Hi-Fi Tube Sockets and Components – Secure, Stable, and Sonorous
In the reconstruction or restoration of existing Hi-Fi systems, besides the correct selection of Hi-Fi tubes, resistors, and capacitors, the right sockets for the sensitive vacuum tubes are also crucial. Over the decades, various sockets and connection formats for Hi-Fi tubes have become established. We clarify what octal sockets, noval sockets, or the often-mentioned pins are all about.
Components – Highest Quality for Best Sound
In a high-end tube amplifier, it's not just about the right tubes in the preamp and power amp. The other components must also meet the high demands of audiophile listeners. We only pass on the highest quality Hi-Fi sockets and components from our TAD range to our customers. When selecting our parts, we pay particular attention to high manufacturing quality, material selection, and the current state of technical development. This way, even historical systems can be brought back to life with modern materials.
Sockets and Components in Our Shop
Tube amplifiers for turntables, Cayin tube amplifiers, and tube amplifiers for Hi-Fi applications in general typically use octal or noval sockets:
Octal Sockets
A tube socket labeled K8A is also known as an octal socket. These sockets have long been primarily used for high-fidelity or instrumental amplifiers. The socket accommodates eight pins, with the first pin positioned at 1 o'clock.
Noval Sockets
B9A is the designation for this tube form, which has also been used for several decades. The nine pins of the connectors are numbered clockwise from the 7 o'clock position, leaving out the 10th pin.
Other Sockets
While 8- or 9-pin sockets can be considered standard, some manufacturers, especially in older systems, use configurations that deviate from this. Here too, we offer our customers a selection of sockets, such as the 4-pin UX4 socket.
Instrument Amplifiers vs. Hi-Fi Systems
We are often asked about the difference between high-fidelity systems and amplifiers for electric guitars. While there are some technical differences, the parts used, including sockets and socket mounts, do not differ. Therefore, octal or noval sockets are found in both Hi-Fi tube amplifiers and amps for guitar and other instruments. However, the selection of tubes differs greatly - while playback systems are particularly designed for natural sound reproduction, instrument amplifiers give their signal chains their own voice.
Purchase Sockets and Components at Tube Amp Doctor – High Fidelity is Our Passion
With our experience that has been growing since 1993, we are here to assist our customers with all questions and concerns about tube amplifiers, music, and good sound reproduction. Our passion is dedicated to analog technology, as used decades ago in instrumental and playback amplifiers. With an inventory of over 650,000 parts and a substantial amount of know-how, we are the best partners for all projects related to tubes, capacitors, and more!