couldn't quite understand what was going on at first. For example, looking at an Express, what would be better: To have the cathode(s) (pins 3 & 8)of the phase inverter tube connection running parallel to the preamp circuit board? Or to have it running at -15 degrees from there? Also, if you look at V1, in the original version, pins 6-7-8 are clearly aligned to run to the input. What if it were rotated 15+ degrees away from the original position? Can you also see where pins 1-2-3 would start to look closer to the first stage than it should?

Anyway, you may all know this already, but I am seeing it for the first time. Thinking that just the routing of wire is an issue with these amps, do you want to try the build with an altered pin layout?

[benoit]

That's the way the noval sockets I got for my current build are. I just oriented them the way I wanted and drilled the holes accordingly. I don't know what chassis you're using but you should be able to take care of it with some careful measurement/marking and a hand drill. It might seem like its a little more involved of a method on the surface, but word on the street is that the wreck is super sensitive to layout so I'd drill the holes however I needed to get the pins lined up.

I'm fairly green, so bear that in mind, but that's my $0.02.

[rooster]

Yeah, I am thinking about this but I have the very beautiful Allyn Meyers chassis - and what you suggest would mean two extra holes per socket. I checked Allyn's site and see he is out of the correct nine pin socket.

I will check around, but it just amazes me that a socket manufacturer, any socket manufacturer, is making something different than another manufacturer. Do they need to reinvent the wheel here? Stupid in my book.

But, faced with no other option, I will consider your suggestion. I, too, think the pin orientation is pretty important. Thanks for your input, BTW.

[doctord02]

You might look at sockets from either AES (tubesandmore.com) or from Apex Jr.

Both stock a variety of new and surplus sockets.